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Spoon orzo onto plates Recipe

Spoon orzo onto plates Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 12 reviews

Lemon Butter Chicken Orzo with Crispy Chickpeas & Whipped Feta is a vibrant and hearty Mediterranean-inspired dish combining tender lemon butter chicken, creamy orzo pasta, crunchy roasted chickpeas, and a tangy whipped feta topping. This balanced meal bursts with fresh flavors and contrasting textures, perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Lemon Butter Chicken:

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

Orzo:

  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Crispy Chickpeas:

  • 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) chickpeas, drained and patted dry
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of salt

Whipped Feta:

  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Black pepper, to taste

Garnish:

  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Extra lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Cook the Orzo: In a saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add orzo, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes until tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir in olive oil and keep warm.
  2. Prepare Crispy Chickpeas: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt until evenly coated. Spread chickpeas on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20–25 minutes, shaking the pan halfway, until chickpeas are golden and crispy.
  3. Cook the Lemon Butter Chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add sliced chicken breasts, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Stir in lemon juice and zest at the end to brighten the flavors.
  4. Make the Whipped Feta: In a blender or food processor, combine crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy with a light texture.
  5. Assemble the Dish: Spoon warm orzo onto serving plates or bowls. Top with the lemon butter chicken and crispy chickpeas. Add a generous dollop of whipped feta on top of each serving.
  6. Finish & Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra lemon wedges on the side. Serve warm and enjoy the contrast of creamy, tangy, savory, and crunchy elements together.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken slices in lemon juice, garlic, and oregano for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Use gluten-free orzo or rice pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Roast the chickpeas until very crispy to add the perfect crunch contrast.
  • Whipped feta can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt, since feta cheese and chicken broth add saltiness.
  • Leftover orzo and chicken can be stored combined in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon butter chicken, orzo pasta, crispy chickpeas, whipped feta, Mediterranean chicken recipe, quick dinner, healthy chicken dish

Find it online: https://maicook.com/spoon-orzo-onto-plates-recipe/