If you’re looking for a tasty, healthy meal that’s perfect for meal prepping, this Lemon Chicken and Chickpea Orzo Salad is the answer! It’s light, refreshing, and packed with protein from the chicken and chickpeas. The tangy lemon tahini dressing brings it all together, creating a meal that’s not only delicious but also perfect for making ahead and enjoying all week. Plus, it comes together in less than 30 minutes, so you can have lunch ready in no time!
Method
Prepare the Lemon Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into small cubes. Toss the chicken in a mix of paprika, cumin, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and lemon zest. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with all the spices. Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes, which will allow it to get a nice sear. After that, stir the chicken and cook on all sides until it’s fully cooked through, which should take about another 4-5 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the heat and set it aside.
Make the Lemon Tahini Dressing
While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the lemon tahini dressing. In a bowl, whisk together the tahini, olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, mashed garlic, and fresh lemon juice. Add 1/4 cup of water to thin the dressing, and if you prefer it thinner, you can add a little more water until it reaches your desired consistency. Once everything is well combined, transfer the dressing into a covered container and set it aside for later use.
Prepare the Chickpea Orzo Salad
Next, cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions. After cooking, set the orzo aside and let it cool down completely. In a large bowl or container, combine the cooked orzo with the drained and rinsed chickpeas. Add the sliced mini cucumbers, diced red onion, slivered almonds, chopped fresh mint, and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl. Mix everything gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Assemble the Salad
Once everything is prepared, it’s time to assemble the salad. In a large bowl or container, combine the orzo salad mixture with the lemon chicken. Drizzle the lemon tahini dressing over the top and toss the salad gently to coat all the ingredients with the creamy dressing. Serve immediately, or store it in the fridge to let the flavors meld together for an even tastier meal later!
Necessary Tools
- Large pan for cooking the chicken
- Whisk for making the dressing
- Large bowl or container for the salad
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- A covered container for storing the dressing
Lemon Chicken and Chickpea Orzo Salad: A Fresh and Flavorful Meal for the Week!
Cuisine: Mediterranean, ItalianDifficulty: Easy6
servings10
minutes20
minutes30
minutesIngredients
For the Lemon Chicken
1 1/2 lbs chicken breast, cubed
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 lemon, zested
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Lemon Tahini Dressing
1/2 cup tahini (the drippier, the better)
1/3 cup olive oil
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
1/4 cup honey
3 cloves garlic, mashed
1 lemon, juiced (about 1/4 cup)
1/4 cup water (more as needed to thin)
For the Chickpea Orzo Salad
1 1/2 cups cooked orzo
1 (14.5 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
3 mini cucumbers, sliced
1/3 cup red onion, dice
1/3 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
1/2 cup crumbled feta
Directions
- Start by cutting the chicken into small cubes. Toss the chicken pieces in paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and lemon zest until well-coated. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken. Let it cook without disturbing it for 4-5 minutes. After that, stir the chicken to cook it evenly on all sides until fully cooked through (165°F). Remove from heat and set aside.
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the dressing. In a bowl, whisk together tahini, olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, mashed garlic, lemon juice, and water. If the dressing is too thick, add more water until you reach your desired consistency. Once everything is mixed well, transfer the dressing to a covered container and set aside.
Next, cook the orzo according to package instructions, then set it aside to cool. In a large container or bowl, combine the cooked orzo, chickpeas, sliced cucumbers, red onion, slivered almonds, chopped mint, and crumbled feta. Stir everything together gently.
When you’re ready to serve, toss the salad ingredients together. Add the cooked lemon chicken on top, drizzle with the tahini dressing, and give it another gentle toss to combine everything. Serve and enjoy this flavorful, fresh salad!
Notes
- Chicken Cooking Tip: Be sure to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s safe to eat. A meat thermometer is the best way to check!
- Dressing Consistency: If the tahini dressing turns out too thick, simply add more water, a little at a time, until you get a smooth and pourable texture.
- Orzo Tip: Let the cooked orzo cool before adding it to the salad to prevent it from getting too mushy when mixed with the dressing.
Serving Suggestions
This Lemon Chicken and Chickpea Orzo Salad is perfect as a light lunch or dinner. You can serve it on its own or with a side of crispy pita bread or fresh avocado for extra creaminess. It also makes a great meal prep option, so you can enjoy it throughout the week. For an added crunch, sprinkle some extra slivered almonds on top just before serving!
Fun Fact
Did you know that tahini, the main ingredient in the dressing, is made from sesame seeds? It’s not only delicious but also packed with healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, making it a great addition to your meals!
Conclusion
This Lemon Chicken and Chickpea Orzo Salad is the perfect meal when you’re craving something light, healthy, and packed with flavor. It’s easy to make, meal prep-friendly, and tastes even better the next day! The tangy lemon tahini dressing really ties everything together, and the chickpeas and chicken make it a satisfying and nutritious dish. Whether you’re cooking for one or meal prepping for the week, this recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen!
