Description
High Protein Creamy Chicken Orzo is a cozy one pan dinner made with tender chicken breast, orzo, spinach, Greek yogurt, and parmesan. It is creamy, filling, family friendly, and packed with protein for an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite size pieces
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup dry orzo
2 1/4 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large 12 inch skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
3. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Stir in the diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add the dry orzo and toast for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often, until lightly golden.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
6. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Greek yogurt and parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the spinach and stir for 1 to 2 minutes until wilted.
8. Finish with lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve warm.
Notes
Use full fat or 2 percent Greek yogurt for the creamiest texture.
Lower the heat before stirring in the yogurt so the sauce stays smooth.
Add a splash of extra broth when reheating because orzo continues to absorb liquid.
Freshly grated parmesan melts better than pre shredded cheese.
For extra veggies, add mushrooms, peas, or chopped zucchini.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 96 mg