Description
Whip up a delicious and healthy High Protein Chicken Orzo with this easy one-pot recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners, this recipe is packed with flavor and nutrients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk (any kind, dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: Lemon zest for serving
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breast and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- 2. Add the chopped onion to the same pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- 4. Add the uncooked orzo pasta to the pot and stir it around for about 1-2 minutes, to lightly toast it.
- 5. Pour in the chicken broth and milk. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- 6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- 7. Stir in the cooked chicken and chopped spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and the chicken is heated through.
- 8. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water for best results, or gently in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 450-500 kcal per serving (will vary based on specific ingredients)
- Sugar: Approx. 3-5g per serving
- Sodium: Approx. 500-700mg per serving (using low-sodium broth)
- Fat: Approx. 10-15g per serving
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 50-60g per serving
- Fiber: Approx. 3-5g per serving
- Protein: Approx. 30-35g per serving