Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Bake with Lemon and Dill
This Mediterranean-inspired dish features succulent chicken tenderloins paired with orzo pasta, fresh dill, and a tangy lemon zest that will transport your taste buds straight to the sunny shores of Greece. Baked to perfection, this one-pot meal is a celebration of flavor that features creamy feta cheese and a luscious broth that soaks into every bite of orzo. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this dish is nourishing, satisfying, and incredibly easy to prepare, making it a must-try for any cooking enthusiast.
N/A
Servings
533
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
low sodium chicken broth
4 cups (ready to use)
unsalted butter
1 tablespoon (for greasing the dish)
unsalted butter
1 1/4 tablespoons (melted)
ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
chicken tenderloins
1 lb (cut into 1-inch pieces)
orzo pasta
1 lb (uncooked)
feta cheese
2 cups (crumbled (approx. 4 oz.))
fresh dill
1/4 cup (coarsely chopped)
lemon zest
2 teaspoons (finely grated)
fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
Parmesan cheese
1 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, 3/4 cup of water, 1 1/4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
3
While the broth is heating, lightly grease a 3-quart baking dish (approximately 9" x 13") with 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter.
4
In the greased baking dish, add the chicken tenderloins, orzo pasta, crumbled feta, coarsely chopped dill, finely grated lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Mix the ingredients together gently to combine.
5
Once the broth mixture reaches a boil, carefully pour it over the chicken and orzo, stirring lightly just to incorporate the liquids.
6
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the orzo is tender and the cooking liquid has become creamy.
7
After baking, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top and let the dish stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
27
Fat
50
Carbs
33
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Bake?
It is a one-pot baked dish featuring chicken tenderloins, orzo pasta, fresh dill, lemon, and feta cheese.
What type of pasta is required for this recipe?
This recipe uses one pound of uncooked orzo pasta.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish features bright flavors of lemon and fresh dill combined with salty feta and savory chicken broth.
Do I need to cook the orzo before putting it in the oven?
No, the orzo is added to the baking dish uncooked and cooks directly in the broth while baking.
What temperature do I preheat the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
How much chicken broth is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
One pound of chicken tenderloins cut into 1-inch pieces is recommended for the best results.
What size baking dish is needed?
A 3-quart baking dish, approximately 9 by 13 inches, is ideal for this recipe.
Why is the broth boiled before adding it to the dish?
Boiling the broth ensures the orzo starts cooking immediately and helps achieve a creamy consistency.
How long is the total baking time?
The dish bakes for a total of 40 minutes: 30 minutes covered with foil and an additional 10 minutes uncovered.
What kind of cheeses are included in the bake?
The recipe uses 2 cups of crumbled feta cheese and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
How much lemon juice and zest should I use?
You will need 2 teaspoons of finely grated lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Is there any butter used in this recipe?
Yes, it uses 1 tablespoon for greasing the dish and 1.25 tablespoons in the broth mixture.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 533 calories.
How much protein is in this dish?
This recipe provides 33 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this Mediterranean bake?
There are 27 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 50 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Should I cover the dish while it is in the oven?
Yes, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes of baking to lock in moisture.
Why should the dish stand for 5 minutes after baking?
Allowing the dish to stand helps the flavors meld and the liquids to finish absorbing into the orzo.
Is this dish considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is designed as a convenient one-pot meal for easy preparation and minimal cleanup.
How should I prepare the fresh dill?
You should coarsely chop enough fresh dill to measure approximately 1/4 cup.
Can I use regular chicken broth instead of low-sodium?
While low-sodium is suggested to control salt levels, regular broth can be used but may result in a saltier dish.
How much ground pepper is added to the mixture?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper added to the broth mixture.
What should the texture of the finished orzo be?
The orzo should be tender and the cooking liquid should have transformed into a creamy sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for busy weeknight dinners?
Yes, its easy preparation and simple steps make it perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a festive gathering.
Can I substitute the chicken tenderloins for another cut?
While the recipe specifies tenderloins, you could use chicken breast cut into small, uniform 1-inch pieces.
What is the first instruction step?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
When do I add the Parmesan cheese?
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the dish after the full baking time is complete.
How do I grease the baking dish?
Use 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to lightly grease the 3-quart baking dish before adding ingredients.
Does the recipe include water in addition to broth?
Yes, 3/4 cup of water is combined with the chicken broth and butter in the saucepan.