zo Bowl with Roasted Garlic Whipped Feta Recipe
A vibrant and flavorful Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo Bowl topped with creamy Roasted Garlic Whipped Feta. This dish combines tender marinated chicken, tender orzo pasta cooked in savory broth, and a luscious whipped feta with sweet roasted garlic for a satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Author: Douaa
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting, Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
For the 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
For the Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Roasted Garlic Whipped Feta:
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 whole garlic head
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- Extra lemon wedges
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Slice the top off the garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30–35 minutes until soft and caramelized. Let cool slightly, then squeeze out the cloves.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the sliced chicken and toss to coat evenly. Set aside to marinate for 15–30 minutes to develop flavor.
- Cook the Orzo: Bring chicken or vegetable broth to a boil in a saucepan. Add orzo, olive oil, and salt. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken slices and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Roasted Garlic Whipped Feta: In a food processor, combine crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, roasted garlic cloves, lemon juice, olive oil, and black pepper. Blend until smooth, creamy, and whipped.
- Assemble the Bowl: Place cooked orzo at the base of serving bowls. Top with the lemon Dijon chicken and generous spoonfuls of roasted garlic whipped feta.
- Garnish and Serve: Add fresh chopped parsley or dill and extra lemon wedges for garnish if desired. Serve the bowls warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Roasting the garlic mellows its sharpness and adds a sweet, caramelized flavor to the whipped feta.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly by swapping chicken for a plant-based protein.
- If you prefer a zestier flavor, add more lemon zest or an extra squeeze of lemon juice to the marinade.
- Orzo can be cooked just until al dente for a firmer texture; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- This dish can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it great for meal prep or packed lunches.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Lemon Dijon Chicken, Orzo Bowl, Roasted Garlic, Whipped Feta, Mediterranean Chicken, Easy Dinner