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high protein chicken orzo an incredible ultimate 2026 04 26 190301 683x1024 1

High Protein Chicken Orzo

A delicious and healthy meal packed with protein, combining tender chicken, wholesome orzo, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Healthy, Mediterranean
Calories: 450

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.