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Delicious One Skillet Lemon Butter Dijon Chicken and Orzo with Feta Sauce. picture

One Skillet Lemon Butter Dijon Chicken and Orzo with Feta Sauce.

A bright, one-skillet meal of Dijon-marinated chicken and orzo finished with a creamy lemon-feta sauce.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 4 cloves garlic 3 cloves chopped for marinade and cooking, 1 clove grated for sauce
  • 2 small shallots chopped; divide between marinade and orzo
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary chopped
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • kosher salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 3 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 lemon sliced, plus juice from 1 lemon for sauce and additional lemon juice used in orzo
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups kale chopped
  • fresh dill chopped, for serving
  • 4-6 ounces feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 clove garlic grated for the sauce (see above)
  • juice from 1 lemon for sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika for sauce
  • crushed red pepper flakes to taste for sauce

Equipment

  • Large oven-safe skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spatula or tongs
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Blender or food processor

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
  2. Prepare the marinade: in a bowl whisk 2 tablespoons oil, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 3 chopped garlic cloves, 1 chopped shallot, chopped rosemary, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and a pinch each of kosher salt and black pepper.
  3. Toss the chicken with the marinade until evenly coated and set aside to rest while you heat the skillet.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden, about 3–5 minutes per side.
  5. During the last 2 minutes of searing, add 3 tablespoons butter and the lemon slices to the pan so they brown slightly, then remove the chicken and lemon slices to a plate, reserving pan juices.
  6. Add the orzo, the remaining chopped shallot, and 1 clove minced or grated garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring, until the orzo is lightly toasted, about 2 minutes.
  7. Pour in 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth, add the chopped kale, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice; season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil over high heat.
  8. Slide the seared chicken and lemon slices back into the skillet along with any collected juices. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo is tender.
  9. While the skillet bakes, make the feta sauce: combine 4–6 ounces feta, 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 grated garlic clove, juice from 1 lemon, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes in a blender and blend until smooth; thin with extra lemon juice if desired.
  10. Remove the skillet from the oven. Serve the chicken and orzo topped with the creamy feta sauce and sprinkled with chopped fresh dill.

Notes

  • Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness.
  • Chicken breasts or thighs both work; adjust baking time if pieces are very thick.
  • Toast the orzo briefly for a nuttier flavor.
  • Thin the feta sauce with extra lemon juice if it's too thick.