Slice chicken and serve over lemon Dijon orzo Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with bright, fresh flavors while being comfortingly creamy, this recipe to slice chicken and serve over lemon Dijon orzo is going to become your new go-to. Tender, golden chicken pairs beautifully with zesty, mustard-spiked orzo that’s infused with lemon, all topped off with a luscious garlic feta sauce that brings a tangy richness. It’s the kind of meal that feels gourmet yet comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients, perfect for both weeknight dinners and impressing guests.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward, yet each plays a crucial role in layering flavor, texture, and color into the dish. From the succulent chicken to the creamy garlic feta sauce, every element makes this recipe shine.

• Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for easy cooking and slicing, they form the hearty protein base.
• Olive oil and butter: Butter adds richness while olive oil helps achieve a perfect golden sear on the chicken.
• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors.
• Garlic cloves: Minced for the orzo and grated for the sauce, garlic brings an aromatic depth.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy, slightly sharp flavor that perfectly complements the lemon.
• Lemon juice and zest: The star of the dish providing bright acidity and fresh citrus aroma.
• Chicken broth: Keeps the orzo moist and infuses savory flavor as it cooks.
• Orzo pasta: This small, rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully.
• Feta cheese: Crumbled and blended into the sauce, adding creaminess with its salty tang.
• Greek yogurt: Balances the feta’s saltiness and contributes to a smooth sauce texture.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a bright, herbal finish and a pop of color.
• Lemon slices (optional): For garnish, enhancing presentation and a hint of extra citrus.

How to Make Slice chicken and serve over lemon Dijon orzo

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. Heat a combination of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat to get that perfect golden crust. Sear the chicken breasts for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they’re cooked through and beautifully browned. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside. This step ensures your chicken stays juicy while developing that irresistible rich flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Dijon Orzo

Using the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté it briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds—this step releases the garlic’s aroma without burning. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest to brighten the base, followed by chicken broth and the orzo pasta. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, cover the pan, and let it cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed. This technique lets the orzo soak up all those tangy, mustardy flavors.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Feta Sauce

While the orzo finishes cooking, blend crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, grated garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and a good crack of black pepper in a blender or food processor. Whirl everything until it turns creamy and smooth. This sauce adds a luscious, tangy counterpoint to the dish that’s simply irresistible and perfect for drizzling.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Now the moment you’ve been waiting for—slice chicken and serve over lemon Dijon orzo. Plate the tender chicken slices on top of a warm bed of that zesty orzo, then drizzle generously with the garlic feta sauce. Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley and optional lemon slices for that beautiful burst of color and extra zing.

How to Serve Slice chicken and serve over lemon Dijon orzo

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is your best friend here—it adds a lovely green pop and a mild herbal freshness that complements the lemony orzo. Lemon slices are optional but highly recommended if you want that added visual appeal and a little extra citrus kick when served.

Side Dishes

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to elevate your plate, consider a light mixed green salad with a simple vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. These sides bring additional texture and balance out the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try serving the orzo in individual shallow bowls with artfully arranged sliced chicken atop, drizzled with the garlic feta sauce in a zigzag pattern. Adding edible flowers or microgreens on the side will impress guests and make every forkful feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover sliced chicken and lemon Dijon orzo keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the garlic feta sauce separate for best texture, and add it fresh when reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken and orzo in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Again, avoid freezing the feta sauce, as its texture may change. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat the chicken and orzo together in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the orzo moist. Then stir in the garlic feta sauce just before serving to keep it creamy and fresh.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?

Orzo is ideal for this recipe due to its small size and ability to absorb flavors, but tiny pasta shapes like couscous or small shells can be substituted if necessary, though cooking times may vary.

Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?

Absolutely! This recipe holds up well in the fridge and reheats nicely, making it great for preparing ahead and enjoying lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the feta and Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives or use a lemon tahini sauce in place of the garlic feta sauce to keep it creamy and flavorful without dairy.

How can I make the chicken more flavorful?

Marinating the chicken briefly in a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs before cooking will infuse deeper flavor, but even without, the Dijon, lemon, and garlic elements keep it wonderfully tasty.

What wine pairs well with slice chicken and serve over lemon Dijon orzo?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay complements the citrus and mustard notes in the dish beautifully, enhancing your dining experience.

Final Thoughts

This recipe is truly a celebration of flavor and simplicity. To slice chicken and serve over lemon Dijon orzo is to treat yourself to a dish that feels special without fuss. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this meal is sure to bring smiles and satisfied appetites. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it one of your favorites too!