Description
Get ready to savor a delightful, protein-packed meal that’ll leave you feeling energized and satisfied. Our High Protein Chicken Orzo is a harmonious blend of lean chicken, nutrient-dense orzo pasta, and an array of fresh vegetables – all simmered together in a flavorful broth. This one-pot wonder is not only incredibly tasty but also a nutritional powerhouse, making it the perfect choice for a wholesome lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
- 4 cup 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. Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
2. Sauté Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until lightly golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
3. Cook Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and softened.
4. Add Orzo & Broth: Next, add the orzo to the skillet, pour in the chicken broth, and give it a good stir. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo absorbs most of the broth.
5. Add Spinach & Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the chicken is warmed through.
6. Serve: Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
High Protein Chicken Orzo is an excellent choice for meal prepping, as it stores and reheats beautifully. Simply divide the cooled dish into individual portions and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat the orzo in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out.
For longer-term storage, High Protein Chicken Orzo can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 70mg