Lemon Herb Chicken with Zucchini Orzo & Creamy Feta Sauce

Lemon Herb Chicken with Zucchini Orzo & Creamy Feta Sauce

Serves

2–3 people (or 1 very hungry legend)

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Ingredients

Chicken

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Zest of 1 lemon

• Juice of ½ lemon

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ¾ tsp salt

• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

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Zucchini Orzo

• 1 cup dry orzo pasta

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

• 1 small onion or shallot, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 medium zucchini, diced small

• 2 cups chicken broth (or veggie broth)

• ¼ tsp turmeric or saffron (for that golden color)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tbsp fresh dill or basil (optional but 🔥)

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Creamy Feta Sauce (the star)

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

• ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 small garlic clove, grated

• Black pepper to taste

• Optional: splash of warm water or milk to loosen

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Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
Add chicken and coat well. Let it sit at least 15 minutes (30–60 is even better).

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2. Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.

• Add a little oil

• Cook chicken 4–6 minutes per side until deeply golden and cooked through (165°F / 74°C internal)

• Remove and rest, then slice into strips

🔥 Tip: Don’t move it too much—those charred edges are flavor gold.

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3. Make the Zucchini Orzo

In a wide pan:

1. Heat olive oil or butter over medium heat

2. Sauté onion/shallot for 2–3 minutes until soft

3. Add garlic, cook 30 seconds

4. Stir in orzo and toast lightly for 1 minute

5. Add zucchini, broth, turmeric, salt & pepper

Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, 8–10 minutes, until orzo is tender and creamy.
Finish with parsley and dill/basil.

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4. Creamy Feta Sauce

Mash or blend:

• Feta

• Greek yogurt

• Olive oil

• Lemon juice

• Garlic

• Black pepper

Adjust thickness with warm water or milk until spoonable.

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5. Assemble

• Spoon orzo into a bowl

• Top with sliced chicken

• Dollop that creamy feta sauce right in the center

• Finish with extra herbs, cracked black pepper, and lemon wedges

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Pro Upgrades (Optional but Worth It)

• Add grilled lemon halves for squeezing

• Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or almonds

• Swap chicken for shrimp or salmon

• Add spinach to the orzo at the end for extra green powe