Lemon Butter Dijon Chicken and Orzo with Whipped Feta Sauce

Lemon Butter Dijon Chicken and Orzo with Whipped Feta Sauce

🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes

🍳 Cook Time: 25 minutes

🍽 Serves: 3–4

Ingredients

For Lemon Butter Dijon Chicken:

• 500 g boneless chicken breast (or thighs)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)

• ½ tsp dried thyme or oregano

• Fresh parsley for garnish

For Orzo:

• 1½ cups orzo pasta

• 2½ cups chicken broth (or water)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Salt to taste

For Whipped Feta Sauce:

• 150 g feta cheese

• ½ cup Greek yogurt (or thick plain yogurt)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 small garlic clove

• Black pepper to taste

• 2–3 tbsp milk or water (for blending)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Orzo

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

2. Add garlic and sauté for 20 seconds.

3. Add orzo and stir for 30 seconds.

4. Pour in chicken broth and salt.

5. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until tender and liquid is absorbed.

6. Fluff and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Lemon Butter Dijon Chicken

1. Cut chicken into cutlets or bite-sized pieces.

2. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.

3. Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat.

4. Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

5. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

6. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon zest, and lemon juice.

7. Let simmer for 1–2 minutes until glossy and coated.

8. Garnish with parsley.

Step 3: Make the Whipped Feta Sauce

1. Add feta, yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, pepper, and milk/water to a blender.

2. Blend until smooth and creamy.

3. Adjust consistency with more liquid if needed.

Step 4: Assemble

• Serve orzo on a plate.

• Top with lemon butter Dijon chicken.

• Drizzle generously with whipped feta sauce.

• Garnish with parsley and lemon zest.

Q & A

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Yes! Thighs are juicier and add more flavor.

Q2: What can I substitute for orzo?

You can use rice, couscous, quinoa, or small pasta like ditalini.

Q3: Is whipped feta sauce salty?

Feta is naturally salty. Use low-sodium feta or add more yogurt to balance.

Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes. Store chicken, orzo, and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Q5: Can I make it spicy?

Yes! Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken.

Q6: Is this dish healthy?

Yes—high in protein, balanced carbs, and healthy fats. You can reduce butter for a lighter version.

Q7: Can I bake the chicken instead?

Yes. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 18–20 minutes.