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One Pot Feta Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta Recipe

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4 from 9 reviews

This One Pot Feta Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken thighs, lemon-infused orzo, fresh zucchini, and creamy feta cheese. Cooked in a single skillet and finished in the oven, it offers a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and fresh flavors, making it an easy yet impressive meal for any weeknight or casual gathering.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Protein & Vegetables

  • 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1-½ pounds), diced
  • 1 small onion, diced fine
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated
  • 1 zucchini or summer squash, shredded

Liquids & Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest (from 1-2 lemons)
  • ¼ cup lemon juice

Grains & Cheese

  • 1 pound orzo
  • 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

Garnish

  • Chopped basil or dill for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425ºF to prepare for baking the dish later.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add diced chicken thighs and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly golden all over, about 6 to 8 minutes.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and kosher salt to the skillet with the chicken. Cook, stirring often, until the onions start to soften.
  4. Add orzo and stock: Stir in the orzo and chicken stock, combining well. Increase heat to high and bring the liquid to a boil, then immediately turn off the heat.
  5. Add flavorings and vegetables: Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, shredded zucchini, and crumbled feta cheese into the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid to prepare for baking.
  6. Bake the pasta: Place the covered skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
  7. Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and stir well to melt the feta evenly through the dish. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or dill and serve immediately.

Notes

  • You can substitute the chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts, but adjust cooking time as needed to avoid drying out the meat.
  • If you don’t have zucchini or summer squash, try using spinach or kale as an alternative.
  • If you prefer a tangier dish, add extra lemon juice to taste before serving.
  • Using full-fat feta adds creaminess, but reduced-fat options can be used for a lighter dish.
  • Be sure to cover the skillet well while baking to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and stays moist.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Low Salt

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/one-pot-feta-lemon-chicken-orzo-pasta-recipe/