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Weeknight • Chicken

Lemon Dill Chicken and Orzo Bowls

These bright and flavorful bowls combine tender chicken, fluffy orzo, and fresh dill with a zesty lemon dressing.

Prep
15 min
Cook
20 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Lemon Dill Chicken and Orzo Bowls

Craving something fresh, satisfying, and easy? These Lemon Dill Chicken and Orzo Bowls are packed with vibrant flavors and textures, making them a perfect weeknight meal. It's a sunshine-in-a-bowl kind of dinner that will leave you feeling light and happy!

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

For the Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Orzo & Veggies

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 English cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved (optional)

For the Lemon-Dill Dressing

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cook the chicken: Toss chicken pieces with 1 tbsp olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

  2. Step 2

    Cook the orzo: In the same skillet (no need to clean), add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in orzo and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed and orzo is tender. If using water, add a pinch of salt to the water.

  3. Step 3

    Make the dressing: While chicken and orzo cook, whisk together all dressing ingredients in a small bowl until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

  4. Step 4

    Assemble the bowls: In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, cooked chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, and olives (if using). Pour the lemon-dill dressing over everything and toss gently to combine.

  5. Step 5

    Divide into serving bowls and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips

  • Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for extra tang and saltiness.
  • This recipe is great for meal prep! Store dressing and main components separately and combine just before eating.

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