Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

If you’re craving a bright, comforting meal that brings the taste of the Mediterranean straight to your table, Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender chicken breasts with nutty orzo pasta, all simmered in a vibrant lemony broth, accented by fresh herbs, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. Plus, it’s packed with fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients that make it both satisfying and nourishing.

Why Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta is Worth Your Time

There’s something truly special about the marriage of lemon and chicken, especially when paired with orzo pasta—a tiny, rice-shaped pasta that soaks up all the delicious flavors. This recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. The lemon juice and zest brighten the dish and balance the richness of the feta, while the chicken broth infuses the orzo with deep savory notes. Not only is this meal incredibly flavorful, but it’s also fast to prepare, taking less than 40 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe covers all the bases.

Another reason to love this dish? It’s versatile. You can easily swap out the cherry tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes or add a handful of spinach for extra greens. And if you adore lemony pasta, you might want to check out the creamy indulgence of Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta for your next meal.

Ingredients at a Glance

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts — tender and lean, perfect for this dish
• 2 cups orzo pasta — the star pasta that soaks up all the flavor
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth — adds depth and keeps the dish moist
• 1/4 cup olive oil — for sautéing and flavor
• 2 cloves garlic, minced — the aromatic base
• 1 medium onion, chopped — for sweetness and texture
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved — juicy bursts of color and flavor
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled — salty and creamy finish
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped — for a fresh herbal note
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon — the star ingredient for brightness
• Salt and pepper to taste — to season perfectly

Equipment Breakdown

• Large skillet or sauté pan with lid — essential for cooking the chicken and simmering orzo together
• Cutting board and sharp knife — for prepping chicken, garlic, onion, and parsley
• Measuring cups and spoons — to ensure precise ingredient amounts
• Wooden spoon or spatula — for stirring
• Citrus zester or grater — to get the lemon zest just right

Directions: Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

Step 1: Prep the chicken and aromatics

Start by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them lightly with salt and pepper. Mince the garlic cloves, chop the onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, and zest and juice the lemon. Having all your ingredients ready will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.

Step 2: Sauté the chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Leaving the flavorful bits in the pan is key to building your dish’s depth.

Step 3: Cook the aromatics

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. This step brings out the sweetness of the onion and the punch of the garlic, creating a savory base.

Step 4: Toast and simmer the orzo

Add the orzo to the skillet and stir for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to toast lightly. This adds a subtle nutty flavor. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.

Step 5: Combine and finish

Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the halved cherry tomatoes. Stir gently to combine and heat everything through for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley over the top. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy

Spoon the Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta into bowls and garnish with extra lemon zest or parsley if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like the ones in the Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken Veggies recipe.

Make It Diet-Friendly

• Use whole wheat orzo pasta to add fiber and nutrients.
• Swap olive oil for avocado oil for a different healthy fat profile.
• Add more vegetables such as spinach or zucchini to increase vitamins and minerals.
• Use low-fat feta cheese or reduce the amount to lower saturated fat.
• Consider using less chicken broth or a homemade broth with no added sodium to control salt levels.

Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them

• Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly. Cut into bite-sized pieces and cook them just until no longer pink inside, then remove from heat to avoid toughness.

• Orzo sticking or clumping: Stir the orzo occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking. Make sure to use enough broth for the pasta to cook evenly.

• Too much lemon flavor: Start with juice and zest from one lemon, but taste before adding more. Lemon should brighten, not overpower the dish.

• Salt imbalance: Since feta cheese is naturally salty, season the dish lightly with salt during cooking, then adjust at the end after adding feta.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

This Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the pasta and heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to keep the chicken tender and the orzo creamy.

Freezing is possible but not ideal due to the fresh lemon and feta, which may alter texture after thawing. If you do freeze leftovers, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat carefully with added broth to maintain moisture.

Helpful Q&A

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?

Absolutely! While orzo is ideal for its texture and ability to absorb flavors, you can use small pasta shapes like ditalini, acini di pepe, or even couscous as alternatives. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is it necessary to use fresh lemon juice and zest?

Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the most vibrant flavor and brightness. Bottled lemon juice won’t deliver the same freshness and can make the dish taste flat. If fresh lemons aren’t available, use the bottled juice as a last resort, but consider adding extra zest or a splash of vinegar for brightness.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the chicken breasts with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add chickpeas for protein. The lemon and feta flavors will still shine beautifully.

What’s the best way to get the feta cheese to melt slightly without losing its texture?

Feta doesn’t melt like other cheeses but softens when added at the end of cooking. Stir it in off heat or just before serving to keep that creamy, crumbly texture that contrasts wonderfully with the tender chicken and orzo.

Don’t Miss These

• Lemon Ricotta Pasta – another bright and creamy pasta dish to delight your taste buds.
• Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken Veggies – an easy, flavorful dinner that pairs well with pasta or rice.
• Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta – a rich and dreamy comfort food recipe to try next.

Wrap-Up

The Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta is a perfect blend of bright citrus, savory chicken, and creamy feta that comes together effortlessly in one pot. Its fresh, vibrant flavors make it a standout dish for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a delicious meal prep option, this recipe hits all the marks. Serve it alongside a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded Mediterranean-inspired dinner. And don’t forget to explore more lemon-infused pasta recipes to keep your menu exciting and fresh!

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