Juicy High Protein Chicken Orzo
A delightful one-pot dish packed with protein-rich chicken and vibrant vegetables, delivering a cozy feeling of togetherness and joy with every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, diced into 1-inch cubes Choose high-quality chicken for juiciness.
- 1 tsp garlic powder A quick way to add depth without peeling.
- 0.25 tsp salt Always use a pinch to enhance flavor.
- 0.5 tsp black pepper Adjust to taste.
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes For a subtle kick; adjust if you like heat.
- 1 tbsp olive oil For sautéing chicken.
- 0.5 cup chopped yellow onion Adds sweetness and aroma.
- 2 cups fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch segments Provides crunch and color.
- 1 tbsp finely chopped garlic Usually about 3 cloves.
- 8 oz uncooked orzo pasta Quick-cooking pasta.
- 2.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth Base for the sauce.
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1/4 tsp dried thyme Matches perfectly with chicken.
- 1/3 cup half-and-half or milk Adds creamy richness.
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese For flavor.
- 2 cups baby spinach Adds nutrients and color.
- 1 tbsp olive oil For finishing touches.
- to taste chopped parsley For garnish.
- to taste extra parmesan cheese For those who love extra cheese.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a cozy skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil. Add your diced chicken, season with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until golden and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion and asparagus along with finely chopped garlic. Stir together for about 3-4 minutes until the onion softens.
- Pour in the uncooked orzo and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
- Once boiling, reduce to a simmer. Add thyme, half-and-half, and parmesan cheese. Let simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked and creamy.
- Stir in the baby spinach until wilted, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese.
Notes
To prep ahead, chop your veggies and marinate your chicken the day before. Keep an eye on the orzo to prevent it from becoming mushy. Use fresh herbs for best flavor. Adjust seasoning while cooking. Add broth or milk if the dish is too thick when serving.