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- 1 cup orzo pasta - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 1 cup kale, chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved The main ingredients in this dish are simple yet flavorful. Orzo pasta gives a nice texture. Chicken breasts add lean protein. Kale provides nutrients, while cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst of flavor. - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional) - Fresh parsley, for garnish The seasonings enhance the dish's taste. Garlic and onion offer a savory base. Oregano and paprika give warmth. Using low-sodium chicken broth makes this meal heart-healthy. Optional toppings like feta cheese and parsley add a touch of flair. Each serving contains a good amount of protein. This dish can have around 30 grams of protein per serving. Using low-sodium chicken broth helps reduce salt intake. This is great for heart health while keeping flavor intact. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook it until it is lightly browned and fully cooked. This takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Season it well with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and paprika. These spices boost the flavor. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Next, in the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Sauté it for 3 to 4 minutes until it softens. After that, add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. Be careful not to burn it. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Stir in the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions, which is usually around 8 to 10 minutes. Wait until the orzo is al dente. When the orzo is nearly done, add the chopped kale and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. They will wilt and warm through nicely. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Mix everything together until well combined. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. For a fun touch, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before serving. This adds a creamy flavor that pairs well. For presentation, serve the orzo in deep bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of feta for a colorful finish. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch. Enjoy your wholesome meal! To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a food thermometer. Chicken should reach 165°F. This keeps it juicy and safe to eat. Cook the diced chicken in olive oil for about 6-8 minutes. It should be lightly browned. Make sure to season well with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika for flavor. To avoid mushy orzo pasta, follow the cooking time on the package. Stir it occasionally while it cooks. Add the orzo to boiling chicken broth to help it cook evenly. Check the pasta a minute or two before the timer goes off. It should be al dente, firm but tender. To increase protein content, consider adding beans or chickpeas. They blend well with the dish and add more fiber. You can also use turkey instead of chicken. For a vegetarian option, try tofu or tempeh. They absorb flavors nicely and make a great substitute. If you want to switch up the ingredients, use spinach instead of kale. You can also try bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies. If you love cheese, sprinkle more feta on top for a richer taste. For storing leftovers, let the dish cool down first. Then, place it in an airtight container. It can last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. This makes it easy for quick meals later. When reheating, use the microwave for quick results. Place a damp paper towel over the dish to keep it moist. You can also reheat it on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth to keep it from drying out. Enjoy your wholesome meal again! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh kale and ripe cherry tomatoes will enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your dish. Adjust Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the orzo as it cooks; overcooking can result in a mushy texture. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add other spices like crushed red pepper or Italian seasoning for more depth of flavor. Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth. {{image_2}} You can switch out chicken for turkey. Turkey gives a similar taste and stays lean. For a plant-based option, try tofu or beans. Tofu absorbs flavors well and adds protein. Beans like chickpeas or black beans work too. They are tasty and filling. For vegetarian options, use a mix of vegetables and proteins. This keeps the dish healthy and satisfying. If you don’t have kale, try spinach or Swiss chard. Both greens are rich in nutrients. They add color and flavor. You can also mix in other vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots brighten the dish. Each option brings a new taste and texture. Get creative based on what you have at home. To change the flavor, add lemon zest or fresh herbs. Lemon gives a bright and fresh taste. Herbs like basil or thyme add depth. For a spicy kick, sprinkle in chili flakes. This adds heat and excitement. You can adjust these flavors to match your mood or meal. You can store High Protein Chicken Orzo in the fridge for up to three days. Use airtight containers to keep it fresh. Glass or plastic containers work well. Avoid leaving it out for more than two hours to prevent spoilage. If you want to freeze it, store it in freezer-safe bags or containers. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. This method keeps the texture nice and prevents mushiness. Reheat your Chicken Orzo gently to keep it flavorful. The best way is to use the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help it warm evenly. You can also use the microwave if you're in a hurry. Just cover it and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Orzo is a type of pasta that looks like rice. It is made from wheat and is small and oval-shaped. You can use orzo in many dishes, like soups or salads. It absorbs flavors well, making it tasty in any meal. To make this dish even better for you, try adding more veggies. You can include bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. These add fiber and vitamins. You can also add more protein. Chickpeas, lentils, or nuts work great. They boost protein and give nice texture. Yes, you can prep this recipe in advance. Cook the chicken and orzo, then store them separately. Put them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, simply heat them together. This keeps the flavors fresh and delicious. This blog post explored a delicious orzo chicken dish. I shared key ingredients, tasty seasonings, and nutritional benefits. You learned how to cook chicken and orzo perfectly, with tips for flavor and meal prep. In conclusion, you can easily customize this dish to fit your tastes. Whether you prefer different proteins or vegetables, the options are endless. Enjoy experimenting and creating meals that keep you healthy and satisfied!

High Protein Chicken Orzo

A nutritious and filling dish featuring orzo pasta, chicken, and vegetables, packed with protein.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup kale, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 2 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
  • for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until lightly browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to burn it.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
  • When the orzo is nearly cooked, add the chopped kale and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, allowing them to wilt and warm through.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix everything together until well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  • If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before serving for an added flavor boost.

Notes

Serve the orzo in deep bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of feta for a colorful finish. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch.
Keyword chicken, healthy, high protein, orzo, pasta