Honey Garlic Chicken & Orzo with Feta Sauce & Roasted Cranberries

Honey Garlic Chicken & Orzo with Feta Sauce & Roasted Cranberries

🛒 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts (or 4 boneless thighs)

• 3 tbsp honey

• 4 cloves garlic (minced)

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Salt to taste

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Orzo:

• 1 cup orzo pasta

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Feta Sauce:

• ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese

• ½ cup Greek yogurt

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 small garlic clove

• 1–2 tbsp warm water (to thin if needed)

For the Roasted Cranberries:

• 1 cup fresh cranberries

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Pinch of salt

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Roast the Cranberries

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).

2. Toss cranberries with honey, olive oil, and salt.

3. Spread on a baking tray and roast for 10–12 minutes until soft and slightly blistered.

4. Set aside.

2️⃣ Cook the Chicken

1. Mix honey, garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, salt & pepper.

2. Marinate chicken for at least 20 minutes (longer = better flavor).

3. Heat a pan over medium heat.

4. Cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.

5. Spoon remaining glaze over chicken and let it caramelize slightly.

6. Rest 5 minutes, then slice.

3️⃣ Prepare the Orzo

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a pan.

2. Add orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes.

3. Pour in chicken broth and oregano.

4. Simmer 8–10 minutes until tender and creamy.

5. Season with salt & pepper.

4️⃣ Make the Feta Sauce

1. Blend feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.

2. Add warm water to reach a smooth, drizzle consistency.

🍽️ Assemble

• Spread creamy orzo on a plate.

• Top with sliced honey garlic chicken.

• Spoon roasted cranberries over.

• Drizzle generously with feta sauce.

• Garnish with fresh parsley (optional).

❓ Q & A

Q1: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but roast them only 5 minutes and add a splash of orange juice to soften them.

Q2: Can I make this in the air fryer?
Yes! Cook chicken at 180°C (360°F) for 14–16 minutes, flipping halfway.

Q3: What can I substitute for feta?
You can use cream cheese + a pinch of salt, or goat cheese for a similar tangy flavor.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add a splash of broth to refresh the orzo.

Q5: Can I make it healthier?
Use whole wheat orzo, reduce honey slightly, and use low-fat Greek yogurt.