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High Protein Chicken Orzo Recipe

High Protein Chicken Orzo Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 28 reviews

High Protein Chicken Orzo is a hearty and flavorful dish combining tender chicken breast, orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes simmered in a savory low-sodium chicken broth. Perfect for a nutritious dinner that balances protein, vegetables, and comforting pasta, this recipe is easy to prepare and packed with vibrant Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Grains

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

Liquids and Oils

  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings

  • 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 the base for sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
  2. Cook Chicken: Add the cubed chicken breast to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Sauté the chicken until fully cooked and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the cooked chicken. Cook until the onion turns translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  4. Add Broth and Orzo: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the orzo pasta evenly.
  5. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed much of the broth.
  6. Incorporate Spinach and Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the spinach wilts and tomatoes soften, blending their flavors into the dish.
  7. Taste and Adjust: Sample the dish and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt and pepper if needed to suit your preference.
  8. Serve: Remove the pot from heat and let the dish sit for a couple of minutes. Serve warm, garnished with optional grated Parmesan cheese for an extra savory touch.

Notes

  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content and make the dish heart-healthy.
  • You can substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
  • For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt before serving.
  • Grated Parmesan cheese is optional but enhances the flavor with a rich savory note.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: high protein chicken orzo, chicken orzo recipe, healthy chicken dinner, Mediterranean chicken pasta, easy chicken orzo

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/high-protein-chicken-orzo-recipe/