Lemon Feta Chicken Orzo
A quick, flavorful dish combining tender chicken, zesty lemon, and creamy feta with orzo pasta, creating a Mediterranean-inspired meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingrédients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 each lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- to taste salt and pepper
- for garnish fresh parsley
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic. Zest and juice the lemon, being careful to catch any seeds. Crumble the feta cheese into smaller pieces for easy incorporation later.
Cooking Base
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be cautious not to let the garlic burn.
Cooking Chicken
- Add the cut chicken breast to the pan. Season it generously with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for approximately 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is golden brown on all sides and cooked through.
Adding Broth and Lemon
- Once the chicken is cooked, pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir well to combine all the flavors, then bring the mixture to a boil.
Cooking Orzo
- Once boiling, add the orzo pasta into the skillet. Stir to ensure the pasta is well distributed in the broth. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pan.
Simmering
- Allow the orzo to simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
Incorporating Feta
- Once the orzo is cooked to your liking, stir in the crumbled feta cheese. This will give the dish a creamy and tangy texture that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Final Touch
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired. Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for garnish.
Serving
- Scoop the pasta onto plates or into bowls. Serve hot, allowing your family or guests to enjoy the beautiful presentation.
Enjoy!
- Sit back and enjoy your creation! This dish pairs perfectly with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce.
Notes
For best results, do not skip the lemon zest as it intensifies the lemon flavor significantly. This dish is versatile—consider adding vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.