![- 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound) - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional) - Fresh parsley for garnish When you make High Protein Chicken Orzo, you need fresh and quality ingredients. Start with orzo pasta as your base. This tiny pasta cooks quickly and pairs well with chicken. Next, the chicken breasts provide protein. Choose boneless and skinless for easy cooking. They will turn juicy and tender with the right seasoning. Chicken broth adds flavor and helps the orzo cook perfectly. I use low-sodium broth to control salt levels. For vegetables, you'll want to add color and nutrients. Olive oil helps cook the onion and garlic, building a tasty base. Fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes bring brightness and health benefits. Seasoning is key. Dried oregano and smoked paprika add depth. Don't forget to taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Lastly, if you love cheese, a sprinkle of feta adds creaminess. Fresh parsley as a garnish makes your dish pop. These ingredients come together for a meal that's quick, easy, and full of flavor. For the complete recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. First, bring the chicken broth to a simmer in a medium saucepan. This step adds great flavor to the orzo. Next, add the orzo and cook it based on the package instructions, usually around 8 to 10 minutes. You want it to be al dente. Once done, drain the orzo and set it aside for later. Take the chicken breasts and season them well. Sprinkle salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika on both sides. These spices pack a punch of flavor. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side. You want it to be golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and sauté it for about 3 to 4 minutes until it is soft and translucent. Then, add minced garlic and sauté for another minute. Next, stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Cook everything until the tomatoes soften and the spinach wilts, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked orzo to the skillet with the vegetable mixture. Toss them to mix well. Slice the rested chicken and place it on top of the orzo. If you want, sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese over the dish. This adds a nice creamy touch. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Finish by garnishing with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your high protein chicken orzo! You can find the full recipe [here](#). - Ensure chicken is properly seasoned for maximum flavor. Use salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika. - Monitor cooking times to avoid overcooking orzo and chicken. Cook orzo until al dente. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. - Experiment with additional spices or herbs. Try basil, thyme, or red pepper flakes for a kick. - Consider marinating chicken beforehand for added flavor. A simple mix of olive oil, lemon, and herbs works great. - Chicken and orzo are high in protein. Chicken offers about 26 grams, while orzo adds another 7 grams per cup. - The dish provides nutritional advantages with included vegetables. Spinach and tomatoes add vitamins A and C, plus fiber. {{image_2}} You can switch chicken for turkey, shrimp, or tofu. Each option offers a new taste. Turkey gives a mild flavor. Shrimp adds a seafood twist, while tofu provides a plant-based choice. You might also try chickpeas or beans for a hearty, plant-based version. These choices keep the dish high in protein and fun. Feel free to mix in seasonal vegetables. Zucchini and bell peppers work great. They add crunch and color. You can also add leafy greens like kale or arugula. These greens boost nutrition and flavor. They make the dish even more vibrant and healthy. Pair your orzo with a fresh side salad or some crusty bread. These sides complement the meal perfectly. You can also make this dish for meal prep. It’s great for family dinners too. Each portion stays tasty in the fridge for a few days. Enjoy your flavorful and quick meal! To keep your High Protein Chicken Orzo fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down to room temperature first. This will help avoid condensation and sogginess. You can safely eat the leftovers within three to four days. If the dish smells off or looks strange, it's best to toss it. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Divide the orzo into portions and place them in freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps to prevent freezer burn. The dish can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight for best results. Reheating requires care to keep the texture nice. For best results, use the stovetop. Heat it gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to moisten. If you prefer to use a microwave, cover it loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps heat evenly without drying it out. It takes about 30 minutes to make High Protein Chicken Orzo. You will need 10 minutes to prep and about 20 minutes to cook. This quick meal is great for busy days. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. Absolutely! High Protein Chicken Orzo is perfect for meal prepping. You can portion it into individual containers. This way, you have easy lunches or dinners ready for the week. Just remember to cool the dish before storing. You can serve this dish with a side salad, steamed veggies, or garlic bread. A light white wine or sparkling water pairs well too. Feel free to explore different sides to make your meal even better. This blog post covered making a tasty High Protein Chicken Orzo. You learned about key ingredients, from orzo to vegetables. Each step showed how to cook and combine everything perfectly. We discussed tips to enhance flavor and suggested healthy variations. Storing tips help keep your dish fresh for later meals. Enjoying this recipe can be easy and fun. Try it with friends or family for a tasty meal! Cooking can bring joy, and I hope you feel inspired.](https://stirredrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/99ad66e7-be7a-4103-b809-c961b40caf57.webp)
Looking for a quick and tasty meal? My High Protein Chicken Orzo is here to save your dinner plans. With tender chicken, nutritious orzo, and colorful veggies, it’s packed with flavor and protein. You can whip it up in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Let’s dive into the easy steps and delicious ingredients that will make your taste buds dance!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 cup orzo pasta
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
– 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Vegetables and Flavor Enhancers
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup fresh spinach
Seasonings and Optional Ingredients
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
– Fresh parsley for garnish
When you make High Protein Chicken Orzo, you need fresh and quality ingredients. Start with orzo pasta as your base. This tiny pasta cooks quickly and pairs well with chicken.
