Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo Bowl with Garlic Feta Yogurt Sauce Recipe
This Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo Bowl with Garlic Feta Yogurt Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful meal combining tender, marinated chicken breasts with fluffy orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, tangy garlic feta yogurt sauce. Perfect for a light yet satisfying lunch or dinner, this recipe blends Mediterranean flavors with a healthy and balanced approach.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken and Orzo
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
For the Garlic Feta Yogurt Sauce
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until tender, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the orzo and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This marinade will infuse the chicken with bright, tangy flavors.
- Marinate the Chicken: Coat each chicken breast evenly with the marinade mixture. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors while you prepare other ingredients.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
- Make the Garlic Feta Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, combine crumbled feta cheese, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Assemble the Bowl: In serving bowls, place a base of cooked orzo, then layer with sliced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and finely chopped red onion.
- Serve: Generously drizzle the garlic feta yogurt sauce over each bowl. Serve immediately and enjoy the harmonious blend of zesty, creamy, and fresh flavors.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 1 hour in the refrigerator before cooking.
- You can substitute orzo with couscous or quinoa for a different grain option.
- Adjust the garlic amount in the sauce according to your taste preference.
- This bowl is great served warm or chilled, making it ideal for meal prep.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo or an alternative grain.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Lemon Dijon Chicken, Orzo Bowl, Garlic Feta Yogurt Sauce, Mediterranean Chicken Bowl, Healthy Chicken Recipe