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Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo with Whipped Goat Cheese Recipe

Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo with Whipped Goat Cheese Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 25 reviews

This Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo with Whipped Goat Cheese is a bright and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender marinated chicken, tender orzo pasta, fresh cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach, topped with a creamy whipped goat cheese dollop. Ideal for a quick and vibrant dinner, this dish balances zesty lemony notes with savory garlic and herb undertones for a wholesome, satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Lemon Garlic Chicken

  • 1½ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Orzo Base

  • 1½ cups dry orzo pasta
  • 2½ cups chicken broth or water
  • 1 cup baby spinach or arugula
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Whipped Goat Cheese

  • ½ cup goat cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or cream cheese
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp lemon zest
  • Pinch of salt

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh parsley or dill
  • Extra lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the marinade and coat them well. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 to 30 minutes to allow flavors to infuse.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until golden brown and thoroughly cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
  3. Cook the Orzo: Bring the chicken broth or water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the dry orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Stir in baby spinach and halved cherry tomatoes, cooking until just wilted and warmed through, about 1 to 2 minutes more.
  4. Prepare Whipped Goat Cheese: In a small bowl or using a hand mixer, whip the softened goat cheese together with Greek yogurt (or cream cheese), lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until smooth, creamy, and light.
  5. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked orzo and vegetables evenly among serving bowls. Top each with sliced chicken and a generous dollop of the whipped goat cheese.
  6. Finish & Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or dill and serve with extra lemon wedges for squeezing. Serve warm for a fresh and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add more vegetables like roasted bell peppers or zucchini.
  • Use gluten-free orzo pasta if you need a gluten-free option.
  • Marinating the chicken longer (up to 2 hours) will enhance the lemon garlic flavors.
  • Store leftovers separately (chicken, orzo, whipped goat cheese) to maintain texture and freshness.
  • Cooking the orzo directly in broth adds depth to the flavor compared to cooking in water.
  • Whipped goat cheese can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, orzo pasta recipe, Mediterranean chicken dish, whipped goat cheese, easy dinner, one-pot meal, healthy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://maicook.com/lemon-garlic-chicken-orzo-with-whipped-goat-cheese-recipe/