35g Protein High Protein Chicken Orzo Recipe in 30 Minutes

You know those nights when you need something quick, filling, and packed with protein? This high protein chicken orzo has been my go-to for years—it’s the kind of meal that keeps you full without weighing you down. I first stumbled onto this combo during my college days when I needed fuel after long workouts, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. The chicken gives you that lean protein punch, while the orzo soaks up all the savory goodness of the broth. Plus, it comes together in about 30 minutes flat. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked.

Why You’ll Love This High Protein Chicken Orzo

This dish isn’t just another weeknight meal—it’s a total win for so many reasons:

• Quick & easy: Done in 30 minutes flat, even on your busiest days
• Protein-packed: That chicken gives you 35g of protein per serving—hello, post-workout fuel!
• Comfort food vibes: Creamy orzo with golden chicken? Yes please
• Mediterranean flavors: Garlic, paprika, and rich broth make it taste way fancier than it is
• Meal prep friendly: Tastes even better as leftovers (if it lasts that long!)

Seriously, this recipe checks all the boxes—it’s my not-so-secret weapon for delicious, balanced eating. You can find more quick dinner ideas on our blog.

Ingredients for High Protein Chicken Orzo

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this protein-packed beauty – and trust me, keeping it simple is the secret here:

• 2 chicken breasts (about 1 lb total, boneless and skinless – pat them dry for perfect browning)
• 1 cup uncooked orzo (that little rice-shaped pasta that soaks up flavor like a dream)
• 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium is my go-to so you can control the salt)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin for that nice fruity note)
• 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste – I always do a little taste test at the end)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked if you’ve got it)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (the quick flavor booster that never lets me down)
• 1/2 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet – both work great here)

That’s it! No fancy ingredients – just good stuff that comes together magically in one pan. Now let’s get cooking!

Equipment Needed

You won’t need anything fancy here – just the basics from your kitchen:

• Large skillet (with a lid – trust me, you’ll need it for simmering)
• Chef’s knife (for slicing that juicy chicken)
• Measuring cups (for perfect orzo-to-broth ratio)
• Tongs or spatula (for flipping chicken like a pro)

That’s seriously all you need – no special gadgets required!

How to Make High Protein Chicken Orzo

Alright, let’s get cooking! This recipe comes together in four simple steps – just follow along and you’ll have a protein-packed meal ready before you know it.

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

First things first – pat those chicken breasts dry with paper towels (this helps them get that perfect golden crust). Heat your olive oil in the skillet over medium heat while you season both sides of the chicken generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken. Don’t touch it for about 6 minutes – that’s how you get that beautiful crust! Flip and cook another 5-6 minutes until it hits 165°F inside. Remove it to a plate and let it rest while you work on the orzo.

Step 2: Toast the Orzo

Same pan, no need to wash it – all those browned bits equal extra flavor! Add the orzo and stir constantly for about 2 minutes until it turns lightly golden and smells nutty. This quick toast makes all the difference – but watch closely because orzo can burn fast if you walk away!

Step 3: Simmer with Broth

Now pour in your chicken broth – it’ll sizzle and steam dramatically (don’t be alarmed!). Scrape up any browned bits from the pan bottom – that’s liquid gold. Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Peek once to stir – the orzo should absorb most of the liquid and be al dente.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

While the orzo finishes, slice your rested chicken against the grain into thick strips. Fluff the orzo with a fork, then arrange the chicken on top. I like to drizzle with a little extra olive oil and maybe some fresh parsley if I’m feeling fancy. Dig in while it’s hot – the creamy orzo and juicy chicken are magic together!

Tips for Perfect High Protein Chicken Orzo

Here are my tried-and-true tricks to make this dish shine every single time:

• Rest that chicken! Letting it sit for 5 minutes after cooking keeps all those juices inside when you slice.
• Broth matters: Use the best quality chicken broth you can find – it makes ALL the difference in flavor.
• Watch the toast: Orzo goes from golden to burnt in seconds, so stay close during toasting.
• Double it up: This recipe scales beautifully – just use a bigger pan if you’re feeding a crowd.
• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of parsley or dill at the end adds a bright pop of freshness.

Follow these simple tips, and you’ll have restaurant-quality chicken orzo right at home! If you enjoy quick chicken meals, check out our baked chicken in tomato sauce recipe.

Ingredient Substitutions

Out of something? No worries – this recipe is super flexible! Here are my favorite swaps that still keep it delicious:

• Chicken thighs work great if you prefer darker meat (just cook a few minutes longer)
• Turkey breast makes a lean alternative with similar cooking times
• Quinoa or couscous can stand in for orzo – adjust broth amounts slightly
• Vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian while still packing flavor
• Fresh garlic instead of powder? Use 2 cloves minced when cooking the chicken

The beauty of this dish is how adaptable it is – make it your own!

Serving Suggestions for High Protein Chicken Orzo

This dish shines all on its own, but if you want to make it a full meal, here’s how I love to serve it:

• Roasted veggies: Toss some zucchini or cherry tomatoes with olive oil and roast while the orzo cooks
• Greek salad: The fresh cucumbers and feta cut through the richness perfectly
• Garlic bread: Because who can resist mopping up that savory broth?
• Simple greens: A quick arugula salad with lemon dressing keeps it light

My favorite? Just a big bowl of this chicken orzo with extra black pepper – sometimes simple is best!

Storage and Reheating

Here’s the good news – this chicken orzo tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, splash in a tablespoon of water or broth before microwaving – it brings back that creamy texture perfectly. Pro tip: the chicken stays juicier if you reheat it separately from the orzo!

Nutrition Information

Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (about 1.5 cups): around 450 calories with a whopping 35g protein! Keep in mind these are estimates – your exact numbers might vary slightly depending on your specific ingredients. But one thing’s for sure – it’s a protein powerhouse!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat orzo?
Absolutely! Whole wheat orzo works great here – just add an extra 1/4 cup of broth and cook for 2-3 minutes longer since it absorbs liquid slower. The nutty flavor pairs beautifully with the chicken.

How do I double this recipe?
Easy peasy – just double all ingredients and use a large Dutch oven instead of a skillet. You might need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid crowding the pan. The orzo will take about the same time to cook!

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
You bet! This is one of my favorite meal prep dishes. Store cooked chicken separately from the orzo, then combine when reheating with a splash of broth to keep it moist. It stays fresh for 3 days in the fridge.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?
No worries – vegetable broth works perfectly fine. In a pinch, you can even use water with an extra pinch of salt and garlic powder. The chicken’s flavor will still shine through!

Share Your Feedback

Made this chicken orzo? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Tag me on Instagram or leave a comment below – your notes help me create even better recipes for you. You can also follow us on Pinterest for more inspiration.

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