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Stir spinach into warm orzo if using Recipe

Stir spinach into warm orzo if using Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 31 reviews

A vibrant and creamy Mediterranean-inspired recipe featuring tender lemon garlic chicken served over fluffy orzo pasta, complemented by a tangy and smooth garlic whipped feta topping. Perfect for a bright, flavorful meal that is quick to prepare and packed with protein and fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Lemon Garlic Chicken

  • 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Orzo

  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth or water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste

Garlic Whipped Feta

  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt
  • 1–2 cloves garlic, grated
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1–2 tbsp water, to thin
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1 cup baby spinach or arugula
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Fresh parsley or dill

Instructions

  1. Cook the Orzo: Bring chicken broth or water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan. Add the orzo pasta, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff the orzo with a fork and set aside.
  2. Cook the Lemon Garlic Chicken: In a bowl, toss the sliced chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Prepare the Garlic Whipped Feta: In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine crumbled feta cheese, Greek yogurt, grated garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and black pepper. Blend or whisk until smooth. Add water one tablespoon at a time to loosen the mixture until it becomes creamy and spreadable.
  4. Assemble the Dish: If using, stir the baby spinach or arugula into the warm orzo so it wilts slightly. Divide the orzo onto plates or a serving dish, then top with the lemon garlic chicken.
  5. Serve: Spoon or swirl the garlic whipped feta generously over the top of the chicken and orzo. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh parsley or dill. Serve the dish warm to enjoy the fresh, bright Mediterranean flavors.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat or chicken breast for a leaner option.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic in the whipped feta to your taste preference for spiciness.
  • The optional spinach or arugula adds freshness and a nutritional boost but can be omitted.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables and use vegetable broth for the orzo.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to preserve creaminess of the feta sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, orzo pasta, garlic whipped feta, Mediterranean recipe, easy chicken dinner, creamy feta sauce, healthy chicken recipe, quick weeknight meal

Find it online: https://maicook.com/stir-spinach-into-warm-orzo-if-using-recipe/