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creamy lemon feta chicken orzo skillet - featured image

Creamy Lemon Feta Chicken Orzo Skillet

  • Author: Lilya
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A quick, one-pan weeknight dinner featuring seared chicken cubes, orzo pasta, and a rich, tangy sauce made with lemon, feta cheese, and heavy cream, finished with wilted spinach.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 lemons (zest of one, juice of one)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes and pat dry. Season generously with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through (3-4 minutes per side). Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add orzo to the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and crumbled feta cheese until melted and combined into a sauce.
  6. Return chicken to the skillet and add fresh spinach. Stir until spinach is wilted (1-2 minutes).
  7. Remove from heat. Top with lemon zest and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Feta is very salty, so taste the sauce before adding extra salt. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or water. Do not overcook the spinach. For a vegan version, substitute vegetable broth, coconut cream, and nutritional yeast.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 4
  • Sodium: 650
  • Fat: 22
  • Saturated Fat: 10
  • Carbohydrates: 45
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 35

Keywords: one pan meal, chicken orzo, feta chicken, lemon chicken, weeknight dinner, creamy pasta, greek inspired, easy dinner

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Find it online: https://platelyn.com/creamy-lemon-feta-chicken-orzo-skillet-easy-one-pan-meal/