Name: Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo Bowl with Garlic Whipped Feta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, sliced or diced; 2 tbsp Dijon mustard; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 cup dry orzo pasta; 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 2 tbsp Greek yogurt; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small garlic clove; 1 tbsp lemon juice

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The Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo Bowl with Garlic Whipped Feta is a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish that beautifully brings together tender chicken, zesty lemon, tangy Dijon, toothsome orzo, and a cloud of garlicky whipped feta. Every forkful offers a punch of bright flavor, creamy texture, and pure comfort in a bowl — perfect for a weeknight dinner, a meal-prep staple, or an easy gathering with friends. Whether you’re new to bowl-style meals or already in love with grain salads, this cozy and wholesome dish will quickly become a star in your recipe lineup.

Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo Bowl with Garlic Whipped Feta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo Bowl with Garlic Whipped Feta gets its unforgettable layers of flavor from just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Everything here serves a purpose, from adding tang and richness to building mouthwatering textures and colors that make every bite exciting.

Cooked chicken breast: Use leftover or rotisserie chicken sliced or diced for fast assembly and extra juiciness.
Dijon mustard: This classic French mustard delivers signature tang and gentle heat in the chicken marinade.
Fresh lemon juice: Adds sharp, sunny brightness that lifts up every component of the bowl.
Lemon zest: Zesting the lemon gives you intense citrus aroma for extra depth and pop.
Olive oil: Smooths out the marinade and feta whip, bringing Mediterranean richness to the whole dish.
Garlic (minced and whole): Essential for savory backbone and that delicious garlicky edge in the whipped feta.
Salt and black pepper: Simple but never optional — season every layer to bring out the best flavors.
Orzo pasta: This rice-shaped pasta gives the bowls a hearty, satisfying base and soaks up all the flavors.
Chicken or vegetable broth: Cooking the orzo in broth ramps up the savory core of your bowl.
Feta cheese (crumbled): Choose a good-quality feta for creamy, salty character in the whipped topping.
Greek yogurt: Brings tangy creaminess and helps get the whipped feta ultra-smooth.
Fresh parsley or dill (optional garnish): Herbs add a fresh, green contrast — sprinkle for extra color and herbal lift.

How to Make Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo Bowl with Garlic Whipped Feta

Step 1: Cook the Orzo

Start by bringing your chicken or vegetable broth to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in your orzo and a touch of salt, then simmer according to the package instructions until it’s tender but not mushy — about 8 to 10 minutes. Cooking the orzo in broth instead of water infuses every bite with deep, savory flavor that makes the bowl extra satisfying. Once cooked, drain any excess liquid if needed and fluff the orzo gently with a fork to keep those grains separated and fluffy.

Step 2: Marinate and Warm the Chicken

While the orzo cooks, grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. This marinade is the heart and soul of the Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo Bowl with Garlic Whipped Feta. Toss in your sliced or diced cooked chicken while it’s still a bit warm — the heat really helps the marinade soak in and coat every piece, giving the chicken vibrant flavor and luscious juiciness. If your chicken is cold, you can gently warm it first so the marinade really shines through.

Step 3: Whip Up the Garlic Feta Spread

In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, whole garlic clove, and lemon juice. Blend until the mixture turns ultra-smooth, creamy, and spreadable — don’t be afraid to scrape down the sides a couple times for the best texture. This whipped feta is addictively tangy, a little salty, and lightly kissed by mellow garlic. Perfect as a bowl topping and even better for swiping up with a warm pita.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls

Ready for the fun part? Grab your favorite shallow bowls or plates and start building: ladle a generous scoop of fluffy orzo as your base, then pile on the lemon Dijon chicken, making sure each bowl gets an even share of juicy, tangy pieces. Finish by dolloping the garlic whipped feta on top — don’t worry about being too precise, those creamy clouds invite you to dig in. The finished Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo Bowl with Garlic Whipped Feta is a true showcase of color and flavor.

Step 5: Add Garnishes

Last but never least, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or delicate dill fronds over everything right before serving. These garnishes don’t just add beauty — they infuse every bite with a fresh, herbal lift and brighten up the final dish. Serve warm and get ready for rave reviews!

How to Serve Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo Bowl with Garlic Whipped Feta

Garnishes

A sprinkle of vibrant green herbs like parsley or dill takes the finished bowl from everyday to extraordinary. If you want to mix things up, try a dusting of cracked black pepper, extra lemon zest, or even a scattering of toasted pine nuts for crunch. These flourishes build visual appeal and give those final bursts of flavor that keep everyone coming back for another bite.

Side Dishes

This bowl is hearty enough to stand on its own, but I love serving it alongside a crisp cucumber and tomato salad or some warm, crusty pita bread for scooping up every last bit of whipped feta. Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or zucchini, also pair beautifully and add an extra splash of color and nutrition to your table. If you’re going for a full spread, consider a cooling tzatziki or marinated olives as Mediterranean-inspired companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, assemble the Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo Bowl with Garlic Whipped Feta in a large platter, layering orzo, chicken, and generous swirls of whipped feta for sharing family style. Or create personalized mini bowls for each guest so everyone can enjoy their perfect combination. This dish also makes a stellar meal-prep lunch — just layer everything into glass containers and top with garnishes right before eating. For extra flair, add edible flowers or a colorful drizzle of chili oil for a pop of heat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve made extra, don’t worry — Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo Bowl with Garlic Whipped Feta keeps surprisingly well. Store the chicken, orzo, and whipped feta separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping the components apart ensures everything stays fresh and you can assemble just before eating for the best texture.

Freezing

The chicken and orzo both freeze well, but it’s best to make fresh garlic whipped feta each time for the ultimate creamy texture. If you need to freeze leftovers, let the chicken and orzo cool completely, then freeze in separate containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken and orzo separately in the microwave or in a saucepan with a splash of broth to keep them moist. Whipped feta is best served cold or at room temperature, but if it firms up in the fridge, give it a quick stir to regain its airy creaminess. Assemble and garnish just before serving for the freshest result.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken or leftover roast chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is perfect for the Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo Bowl with Garlic Whipped Feta, making the prep extra quick and keeping the chicken moist and flavorful. Shred or chop it up and toss in the marinade as directed.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes, just skip the chicken and use roasted chickpeas, tofu, or grilled halloumi cheese. The bowl maintains all its tang and creaminess, while the Greek-inspired flavors stay front and center.

Can I make the garlic whipped feta without a food processor?

You can! A blender works great, or mash the feta vigorously by hand with a fork and then stir in the Greek yogurt and olive oil until very creamy. The final result will be a bit more rustic but every bit as tasty.

Is it possible to use another type of pasta?

Of course; feel free to swap orzo for small pasta shapes like couscous, farro, or even cooked quinoa. Each grain or pasta variation gives the Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo Bowl with Garlic Whipped Feta its own cozy spin, so experiment and enjoy!

What else can I use the garlic whipped feta for?

This whipped feta is amazing as a dip for veggies, a spread on sandwiches and wraps, or as a topping for grain bowls and grilled meats. Trust me, you’ll want to keep it on hand for snacking and extra meals all week!

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like gathering around a table with a bowl of Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo Bowl with Garlic Whipped Feta — it’s bright, comforting, and loaded with flavor in every forkful. I hope you give this recipe a try and make it your own. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with zest, joy, and plenty of whipped feta!