o with Caramelized Onions & Whipped Feta Recipe
Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo with Caramelized Onions & Whipped Feta is a vibrant, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts marinated in a zesty lemon Dijon sauce, served atop perfectly cooked orzo pasta combined with sweet, golden caramelized onions. The creamy whipped feta topping adds a tangy, rich finish, making this dish a delightful balance of savory and fresh flavors ideal for a wholesome weeknight dinner or casual entertaining.
- Author: Douaa
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling, Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Lactose
Lemon Dijon Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1½ tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Orzo and Caramelized Onions
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Whipped Feta
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- Extra lemon wedges
- Caramelize Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions along with ½ teaspoon salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally for 15–20 minutes until the onions turn deeply golden and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Add the sliced chicken breasts to the marinade, tossing thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly. Let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 5–7 minutes until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm.
- Prepare Orzo: Bring 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed. Drain any excess liquid if necessary.
- Make Whipped Feta: In a blender or food processor, combine the crumbled feta cheese, Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon olive oil, lemon juice, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides if needed to achieve a uniform texture.
- Assemble Dish: Spoon the cooked orzo into serving bowls as a base. Arrange the lemon Dijon chicken on top, then layer with caramelized onions. Dollop generous amounts of whipped feta over the dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley or dill and serve with extra lemon wedges on the side for added brightness. Enjoy this warm, comforting yet fresh meal immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best citrus flavor.
- Caramelize onions slowly over low heat to develop deep sweetness and avoid burning.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with grilled tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
- Whipped feta can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Adjust seasoning and lemon levels to taste for a more or less tangy profile.
- Serve leftovers within 2 days and reheat gently to maintain texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Lemon Dijon Chicken, Orzo Pasta, Caramelized Onions, Whipped Feta, Mediterranean Recipe, Weeknight Dinner