Next, the chicken breasts provide protein. Choose boneless and skinless for easy cooking. They will turn juicy and tender with the right seasoning.
Chicken broth adds flavor and helps the orzo cook perfectly. I use low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
For vegetables, you’ll want to add color and nutrients. Olive oil helps cook the onion and garlic, building a tasty base. Fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes bring brightness and health benefits.
Seasoning is key. Dried oregano and smoked paprika add depth. Don’t forget to taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking.
Lastly, if you love cheese, a sprinkle of feta adds creaminess. Fresh parsley as a garnish makes your dish pop.
These ingredients come together for a meal that’s quick, easy, and full of flavor. For the complete recipe, check out [Full Recipe].
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Orzo
First, bring the chicken broth to a simmer in a medium saucepan. This step adds great flavor to the orzo. Next, add the orzo and cook it based on the package instructions, usually around 8 to 10 minutes. You want it to be al dente. Once done, drain the orzo and set it aside for later.
Preparing the Chicken
Take the chicken breasts and season them well. Sprinkle salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika on both sides. These spices pack a punch of flavor. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side. You want it to be golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Making the Vegetable Mixture
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and sauté it for about 3 to 4 minutes until it is soft and translucent. Then, add minced garlic and sauté for another minute. Next, stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Cook everything until the tomatoes soften and the spinach wilts, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
Combining the Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked orzo to the skillet with the vegetable mixture. Toss them to mix well. Slice the rested chicken and place it on top of the orzo. If you want, sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese over the dish. This adds a nice creamy touch. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Finish by garnishing with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your high protein chicken orzo! You can find the full recipe [here](#).
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
– Ensure chicken is properly seasoned for maximum flavor. Use salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika.
– Monitor cooking times to avoid overcooking orzo and chicken. Cook orzo until al dente. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Flavor Enhancements
– Experiment with additional spices or herbs. Try basil, thyme, or red pepper flakes for a kick.
– Consider marinating chicken beforehand for added flavor. A simple mix of olive oil, lemon, and herbs works great.
Health Benefits
– Chicken and orzo are high in protein. Chicken offers about 26 grams, while orzo adds another 7 grams per cup.
– The dish provides nutritional advantages with included vegetables. Spinach and tomatoes add vitamins A and C, plus fiber.
Variations
Alternative Proteins
You can switch chicken for turkey, shrimp, or tofu. Each option offers a new taste. Turkey gives a mild flavor. Shrimp adds a seafood twist, while tofu provides a plant-based choice. You might also try chickpeas or beans for a hearty, plant-based version. These choices keep the dish high in protein and fun.
Vegetable Substitutions
Feel free to mix in seasonal vegetables. Zucchini and bell peppers work great. They add crunch and color. You can also add leafy greens like kale or arugula. These greens boost nutrition and flavor. They make the dish even more vibrant and healthy.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your orzo with a fresh side salad or some crusty bread. These sides complement the meal perfectly. You can also make this dish for meal prep. It’s great for family dinners too. Each portion stays tasty in the fridge for a few days. Enjoy your flavorful and quick meal!
Storage Info
Refrigeration
To keep your High Protein Chicken Orzo fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down to room temperature first. This will help avoid condensation and sogginess. You can safely eat the leftovers within three to four days. If the dish smells off or looks strange, it’s best to toss it.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Divide the orzo into portions and place them in freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps to prevent freezer burn. The dish can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating Tips
Reheating requires care to keep the texture nice. For best results, use the stovetop. Heat it gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to moisten. If you prefer to use a microwave, cover it loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps heat evenly without drying it out.
FAQs
How long does it take to make High Protein Chicken Orzo?
It takes about 30 minutes to make High Protein Chicken Orzo. You will need 10 minutes to prep and about 20 minutes to cook. This quick meal is great for busy days.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stove.
Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely! High Protein Chicken Orzo is perfect for meal prepping. You can portion it into individual containers. This way, you have easy lunches or dinners ready for the week. Just remember to cool the dish before storing.
What can I serve with High Protein Chicken Orzo?
You can serve this dish with a side salad, steamed veggies, or garlic bread. A light white wine or sparkling water pairs well too. Feel free to explore different sides to make your meal even better.
