High Protein Chicken Orzo Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Sample the dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed to enhance the overall flavor.
- 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
Find it online: https://cookwithruby.com/high-protein-chicken-orzo-recipe/
