Bright, tangy, and oh-so-satisfying, this Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo with Caramelized Onions & Whipped Feta is a sunshine-on-your-table kind of dinner that brings together juicy marinated chicken, silky orzo, deeply sweet onions, and a creamy, zippy feta swirl. Each forkful gives you a perfect balance of lemon, spice, and pillowy pasta, topped with a cloud of whipped feta for a truly unforgettable bite. It’s a dish that feels special enough for guests but honestly is simple enough to whip up any night you’re craving something a little extraordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo with Caramelized Onions & Whipped Feta is in its simple, vibrant ingredients. Each component has a starring role—from the tangy lemon and luscious feta to the savory chicken and perfectly caramelized onions, nothing is here by accident and everything contributes to the mouthwatering final dish.
- Chicken Breasts: Choose large, boneless, skinless breasts for tender, juicy chicken slices that soak up the marinade.
- Olive Oil: This silky oil helps caramelize the onions, keep the chicken tender, and adds richness to the whipped feta.
- Lemon (zest & juice): Fresh lemon packs tang and brightness in both the chicken marinade and creamy feta.
- Dijon Mustard: Its robust, sharp kick is the secret behind that craveable chicken flavor.
- Garlic: Use fresh cloves for the boldest aromatic punch.
- Dried Oregano: Earthy oregano ties everything together, providing a Mediterranean undertone.
- Paprika: A dash lends warmth and a subtle, sweet smokiness.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to wake up every flavor in the dish.
- Orzo Pasta: This rice-shaped pasta becomes the perfect creamy base for all the toppings to shine.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Cooking the orzo in broth infuses every bite with savory depth.
- Onions: Thinly sliced and slow-cooked, they become meltingly sweet and golden.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta whips into an irresistibly salty, creamy topping.
- Greek Yogurt: Provides tang and silkiness for the whipped feta without overpowering it.
- Optional Garnishes: Fresh dill or parsley and extra lemon wedges make every plate pop with color and zest.
How to Make o with Caramelized Onions & Whipped Feta
Step 1: Slowly Caramelize the Onions
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add your thinly sliced onions and sprinkle on the salt—the secret ingredient to draw out their moisture and kickstart caramelization. Let them cook gently for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch as they transform from sharp and crunchy to completely golden, jammy, and sweet. This patient step is your ticket to layers of flavor in every bite of your o with Caramelized Onions & Whipped Feta.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon zest and juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add your sliced chicken breasts, tossing them to generously coat every piece with that zippy, garlicky marinade. Even 10 minutes of marinating makes a world of difference, but if you have more time, let them rest longer in the fridge for extra flavor magic. This step is what elevates the chicken in your o with Caramelized Onions & Whipped Feta from simple to spectacular.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat your skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and let it sear for 5–7 minutes, turning as needed until each slice is golden and cooked all the way through. The sizzle, the aromatics wafting up—it’s already clear this o with Caramelized Onions & Whipped Feta is going to be something special. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside while you finish the rest.
Step 4: Cook the Orzo in Broth
Pour your broth into a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Add the orzo and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Cooking orzo in broth is a simple trick that ensures every tiny bite is bursting with flavor and that perfect creamy texture, so it’s not just a base but a delicious part of your o with Caramelized Onions & Whipped Feta.
Step 5: Whip Up the Creamy Feta
In a blender or food processor, combine the crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and black pepper. Blitz until you get a smooth, fluffy, almost mousse-like consistency. Don’t skip this step—the whipped feta is what makes this dish outstanding and extra luxurious.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Now comes the fun part. Start your bowls with that luscious orzo, topping each with juicy lemon Dijon chicken and your sweet, golden onions. Spoon generous dollops of whipped feta across the top, then finish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon. Each serving looks like a celebration, and tastes like one too.
How to Serve o with Caramelized Onions & Whipped Feta
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or dill over the top for a burst of color and verdant brightness. A few extra lemon wedges on the side invite everyone to amp up the citrus factor just the way they like. If you’re feeling really fancy, a swirl of good olive oil across the whipped feta adds gleam and richness.
Side Dishes
Pair your o with Caramelized Onions & Whipped Feta with a crisp, lemony arugula salad or some oven-roasted asparagus for a complete Mediterranean spread. Warm, crusty bread on the side is perfect for mopping up every creamy, savory drop from your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering your o with Caramelized Onions & Whipped Feta in individual ramekins for a dinner party twist, or serve family-style on a big platter for everyone to dive into at once. It also makes a fantastic packed lunch layered in a jar—just keep the whipped feta on top so it stays creamy until you’re ready to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool, then transfer to an airtight container. The flavors of o with Caramelized Onions & Whipped Feta actually deepen overnight, making for an irresistible next-day meal. Keep the whipped feta, orzo and toppings separate if possible for best texture.
Freezing
While orzo and caramelized onions freeze reasonably well, the whipped feta is at its best fresh. If you have extra chicken or onions, feel free to freeze them in airtight bags for up to two months, then whip up a fresh batch of feta when you’re ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
Gently reheat orzo and chicken in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen things up and restore their silkiness. The whipped feta can be enjoyed cold, or allow it to come to room temperature for the creamiest texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully; they’ll be extra juicy and flavorful. Just adjust cooking time to make sure they’re thoroughly cooked, and slice before marinating if you want the pieces to absorb even more flavor.
Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt in the whipped feta?
Yes, you can use plain whole-milk yogurt or even a bit of sour cream for a similar creamy tang. For a dairy-free version, try a plant-based yogurt along with the feta for creaminess.
Can I make o with Caramelized Onions & Whipped Feta vegetarian?
You sure can! Simply skip the chicken and bump up the orzo and caramelized onions, or add roasted chickpeas or grilled vegetables as a protein-packed topping.
What if I don’t have a blender for the whipped feta?
No worries—just use a sturdy whisk or hand mixer, and mash the feta and yogurt together until as creamy as possible. It won’t be quite as smooth, but it’ll taste fantastic.
How far in advance can I make the whipped feta?
You can prepare the whipped feta up to 3 days ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and give it a quick stir before serving to make it fluffy again.
Final Thoughts
Once you give o with Caramelized Onions & Whipped Feta a try, I have a feeling it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or just looking to treat yourself, this dish is bright, satisfying, and packed with feel-good flavors. Happy cooking!
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o with Caramelized Onions & Whipped Feta Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Lemon Dijon Chicken Orzo with Caramelized Onions & Whipped Feta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken marinated in a zesty blend, creamy whipped feta, and sweet caramelized onions over a bed of orzo pasta. It’s a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Lemon Dijon Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Orzo and Caramelized Onions:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Whipped Feta:
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For garnish (optional):
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- Extra lemon wedges
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions with salt and cook slowly for 15–20 minutes until deeply golden. Set aside.
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken and coat well.
- Cook Chicken: Cook the marinated chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until fully cooked. Remove from the pan.
- Prepare Orzo: Boil broth in a saucepan, add orzo, and cook for 8–10 minutes until tender.
- Make Whipped Feta: Blend feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and black pepper until smooth.
- Assemble: Serve by layering orzo, lemon Dijon chicken, and caramelized onions. Top with whipped feta and garnish with herbs and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Cooking times may vary, adjust as needed.
- Feel free to customize with additional herbs or spices.
- Ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Oven
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1120mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
