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Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo with Yogurt Whipped Feta Recipe

Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo with Yogurt Whipped Feta Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 25 reviews

A vibrant and creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo dish enhanced with a tangy Yogurt Whipped Feta, perfect for a comforting yet fresh meal packed with Mediterranean flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Lemon Garlic Chicken

  • 500 g chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Orzo

  • 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Yogurt Whipped Feta

  • 150 g feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Black pepper, to taste

For Garnish (Optional)

  • Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
  • Lemon slices

Instructions

  1. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper, cooking until lightly golden on all sides.
  2. Add aromatics: Stir in minced garlic, lemon zest, dried oregano, and paprika. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Deglaze with lemon juice: Pour in lemon juice, stir well to combine all flavors, then remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Toast the orzo: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed, then stir in orzo pasta. Toast for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  5. Cook the orzo: Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes until the orzo is tender and creamy, stirring occasionally.
  6. Combine chicken and orzo: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the orzo and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until heated through.
  7. Prepare yogurt whipped feta: In a blender or food processor, blend feta cheese, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and black pepper until smooth and fluffy.
  8. Serve: Plate the lemon garlic chicken orzo warm, topping each serving with generous dollops of the yogurt whipped feta. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill and lemon slices if desired.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken breast with thigh pieces for a juicier texture.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Ensure the orzo is stirred occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  • Yogurt whipped feta can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Adjust seasoning according to taste, adding more lemon juice for extra brightness if preferred.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, orzo pasta recipe, yogurt whipped feta, Mediterranean chicken, easy weeknight dinner

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