Name: Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo Bowl with Yogurt Whipped Feta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt & black pepper, to taste; 1 cup dry orzo pasta; 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt, to taste; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1 tsp olive oil; 1 small garlic clove; Salt & black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup cucumber, diced; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; Optional: fresh dill or mint for garnish

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The Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo Bowl with Yogurt Whipped Feta is like a bright, sunshiney meal in a bowl—think vibrant, zesty chicken, creamy orzo, and the luscious tang of whipped feta, all finished with fresh veggies for crunch and color. Every bite is layered with flavor: juicy lemon-kissed chicken, tender pasta, and an herby yogurt topping that’s cool and irresistible. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner, but special enough to show off at a summer get-together. If you’re craving something both comforting and fresh, this bowl is about to earn star status in your kitchen!

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

With this recipe, you’re working with simple, familiar ingredients that each bring something special—from tangy, savory depth to a pop of color and freshness. Every element from the lemony marinade to the creamy whipped feta—sings in perfect harmony in this Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo Bowl with Yogurt Whipped Feta.

Chicken breast: Use boneless, skinless chicken for a lean, tender base that soaks up all the bright flavors of the marinade.
Olive oil: Rich and fruity, it’s key for both the chicken marinade and the orzo, bringing everything together with a silky touch.
Dijon mustard: Adds sharpness and depth to the chicken, making each bite pop with flavor.
Lemon zest and juice: The zest gives punchy, aromatic citrus notes, while the juice adds tang and brightness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic offers a savory backbone to both the chicken and the whipped feta.
Salt & black pepper: Essential for balancing flavors at every stage—don’t skimp here.
Orzo pasta: This rice-shaped pasta cooks up quickly and has a delightfully chewy bite, perfect for a bowl meal.
Chicken or vegetable broth: Cooking orzo in broth (instead of water) infuses it with so much savory flavor.
Greek yogurt: Brings body and tang to the whipped feta, making it extra creamy and lush.
Feta cheese, crumbled: Salty, briny feta is what makes that whipped topping so addictive.
Cherry tomatoes: Their sweetness brightens up every spoonful and looks stunning against the orzo.
Cucumber: Cool and crisp, it’s the secret to that refreshing crunch in every bite.
Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley gives a burst of green and a little earthy freshness.
Fresh dill or mint (optional): These herbs take your bowl to the next level—use them if you want a little extra freshness!

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

Step 1: Marinate and Cook the Chicken

Start by tossing your sliced chicken breast with olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, and plenty of salt and pepper. Give it a few minutes to marinate while you prep your orzo—just enough time for all those zesty flavors to start their magic. When your skillet’s hot, add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. You’ll love the way the pan sizzles as the marinade caramelizes, sealing in so much freshness!

Step 2: Cook Orzo in Broth

While your chicken is filling the kitchen with irresistible aromas, get your orzo going. Simmer it in chicken or vegetable broth for added savoriness and depth (way more flavorful than plain water!). Once it’s tender, drain off any extra liquid, then stir in a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt so it stays glossy and never sticks.

Step 3: Make the Yogurt Whipped Feta

Now for the star of the topping: blitz together Greek yogurt, feta, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender until perfectly smooth and creamy. This is the secret weapon—that luxurious, tangy swirl instead of a heavy dressing. It elevates every single bite of your Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo Bowl with Yogurt Whipped Feta.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

Time for the best part—assembling your bowls! Start with a generous scoop of fluffy orzo, then layer on the golden chicken. Tuck in the cherry tomatoes and diced cucumber for bursts of juicy freshness, and sprinkle over a good handful of chopped parsley. Finish with big dollops (or swirls) of the yogurt whipped feta right on top. Every color and texture should be on full, glorious display!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, shower your bowls with extra parsley, dill, or mint for an even fresher pop. One last swirl of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon would be divine, too. Dig in immediately for the ultimate experience—warm chicken, creamy feta, vibrant vegetables, and that unmistakable Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo Bowl with Yogurt Whipped Feta magic.

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

Garnishes

Garnish is where you make the magic happen visually and flavor-wise! I love a generous handful of fresh herbs—think parsley, dill, or mint—scattered over the top. If you have flaky sea salt, add a little pinch, and for extra decadence, a final drizzle of high-quality olive oil. These finishing touches make the Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo Bowl with Yogurt Whipped Feta look like something from your favorite café and taste even better than it looks.

Side Dishes

There’s already so much going on in each bowl, but if you want to turn this into a real feast, serve it with some warm pita or crusty sourdough bread for scooping up every last drop of whipped feta. Roasted vegetables (think asparagus or broccoli) are also perfect, or a simple leafy green salad with lemon dressing to echo the bright flavors of your main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative by building a mini “Mediterranean bar” for family and friends—lay out bowls of all the toppings and let everyone customize their own Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo Bowl with Yogurt Whipped Feta! You can even serve in small glasses for a cute appetizer twist at parties, or tuck everything in pita pockets for an on-the-go lunch that feels gourmet.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully! Store your assembled bowl components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps the veggies crisp, the chicken juicy, and the whipped feta perfectly creamy. When you’re ready to eat, just spoon everything together for a quick, flavor-packed lunch.

Freezing

While some elements (like veggies and yogurt whipped feta) don’t freeze well, the chicken and orzo are both freezer-friendly. Simply cool and pack them in airtight containers, making sure to leave a little space at the top. Freeze for up to 2 months. When craving strikes, defrost overnight in the fridge!

Reheating

For best results, reheat chicken and orzo gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep everything moist. Add the fresh veggies and whipped feta after reheating to maintain their vibrant color and cool, creamy texture. This way, your Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo Bowl with Yogurt Whipped Feta stays as fresh-tasting as the day you made it.

FAQs

Can I use another type of protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe is wonderful with shrimp or salmon—just marinate as you would the chicken and adjust cooking times. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or roasted tofu; they soak up the zesty marinade like a dream.

Is there a gluten-free option for the orzo?

Yes—look for gluten-free orzo (available at many specialty stores) or substitute with cooked quinoa or rice. Both alternatives blend beautifully with the lemon and Dijon flavors while keeping the same lovely, bowl-friendly texture.

What if I don’t have a food processor for the whipped feta?

No worries! You can use a sturdy whisk or a fork to mash and blend the feta with the yogurt—just be patient, and it will become creamy with a bit more texture. The flavor will be every bit as vibrant, even if it’s not quite as fluffy.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Definitely—just swap in your favorite plant-based Greek-style yogurt and a herby cashew cheese or vegan feta for the whipped topping. The bowl is still loaded with flavor and keeps that creamy factor everyone loves.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo Bowl with Yogurt Whipped Feta is perfect for meal prep! Prep all the elements ahead of time and store separately—just assemble right before eating so everything stays crisp and fresh. It’s a lifesaver for busy lunches or weeknight dinners.

Final Thoughts

If you want a meal that’s bright, satisfying, and utterly craveable, the Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo Bowl with Yogurt Whipped Feta is calling your name. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to bring together and how much flavor is packed in one bowl. Try it once, and you might just find yourself making it on repeat!