High Protein Chicken Orzo: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Why make this recipe

High Protein Chicken Orzo is a delicious and healthy meal that provides a good dose of protein while being easy to prepare. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a hearty meal packed with nutrients. The combination of tender chicken, wholesome orzo, and fresh vegetables makes it a satisfying option for anyone looking to eat well.

How to make High Protein Chicken Orzo

Creating High Protein Chicken Orzo can be straightforward if you follow these simple steps:

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook Chicken: Add the cubed chicken breast to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Sauté until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Broth and Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in the orzo pasta.
5. Simmer: Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer until the orzo is tender, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Incorporate Spinach and Tomatoes: Add the chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes to the pot. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes or until spinach wilts and tomatoes soften.
7. Taste and Adjust: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
8. Serve: Remove from heat and let sit for a couple of minutes before serving. This easy-to-follow guide will allow you to create an amazing, wholesome dish effortlessly!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

How to serve High Protein Chicken Orzo

You can serve High Protein Chicken Orzo warm in bowls. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. Pair with a simple side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

How to store High Protein Chicken Orzo

If you have leftovers, let the dish cool down to room temperature. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Tips to make High Protein Chicken Orzo

• For more flavor, try adding a splash of lemon juice before serving.
• You can use other vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, to mix things up.
• For added protein, feel free to toss in some cooked beans or cannellini beans.

Variation

If you want to make this dish vegetarian, skip the chicken and add more vegetables or some chickpeas instead. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole grain orzo instead of regular?
Yes, whole grain orzo is a great option if you prefer a more nutritious grain.

2. Can I freeze High Protein Chicken Orzo?
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze portions of the dish. Just remember that the orzo may become a bit softer when thawed.

3. What can I substitute for chicken?
You can use turkey, tofu, or even tempeh as a protein substitute in this recipe.

High Protein Chicken Orzo

A delicious and healthy meal packed with protein, combining tender chicken, wholesome orzo, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Healthy, Mediterranean

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the cubed chicken breast to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Sauté until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in the orzo pasta.
5. Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer until the orzo is tender, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add the chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes to the pot. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes or until spinach wilts and tomatoes soften.
7. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
8. Remove from heat and let sit for a couple of minutes before serving.

Notes

For more flavor, try adding a splash of lemon juice before serving. You can use other vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, to mix things up. For added protein, feel free to toss in some cooked beans or cannellini beans. If you want to make this dish vegetarian, skip the chicken and add more vegetables or some chickpeas instead. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.

Naya Lucas