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Easy One-Pan Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe with Preserved Lemon Dill and Feta

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A quick and easy one-pan chicken orzo bake featuring preserved lemon, fresh dill, and creamy feta for a bright, Mediterranean-inspired meal ready in about 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 ½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
  • 1 tablespoon preserved lemon, finely chopped (or zest and juice of 1 lemon as substitute)
  • ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: handful of baby spinach or chopped cherry tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden but not fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté diced onion and minced garlic for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  4. Add orzo to the skillet and stir to coat in oil. Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring.
  5. Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the orzo and broth mixture. Sprinkle in chopped preserved lemon and half of the dill.
  6. Bring to a gentle simmer on the stovetop for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Stir gently halfway through baking if needed.
  8. Remove skillet from oven. Sprinkle crumbled feta and remaining dill on top. Fold in optional spinach or cherry tomatoes to wilt slightly from residual heat.
  9. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or preserved lemon as desired.

Notes

If orzo looks dry before baking, add an extra ¼ cup (60ml) chicken broth. For a golden top, broil for 2 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning. Searing chicken first adds flavor and keeps it juicy. Use fresh dill generously for brightness. Can substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or pearl couscous. For dairy-free, use plant-based feta and coconut oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken orzo bake, one-pan meal, preserved lemon, dill, feta, easy dinner, Mediterranean recipe, quick chicken dinner

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/easy-one-pan-chicken-orzo-bake-recipe-with-preserved-lemon-dill-and-feta/