If you want a weeknight dinner that tastes restaurant-worthy but is totally doable on a busy evening, look no further than Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo with Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce. This dish is a celebration of bright lemon, juicy roasted chicken, tender orzo, and a creamy sauce that ties everything together. It’s bursting with freshness, from vibrant herbs to crisp veggies, and the tangy feta yogurt sauce is just the cherry on top. Whether you’re hosting friends or fueling the family, there’s something utterly comforting and impressive about a colorful bowl of Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo with Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish shines thanks to a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, each adding incredible flavor, color, or texture. From zesty citrus and aromatic garlic to creamy yogurt and savory feta, each component plays a role in crafting the unforgettable Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo with Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce experience.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Tender, juicy chicken is the hearty center of this meal and soaks up all that lemony marinade.
- Olive oil: A must for both the marinade and orzo, olive oil gives luscious texture and rich, savory flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice & zest: Both the juice and zest deliver bold, bright citrus notes that cut through richness.
- Garlic: Garlic is the aromatic backbone of the dish, adding savory warmth to both chicken and sauce.
- Dried oregano: Brings a Mediterranean touch with its earthy aroma.
- Paprika: Paprika offers gentle warmth and hints of sweet pepper.
- Black pepper & salt: Essential seasoning to highlight all the fresh, vibrant flavors.
- Orzo pasta: Orzo’s short, rice-like shape soaks up all the saucy goodness and feels fun and comforting.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Cooking orzo in broth, not water, infuses it with so much more flavor.
- Plain Greek yogurt: The creamy base of the irresistibly tangy Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce.
- Feta cheese: Salty, sharp, and oh-so-creamy, feta transforms the sauce into something spectacular.
- Cherry tomatoes: Bursting, sweet tomatoes add juicy pops of flavor and a burst of color.
- Baby spinach or arugula: Choose your favorite leafy green for a fresh crunch and bright, peppery bite.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for color and a hint of zesty sharpness.
- Fresh parsley or dill: A sprinkle of fresh herbs at the end brings garden-fresh flavor to every bowl.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo with Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
First things first, give your chicken the royal treatment by whisking up a marinade with olive oil, fresh lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture is bright, aromatic, and will infuse your chicken with zippy Mediterranean flavor. Get the chicken fully coated and let it hang out for at least 20–30 minutes to really soak in every bit of that marinade magic. Even a short rest makes a remarkable difference!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Once your chicken is marinated, it’s time for the sizzle. You can grill it or pan-sear it over medium heat for about 5–6 minutes per side, just until golden brown and cooked through. A little char is a beautiful thing here. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing—it helps lock in all those delicious juices.
Step 3: Cook the Orzo
This humble pasta gets a flavor boost by toasting briefly in olive oil, then simmering in broth instead of water. Toasting the orzo for just a minute brings out its nutty side, while the broth creates a savory backdrop. Once it’s tender (about 8–10 minutes), fluff with a fork to keep it nice and light.
Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce
This sauce is where the magic really happens! In a small bowl, combine plain Greek yogurt, crumbled feta, lemon juice, zest, a touch of fresh garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix it up until smooth and creamy. The feta brings salty tang, the yogurt lends coolness, and the lemon keeps everything bright and lively. This Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce is totally addictive and pulls the whole dish together.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Now for the fun part! Spoon the fluffy orzo into bowls, then pile on the sliced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, spinach or arugula, and those thin slices of red onion for a little crunch. Drizzle a generous helping of Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce over the top, and finish with a shower of fresh parsley or dill. Every bite bursts with color, texture, and flavor—prepare for happy sighs all around!
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo with Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce
Garnishes
Don’t skip the garnishes! A finishing touch of chopped fresh parsley or dill wakes up the whole dish, and an extra sprinkle of crumbled feta or a zesting of lemon adds layers of flavor and a beautiful presentation. A final drizzle of olive oil makes everything feel restaurant-special.
Side Dishes
Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo with Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce is fantastic as a one-bowl meal, but if you want to round things out, try serving it with warm pita, roasted vegetables, or a crisp cucumber salad. A light white wine or sparkling lemonade pairs beautifully, making the meal feel extra celebratory.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve this dish in a big, colorful platter for everyone to help themselves—family-style wins every time! Or try filling individual bowls and topping each with different herbs, extra feta, or even toasted pine nuts for crunch. For a picnic or meal prep, layer everything in portable jars or containers and keep the Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce on the side for drizzling right before you eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the components separately if possible: keep the chicken and orzo in airtight containers, and tuck the Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce in another. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the pasta from soaking up all the sauce. Leftover vegetables and herbs are best added just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Freezing
Both the chicken and orzo freeze surprisingly well, making Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo with Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce a stellar meal-prep candidate. Portion them into freezer-safe containers without the fresh veggies or yogurt sauce. The sauce is best made fresh, but you can whip it together in minutes with ingredients on hand.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and orzo together in a microwave or skillet. Add a splash of broth or water if the orzo looks dry. Once hot, assemble your bowl with fresh veggies and a big dollop of Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce to bring everything back to life.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and tender and soak up the marinade just as beautifully as chicken breasts. Pick whichever cut you prefer or have on hand.
Is Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo with Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce gluten-free?
Orzo is traditionally made from wheat, so it isn’t gluten-free by default. However, you can easily swap it for your favorite gluten-free pasta or rice to make this dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is not spicy, just full of bright, zesty flavors. If you crave more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or sauce, or sprinkle some over the finished bowls.
Can I prepare any parts in advance?
You sure can! Marinate the chicken up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge. The Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce can be made the day before as well—just give it a stir before serving. And you can cook the orzo in advance, then freshen it up with a splash of broth when reheating.
What can I substitute for feta in the sauce?
If you’re not a fan of feta or want to switch things up, try goat cheese or a mild ricotta in the sauce. Both will give a creamy, tangy element, though the taste and texture will be a bit different from the original Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo with Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce.
Final Thoughts
This bowl is a surefire way to uplift any meal routine and impress your crew—give Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo with Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce a try, and you’ll see just how easy, fresh, and flavor-packed homemade dinners can be. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll crave again and again!
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Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo with Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo with Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender marinated chicken, creamy orzo pasta, and a tangy yogurt sauce. Perfect for a wholesome meal that’s easy to make!
Ingredients
For the Lemon Garlic Chicken
- 1.5 lb (700 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
For the Orzo
- 1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt, to taste
For the Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Bowl Toppings
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup baby spinach or arugula
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken – In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and coat well. Marinate 20–30 minutes for extra flavor.
- Cook the Chicken – Grill or pan-sear chicken over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Let rest, then slice.
- Cook the Orzo – In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add orzo and toast for 1 minute. Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 8–10 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork.
- Prepare the Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce – In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, feta, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble the Bowls – Divide orzo into bowls. Top with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and red onion. Drizzle generously with lemon feta yogurt sauce and sprinkle with fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling, Pan-Searing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
