High Protein Chicken Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This High Protein Chicken Orzo is a flavorful and nutritious one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and hearty orzo pasta, it’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

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)

Instructions

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

Tips & Variations

• For added depth, try using fresh herbs instead of dried oregano and basil.
• Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green texture.
• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make it vegetarian-friendly, substituting chicken with firm tofu cubes.
• To give it a creamy twist, stir in a splash of cream or Greek yogurt just before serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the orzo has absorbed too much liquid.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like couscous, acini di pepe, or even small shells can work well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the orzo and chicken mixture a day in advance. Reheat thoroughly before serving and add fresh spinach and tomatoes at the last minute to keep them vibrant.

High Protein Chicken Orzo Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 118 reviews

This High Protein Chicken Orzo dish is a nutritious and satisfying meal combining tender chicken breast, flavorful orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs simmered in low-sodium chicken broth. It’s perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner, providing a balanced blend of protein, carbs, and veggies with a Mediterranean flair.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Seasonings and Oils

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional

• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
2. Cook Chicken: Add the cubed chicken breast to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Sauté until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the chicken. Cook together until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Broth and Orzo: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in the orzo pasta to begin cooking it directly in the broth.
5. Simmer: Lower the heat to a simmer and cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender, about 10 minutes. This allows the pasta to absorb the flavorful broth.
6. Incorporate Spinach and Tomatoes: Add the chopped fresh spinach and halved cherry tomatoes to the pot. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the spinach wilts and tomatoes soften, blending the fresh flavors throughout.
7. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Sample the dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed to enhance the overall flavor.
8. Serve: Remove the pot from heat and let the dish sit for a couple of minutes before serving. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top to add richness and depth.

Notes

• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content and make the dish healthier.
• Feel free to substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for variety.
• Grated Parmesan is optional but adds a nice umami flavor.
• You can add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a fresh, tangy twist.
• Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: High Protein Chicken Orzo, Chicken and Orzo recipe, Easy chicken dinner, Healthy chicken pasta dish, Mediterranean chicken orzo, Protein packed dinner