One Pot Feta Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta Recipe

If you are craving a comforting yet fresh and zesty dinner, the One Pot Feta Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta is going to become your new go-to. This vibrant dish blends tender chicken thighs, bright lemon juice and zest, creamy crumbled feta, and delightful orzo pasta all cooked in one pot for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. It’s like a little Mediterranean vacation on your plate with every bite bursting with sunshine and savory goodness. Whether you’re busy weeknight cooking or entertaining friends, this recipe offers a brilliant balance of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, creating layers of flavor that harmonize perfectly. They are simple staples you might already have, yet they come together to make the dish pop with color, texture, and freshness.

• Olive oil: Adds a rich, fruity base and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, they hold up well in cooking and soak up all the flavors.
• Small onion: Provides sweetness and depth to the foundation of the dish.
• Garlic: Brings aromatic warmth and a wonderful savory note.
• Coarse kosher salt: Enhances every flavor and helps the chicken release its juices.
• Orzo: This tiny pasta cooks quickly and absorbs the delicious broth perfectly.
• Chicken stock: The cooking liquid that infuses the orzo and chicken with savory richness.
• Lemon zest: Offers an intense burst of citrus brightness without the acidity.
• Lemon juice: Lifts the dish with zesty tang and balances the creamy feta.
• Zucchini or summer squash: Adds color, moisture, and a light sweetness that blends seamlessly.
• Feta cheese: Crumbled and creamy, it melts throughout the dish imparting a delicious briny tang.
• Chopped basil or dill: Fresh herbs that brighten the final presentation and add herbaceous notes.

How to Make One Pot Feta Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 425ºF. This high heat will help finish cooking the dish beautifully in the oven, allowing the flavors to meld while the orzo cooks to a perfect tender finish.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large 12-inch skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add diced chicken thighs and cook, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until they’re lightly golden all over, about 6 to 8 minutes. This browning step develops rich flavor through caramelization, setting the stage for the rest of the dish.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Add in the diced onion, minced garlic, and kosher salt to the skillet with the chicken. Cook while stirring often until the onion starts to soften and become fragrant. This builds a flavorful base that will make every bite satisfying and hearty.

Step 4: Combine Orzo and Stock

Pour in the orzo pasta and chicken stock, stirring well to combine all the ingredients. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, shut off the heat completely. This step ensures the orzo starts cooking gently in the flavorful liquid without overcooking.

Step 5: Add Lemon, Zucchini, and Feta

Stir in fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, shredded zucchini, and crumbled feta cheese. The lemon zest and juice provide bright citrus notes that cut through the richness, while the zucchini offers moisture and texture. The feta adds creaminess and a savory tang that unifies the dish.

Step 6: Bake Covered

Cover your skillet with a lid or foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 10 minutes until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavorful broth. This final cooking step locks in moisture and allows the feta to melt into a luscious, creamy sauce.

Step 7: Final Stir and Serve

Remove the skillet from the oven and stir everything well so the melted feta disperses evenly throughout the pasta. Serve immediately topped with fresh, chopped basil or dill for a refreshing herbal note that brightens every bite.

How to Serve One Pot Feta Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

Garnishes

Finishing touches like chopped basil or dill add fantastic fresh herbal brightness and a pop of green color. A light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also boost flavor beautifully. Consider adding a few lemon wedges on the side for guests to add an extra squeeze of citrus if they wish.

Side Dishes

This delightful one pot pasta shines well on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread offer great textural contrast and complete the meal effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the One Pot Feta Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta in individual oven-safe bowls topped with whole feta slices and a sprinkle of fresh herbs before baking. This creates charming little personal casseroles perfect for entertaining or meal prep.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover One Pot Feta Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld and the dish reheats beautifully with just a splash of water or stock to bring back its creamy texture.

Freezing

While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to a month. Use freezer-safe containers, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over medium low heat with a little broth or water, stirring frequently until warmed through. This helps maintain the luscious creaminess of the feta and prevents the orzo from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but chicken thighs add more moisture and flavor because of their fat content, making the dish extra juicy and tender.

Is it okay to use a different type of pasta?

Orzo works best because of its small size and shape, which cooks evenly in the broth. You can try other small pastas like acini di pepe, but cooking times may vary.

Can this recipe be made vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken stock with vegetable broth and omit the chicken or substitute with plant-based protein or extra veggies for a delicious vegetarian version.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

No worries! You can transfer the mixture to an oven-safe casserole dish after step 5 and bake covered. Just be sure to use a dish similar in size so the cooking time stays consistent.

How can I make this dish more tangy?

Simply add a bit more lemon juice or a splash of white wine vinegar before baking to amp up the citrusy brightness to your liking.

Final Thoughts

The One Pot Feta Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta is a truly delicious and fuss-free meal that brightens any dinner table with its vibrant flavors and effortless preparation. Once you try this recipe, you’ll love how simple ingredients come together in such a brilliant way. I encourage you to give it a try soon and enjoy all the warm, zesty, and satisfying magic this dish brings.

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