Lemon-Feta Chicken and Orzo
A fabulous one-pan dinner featuring spiced, sautéed chicken and veggies in orzo pasta topped with a lemony marinated feta mixture. A family favorite perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
- 15 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tbsp.extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ tsp.dried oregano
- 1 tsp.smoked paprika
- 1 tsp.granulated garlic (or garlic powder)
- 1 tsp.kosher salt, divided
- 1 tsp.black pepper, divided
- 1 ½ cupsfinely chopped yellow onion
- 1red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 ¼ cupsdry orzo pasta
- 3 cupschicken or vegetable broth
- 2packed cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 4 oz.feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tbsp.finely chopped fresh dill
- 3 tbsp.finely chopped fresh parsley
- 3 tbsp.extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp.lemon zest, plus 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice ((from 1 medium lemon))
Directions
- 1
Prepare Chicken: Place chicken in a bowl and add olive oil, oregano, smoked paprika, garlic, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. black pepper; toss well to coat.Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, arrange chicken in pan and cook, undisturbed, for 3 to 4 minutes, until nicely golden. Toss and continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through, about 3 to 4 more minutes. Transfer to a clean bowl.
- 2
Cook Veggies and Orzo: To the same pan, add onion and bell pepper. (Add a drizzle more olive oil, if needed.) Cook until softened, about 5 to 6 minutes.Stir in orzo and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to lightly toast the grains.Add broth and remaining 1/2 tsp. each of salt and black pepper. Bring mixture to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Simmer until the orzo is al dente, about 12 to 15 minutes.
- 3
Prepare Marinated Feta: While the orzo simmers, prepare the marinated feta mixture by combining feta cheese, dill, parsley, olive oil, and lemon zest and juice in a medium bowl. Stir to combine. Set aside.
- 4
Remove lid from orzo and stir in spinach. Continue to gently simmer, uncovered, for 2 more minutes until the spinach is fully wilted. Add chicken back to pan and stir to warm through. Spoon Marinated Feta mixture overtop and serve.