High Protein Chicken Orzo

$- 2 cups orzo pasta - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced - 1 cup spinach, chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cooked chickpeas (canned or boiled) - 4 cups chicken broth - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) High Protein Chicken Orzo is a delightful dish packed with flavor and nutrition. You need simple, fresh ingredients to make it shine. Here’s a breakdown of what you will use: - Orzo Pasta: This small pasta cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. - Chicken Breast: Lean protein that keeps the dish filling and healthy. - Spinach: Adds great color and nutrients; it cooks down nicely. - Cherry Tomatoes: They bring sweetness and juiciness to the dish. - Chickpeas: A fantastic source of protein and fiber that adds texture. - Chicken Broth: It gives the dish a robust, savory base. - Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps cook the chicken perfectly. - Seasonings: Garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt enhance the taste. - Garnish: Fresh parsley makes it look appealing and fresh. These ingredients come together to create a warm, comforting meal. Each one plays a role in the flavor and nutrition of the dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Sautéing the Chicken Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast. Season it with garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked. This step adds flavor and ensures the chicken is juicy. - Toasting the Orzo Next, add the orzo pasta to the pot. Stir it well with the chicken. Toast the orzo for about 2 minutes. This helps it absorb more flavors later on. Keep stirring to avoid burning. - Simmering the Ingredients Now, pour in the chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes. The orzo will soak up most of the liquid and become tender. - Combining with Vegetables After simmering, add the cherry tomatoes, chopped spinach, and cooked chickpeas to the pot. Stir everything well. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. This step adds color and nutrients to your dish as the spinach wilts. - Final Adjustments Taste your dish and add more salt or spices if needed. Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a few minutes. This resting time helps the flavors blend better. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flair. Enjoy your delicious High Protein Chicken Orzo! - Perfecting the Sautéed Chicken: Start with a hot pan. Add olive oil first. When the oil shimmers, add the diced chicken. Season it with garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. This step ensures juicy and flavorful chicken. - Ensuring Proper Orzo Texture: Toast the orzo in the pan for about 2 minutes before adding broth. This gives the pasta a nutty flavor. Make sure to stir often. When you add the broth, let it come to a boil. Lower the heat and cover the pot. Simmer until most liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes. - Flavor Enhancements: You can add red pepper flakes for a kick. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme also work well. Squeeze a little lemon juice before serving. It brightens up all the flavors. - Ideas for Serving: Use bowl plates for a warm, inviting look. Serve the orzo hot, straight from the pot. This keeps everything cozy and fresh. - Garnishing Suggestions: Top your dish with fresh chopped parsley. This adds a pop of color. For extra spice, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top. It makes the dish look appealing and adds flavor. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta Texture: For al dente orzo, make sure to monitor the cooking time closely. Orzo should be firm to the bite, providing a nice texture in the dish. Seasoning the Chicken: Don’t skimp on seasoning the chicken before cooking. This foundational step infuses flavor into the entire dish, making it more delicious. Add Garlic Freshly: For an extra punch of flavor, consider adding freshly minced garlic when you sauté the chicken instead of garlic powder. Customizable Vegetables: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Zucchini, bell peppers, or peas can be great additions! {{image_2}} Alternative Proteins You can swap chicken for other proteins. Try turkey or tofu for a lighter meal. Shrimp also works well if you like seafood. For a vegetarian option, use lentils or tempeh. Each choice brings its own unique taste and texture. Vegetable Swaps Feel free to change the vegetables. Use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach. Zucchini or bell peppers add color and crunch. Carrots or peas can also boost nutrition. Get creative with what you have on hand! Adding Quinoa Quinoa is a great way to add more protein. Cook it separately, then mix it in with the orzo. Quinoa adds a nutty flavor and a nice bite. It also packs a healthy punch with fiber and vitamins. Incorporating Nuts and Seeds Nuts and seeds add extra protein and crunch. Consider adding slivered almonds or sunflower seeds. They give a delightful texture and flavor. Sprinkle them on top just before serving for a tasty finish. - Refrigeration Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Let the dish cool down first. Place it in the fridge within two hours. It will stay fresh for up to four days. - Freezing Guidance: You can freeze leftovers too! Use a freezer-safe container. The dish can last for up to three months in the freezer. To avoid freezer burn, remove as much air as possible. - Best Ways to Reheat: The best way to reheat High Protein Chicken Orzo is on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help it warm evenly. Heat on low, stirring often. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between. This keeps it moist and tasty. How high is the protein content in High Protein Chicken Orzo? High Protein Chicken Orzo packs a lot of protein. You get about 40 grams per serving. The chicken and chickpeas boost this amount. Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat it when ready to eat. Can I use whole grain orzo instead? Absolutely! Whole grain orzo is a great choice. It adds fiber and keeps the dish healthy. The cooking time may be a bit longer, so check the package. What sides pair well with High Protein Chicken Orzo? This orzo dish goes well with a fresh salad. You can also serve it with roasted veggies. Try some crusty bread to soak up the flavors. How do I adjust the recipe for more servings? To make more servings, simply double or triple the ingredients. Keep the same cooking steps. Just make sure your pot is big enough! This blog post covered a tasty recipe featuring orzo, chicken, and veggies. We walked through ingredients, steps, and tips to enhance your dish. You now know about storage, reheating, and even variations for your needs. Cooking doesn’t have to be hard. With these steps, you can enjoy a healthy meal that you can share or adapt. I hope you feel confident to try making this dish today. Happy cooking!$

High Protein Chicken Orzo

A nutritious and filling dish combining chicken, orzo pasta, and vegetables for a protein-packed meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Ingredients

2 cups orzo pasta
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
1 cup spinach, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cooked chickpeas (canned or boiled)
4 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
to taste salt
as needed fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, season with garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Sauté until the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Once the chicken is cooked, add the orzo pasta to the pot, stirring to combine with the chicken. Toast the orzo for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes or until the orzo has absorbed most of the liquid.
Stir in the cherry tomatoes, spinach, and cooked chickpeas. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted and everything is combined.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or spices as needed.
Remove from heat and let stand for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve in bowl plates, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added color and spice. Enjoy hot!

Keyword Chicken, healthy, high protein, orzo, pasta