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Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo with Spinach & Feta Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo with Spinach & Feta Yogurt Sauce Recipe

4.9 from 16 reviews

This Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo with Spinach & Feta Yogurt Sauce is a vibrant, flavorful meal combining tender chicken marinated in zesty lemon and Dijon mustard with tender orzo pasta and fresh spinach. Topped with a creamy and tangy feta yogurt sauce, this dish perfectly balances savory, citrus, and herbaceous notes for a nutritious and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Lemon Dijon Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Orzo & Spinach:

  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Feta Yogurt Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or parsley)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the orzo and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss the sliced chicken breasts in this marinade to coat evenly. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through.
  3. Add Spinach: Using the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and fresh spinach. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted. Stir in the cooked orzo and toss gently to combine and heat through.
  4. Prepare the Feta Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together plain Greek yogurt, crumbled feta cheese, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill (or parsley), olive oil, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
  5. Assemble & Serve: Spoon the lemon Dijon chicken and orzo-spinach mixture into serving bowls. Drizzle generously with the feta yogurt sauce. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm for a wholesome, flavorful meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute fresh parsley if dill is unavailable for the sauce.
  • For extra zest, add a pinch of lemon zest to the feta yogurt sauce.
  • Leftover chicken and orzo can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
  • To make this dish gluten-free, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or quinoa.
  • Adjust seasoning in the marinade according to your taste preference for salt and pepper.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon chicken, Dijon mustard chicken, orzo pasta, spinach recipe, feta yogurt sauce, Mediterranean chicken, healthy chicken dinner