Description
Lemon Feta Chicken Orzo is a vibrant and flavorful one-pan dish combining juicy chicken breast, tender orzo pasta, tangy lemon, and creamy feta cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this savory meal features a perfect balance of citrus brightness, garlic aroma, and fresh parsley garnish, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both easy and impressive.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb chicken breast
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering to prepare for sautéing.
- Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the pan, season with salt and pepper, and cook until they develop a golden brown crust on both sides, ensuring they are nearly cooked through.
- Add liquids and lemon: Pour in the chicken broth along with the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest to infuse bright citrus flavor throughout the dish.
- Bring to a boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Add orzo and simmer: Stir in the orzo pasta, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pan. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid.
- Incorporate feta cheese: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese, allowing it to melt slightly and enrich the dish with creamy saltiness.
- Garnish and serve: Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh herbal notes before serving hot.
Notes
- For best results, use chicken breasts that are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Watch the orzo closely to avoid overcooking or sticking to the pan.
- Add extra lemon zest or juice for an intensified citrus flavor if desired.
- This dish can be easily adapted by adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes during the simmering step.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level, especially because feta adds saltiness.
