🍋🍗 Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo with Herb Whipped Feta
Bright, cozy, and Mediterranean-inspired—juicy chicken, lemony orzo, and a creamy feta finish.
🧾 Ingredients
For the Lemon Garlic Chicken
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500 g boneless chicken thighs or breasts, bite-size pieces
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp dried oregano
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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Zest of 1 lemon
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2 tbsp lemon juice
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4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Orzo
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1½ cups orzo pasta
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2½ cups chicken broth
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1 tbsp olive oil
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½ small onion, finely chopped
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½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
For Herb Whipped Feta
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200 g feta cheese
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¼ cup Greek yogurt
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill (or both), chopped
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Black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
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Cherry tomatoes, olives, or extra herbs
👩🍳 Instructions
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Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix chicken with olive oil, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, and garlic. Set aside 10–15 minutes. -
Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside. -
Cook the Orzo
In the same skillet, add olive oil and onion. Sauté until soft.
Add orzo and stir for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and thyme.
Simmer uncovered 8–10 minutes, stirring, until orzo is tender and creamy. -
Combine
Add chicken back into the skillet. Stir gently and warm through. Adjust salt and lemon if needed. -
Make Herb Whipped Feta
Blend or food-process feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and black pepper until smooth and fluffy. -
Serve
Spoon orzo onto plates and top with generous dollops of herb whipped feta. Garnish and enjoy.
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: Yes—just avoid overcooking so it stays juicy.
Q: Can I make this dish one-pot?
A: Absolutely. Remove chicken, cook orzo, then add chicken back at the end (as written).
Q: Is there a dairy-free alternative to whipped feta?
A: Use a cashew-based feta or hummus with herbs and lemon.
Q: Can I swap orzo with rice or couscous?
A: Yes. Adjust liquid and cooking time accordingly.
Q: How long does it keep?
A: Refrigerate up to 3 days. Store whipped feta separately for best texture.
Q: Is this good for meal prep?
A: Very! Reheats well and stays flavorful.