This blog post covered making a tasty High Protein Chicken Orzo. You learned about key ingredients, from orzo to vegetables. Each step showed how to cook and combine everything perfectly. We discussed tips to enhance flavor and suggested healthy variations. Storing tips help keep your dish fresh for later meals. Enjoying this recipe can be easy and fun. Try it with friends or family for a tasty meal! Cooking can bring joy, and I hope you feel inspired.
![- 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound) - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional) - Fresh parsley for garnish When you make High Protein Chicken Orzo, you need fresh and quality ingredients. Start with orzo pasta as your base. This tiny pasta cooks quickly and pairs well with chicken. Next, the chicken breasts provide protein. Choose boneless and skinless for easy cooking. They will turn juicy and tender with the right seasoning. Chicken broth adds flavor and helps the orzo cook perfectly. I use low-sodium broth to control salt levels. For vegetables, you'll want to add color and nutrients. Olive oil helps cook the onion and garlic, building a tasty base. Fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes bring brightness and health benefits. Seasoning is key. Dried oregano and smoked paprika add depth. Don't forget to taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Lastly, if you love cheese, a sprinkle of feta adds creaminess. Fresh parsley as a garnish makes your dish pop. These ingredients come together for a meal that's quick, easy, and full of flavor. For the complete recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. First, bring the chicken broth to a simmer in a medium saucepan. This step adds great flavor to the orzo. Next, add the orzo and cook it based on the package instructions, usually around 8 to 10 minutes. You want it to be al dente. Once done, drain the orzo and set it aside for later. Take the chicken breasts and season them well. Sprinkle salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika on both sides. These spices pack a punch of flavor. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side. You want it to be golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and sauté it for about 3 to 4 minutes until it is soft and translucent. Then, add minced garlic and sauté for another minute. Next, stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Cook everything until the tomatoes soften and the spinach wilts, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked orzo to the skillet with the vegetable mixture. Toss them to mix well. Slice the rested chicken and place it on top of the orzo. If you want, sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese over the dish. This adds a nice creamy touch. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Finish by garnishing with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your high protein chicken orzo! You can find the full recipe [here](#). - Ensure chicken is properly seasoned for maximum flavor. Use salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika. - Monitor cooking times to avoid overcooking orzo and chicken. Cook orzo until al dente. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. - Experiment with additional spices or herbs. Try basil, thyme, or red pepper flakes for a kick. - Consider marinating chicken beforehand for added flavor. A simple mix of olive oil, lemon, and herbs works great. - Chicken and orzo are high in protein. Chicken offers about 26 grams, while orzo adds another 7 grams per cup. - The dish provides nutritional advantages with included vegetables. Spinach and tomatoes add vitamins A and C, plus fiber. {{image_2}} You can switch chicken for turkey, shrimp, or tofu. Each option offers a new taste. Turkey gives a mild flavor. Shrimp adds a seafood twist, while tofu provides a plant-based choice. You might also try chickpeas or beans for a hearty, plant-based version. These choices keep the dish high in protein and fun. Feel free to mix in seasonal vegetables. Zucchini and bell peppers work great. They add crunch and color. You can also add leafy greens like kale or arugula. These greens boost nutrition and flavor. They make the dish even more vibrant and healthy. Pair your orzo with a fresh side salad or some crusty bread. These sides complement the meal perfectly. You can also make this dish for meal prep. It’s great for family dinners too. Each portion stays tasty in the fridge for a few days. Enjoy your flavorful and quick meal! To keep your High Protein Chicken Orzo fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down to room temperature first. This will help avoid condensation and sogginess. You can safely eat the leftovers within three to four days. If the dish smells off or looks strange, it's best to toss it. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Divide the orzo into portions and place them in freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps to prevent freezer burn. The dish can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight for best results. Reheating requires care to keep the texture nice. For best results, use the stovetop. Heat it gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to moisten. If you prefer to use a microwave, cover it loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps heat evenly without drying it out. It takes about 30 minutes to make High Protein Chicken Orzo. You will need 10 minutes to prep and about 20 minutes to cook. This quick meal is great for busy days. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. Absolutely! High Protein Chicken Orzo is perfect for meal prepping. You can portion it into individual containers. This way, you have easy lunches or dinners ready for the week. Just remember to cool the dish before storing. You can serve this dish with a side salad, steamed veggies, or garlic bread. A light white wine or sparkling water pairs well too. Feel free to explore different sides to make your meal even better. This blog post covered making a tasty High Protein Chicken Orzo. You learned about key ingredients, from orzo to vegetables. Each step showed how to cook and combine everything perfectly. We discussed tips to enhance flavor and suggested healthy variations. Storing tips help keep your dish fresh for later meals. Enjoying this recipe can be easy and fun. Try it with friends or family for a tasty meal! Cooking can bring joy, and I hope you feel inspired.](https://stirredrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/99ad66e7-be7a-4103-b809-c961b40caf57-300x300.webp)