Go Back
+ servings
High Protein Chicken Orzo

High Protein Chicken Orzo: Your New One-Pan Dinner Hero

High Protein Chicken Orzo is a hearty, quick one-pan dish combining tender chicken and fresh veggies.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: PASTA
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

For the Orzo
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta or gluten-free orzo or quinoa
For the Chicken
  • 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast can substitute with turkey or tofu
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or avocado oil
For the Vegetables
  • 1 medium Onion or shallots
  • 2 cloves Garlic fresh
  • 2 cups Spinach or kale or Swiss chard
  • 1 cup Bell Pepper any color, or use broccoli
  • 1 medium Zucchini or mushrooms
For the Flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano or substitute dried
  • 1 teaspoon Thyme or substitute dried
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
For the Broth and Toppings
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes or chopped regular tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup Feta Cheese or vegan feta
  • to taste Fresh Parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Pot

Method
 

How to Make High Protein Chicken Orzo
  1. Cook the Orzo: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, making sure it's fluffy!
  2. Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken breast seasoned with salt and pepper, cooking until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
  3. Sauté the Onion: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, cook the chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
  4. Add Veggies: Incorporate garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini into the skillet, sautéing for 4–5 minutes until they're tender and vibrant.
  5. Stir in Greens & Tomatoes: Toss in the fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes, cooking until the spinach wilts down, about 2–3 minutes.
  6. Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 3 minutes to meld those beautiful flavors.
  7. Mix Together: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the orzo, and mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring every ingredient is coated and happy.
  8. Finish with Feta: Remove from heat and fold in crumbled feta cheese for that creamy indulgence.
  9. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for a burst of freshness before serving. Enjoy your creation!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 40gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Rinse cooked orzo under cold water to avoid mushiness. Ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!