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Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo Bowl with Creamy Feta Recipe

Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo Bowl with Creamy Feta Recipe

4.8 from 15 reviews

This Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo Bowl with Creamy Feta is a vibrant and satisfying dish combining tender marinated chicken strips with flavorful orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, and spinach, finished with a luscious creamy feta sauce. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner, this recipe balances zest, creaminess, and fresh herbs to create a delightful Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 500g (1 lb) chicken breast, sliced into strips
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Orzo

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup baby spinach, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Feta

  • 120g (4 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
  • 3 tbsp Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon zest and juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the sliced chicken breast and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces. Allow to marinate for 10–15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken strips and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Cook the Orzo: Prepare the orzo pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and return it to the pot. Stir in olive oil, minced garlic, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped baby spinach until the spinach just wilts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Make the Creamy Feta Sauce: In a small bowl or food processor, blend together crumbled feta cheese, Greek yogurt, olive oil, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Season with freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor.
  5. Assemble the Bowl: Divide the cooked orzo evenly among serving bowls. Top each serving with the cooked chicken strips and a generous spoonful of the creamy feta sauce.
  6. Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or dill and lemon wedges on the side. Serve the bowls warm for a delicious and vibrant meal.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for at least 10 minutes; for deeper flavor, marinate up to 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  • You can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream for a slightly different tang.
  • Use gluten-free orzo if you require a gluten-free version.
  • Fresh herbs like dill or parsley add a nice touch and can be adjusted based on preference.
  • Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) for safety.

Nutrition

Keywords: Lemon chicken, orzo bowl, creamy feta sauce, easy dinner, Mediterranean recipe, healthy chicken recipe