Greek Lemon Chicken and Orzo
A quick Greek-inspired skillet meal with lemony chicken, orzo, fresh veggies, and tangy feta cheese.
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8
Calories
388/serving
Difficulty
Easy
Nutrition Per Serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb orzo pasta
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 whole sweet onion
- 1.25 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 3 clove garlic
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- 0.5 whole English cucumber
- 1.5 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2.5 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 6 oz feta cheese
Cook the Orzo
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Saute Onion and Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the diced chicken, Italian seasoning, and oregano. Cook for roughly 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden.
Add Garlic and Spinach
Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Transfer the chicken and onion mixture to the pot with the cooked orzo. Add the fresh spinach and stir for 2 minutes until the leaves wilt down.
Add Vegetables and Finish
Fold in the diced cucumber, sliced cherry tomatoes, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Crumble the feta cheese over the top and gently stir to combine. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil if desired and serve warm or at room temperature.
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Open in AppTips & Variations
- Dice the chicken into even pieces so it cooks uniformly.
- This recipe scales beautifully for potlucks and meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I serve this cold?
- Yes, it works wonderfully as a cold pasta salad. Just add a splash of lemon juice and olive oil before serving.
- What can I use instead of feta?
- Goat cheese or a dairy-free feta alternative both work well.
Recipe inspired by the original at averiecooks.com. Ingredients and factual cooking data extracted; instructions independently written.
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