Welcome to this lovely space where we gather today to create something nourishing for both body and soul: High Protein Chicken Orzo. Imagine stepping into your kitchen, feeling a warmth that wraps around you like a comforting blanket. You are about to embark on a culinary journey that will fill your home with delightful aromas and your heart with peace.

Cooking is not just about preparing food; it’s a sacred act of love toward ourselves and those we cherish. As we chop, sauté, and stir, we create a harmonious blend of flavors and nutrients that not only satisfy our hunger but also nourish our spirit. This High Protein Chicken Orzo is a perfect example of such a meal, brimming with wholesome ingredients that bring healing and warmth.

Imagine succulent, tender chicken nestled among soft orzo pasta, all mingled with the fresh essence of herbs and the gentle flavor of spinach. Each ingredient is chosen with care and intention, supporting your body and enlivening your senses. So, let’s prepare this nourishing dish together, step by step.

Why This High Protein Chicken Orzo Brings Comfort and Nourishment

Isn’t it beautiful how food has the power to evoke memories and emotions? This High Protein Chicken Orzo isn’t just a meal; it’s a heartfelt embrace, a reminder of home-cooked warmth. Each spoonful takes us back to cherished moments, the laughter around a dinner table, and the gentle chatter of loved ones.

Chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and overall wellness. Combined with the rich, hearty orzo, this dish not only satisfies the appetite but supports our journey towards better health. Fresh spinach adds vibrant color and vital nutrients, and the creamy feta adds a delightful tang. Together, they form a dish that comforts deeply while rejuvenating the spirit.

Let us take this calm moment to reflect on how each ingredient has a purpose that nourishes us engaging our senses in the act of preparation and the joy of serving.

Step By Step How to Prepare High Protein Chicken Orzo

To start, gather your ingredients and find a calm space in your kitchen. Cooking becomes a beautiful ritual when we focus on the present moment. Let’s dive into the first steps of this nurturing recipe.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Imagine the oil shimmering like golden sunbeams. It’s time to add the cubed chicken. Season it lovingly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. As the chicken cooks, listen for the gentle sizzle; it’s a welcome sound in our kitchen sanctuary. Cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s just right, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside, allowing its juices to rest and deepen in flavor.

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Now, let’s invite the onion to join the party. Sauté until it turns translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes. Breathe in the soft sweetness as it cooks. Now, add the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute. You’ll find that the fragrance lifts your spirits—each whiff comforting and familiar.

Next, gently stir in the orzo pasta. Take a moment to toast it for about 2 minutes until it’s lightly golden. This step brings out its nutty flavor, setting a beautiful base for the dish.

Now, pour in the chicken broth and tomatoes with their juices. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer as you stir well. Allow it to cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch intently as the orzo becomes tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, creating a lovely, creamy texture.

At this point, return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the fresh spinach. Gently stir and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes. You’ll notice the spinach wilting down, its vibrant green settling sweetly among the other ingredients, filling your dish with life.

Take the skillet off the heat. It’s time for a moment of joy—stir in the feta cheese, lemon juice, oregano, and basil. Watch as each ingredient melds together in a harmonious dance of colors and flavors. Each bite will bring a note of brightness and tang.

Garnish your creation with freshly chopped parsley before serving, adding a delightful pop of green to your comforting dish.

Wholesome Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this nourishing High Protein Chicken Orzo, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup canned tomatoes, diced and undrained
• 1 cup spinach, fresh or frozen
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Gathering these ingredients is a wonderful way to connect with nature, as each one brings its own color, scent, and life to your kitchen.

How to Serve High Protein Chicken Orzo with Intention

Serving is as essential as cooking, so let’s bring mindfulness to the table. Once your High Protein Chicken Orzo is ready, serve it warm in beautiful bowls. Take a moment to appreciate the vibrant colors swirling together a gentle reminder of the abundance around us.

To elevate the experience, consider placing lemon wedges on the side, inviting your guests to add a sprinkle of freshness to their bowls. Encourage those you serve to savor each bite, discussing flavors and memories entwined with food. Make it a time for connection, where stories and laughter emerge, creating lasting moments over a nourishing dish.

How to Store High Protein Chicken Orzo the Right Way

If there’s any lovely orzo left over, don’t fret! You can store it to enjoy later. Allow it to cool down completely before transferring it into an airtight container. This will keep it fresh and flavorful, just like a cherished memory tucked away for another day.

Place the container in the refrigerator and enjoy your leftovers within 3-4 days. If you want to save it for later, consider freezing in individual portions. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

Mama Lila’s Helpful Tips

As you embark on making this comforting dish, remember a few of Mama Lila’s nurturing tips for a successful kitchen experience.

First, be patient with yourself. Cooking is a journey, and each step brings its own lessons. Take your time to enjoy the process, feeling the textures and aromas.

Second, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasonings to your taste. Cooking is personal—let your palate guide you. Perhaps you like a bit more garlic or want to experiment with spices that speak to you.

Lastly, involve your loved ones if you can. Cooking together can be a wonderful bonding experience, filled with laughter and shared stories.

Peaceful Variations to Explore

As you grow more comfortable with this High Protein Chicken Orzo, feel free to explore some peaceful variations. You might want to substitute shrimp or tofu for the chicken. Both options will bring their own unique flavors and qualities, opening up new paths in your culinary adventure.

Consider adding seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for a colorful array of nutrients. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to introduce a delightful twist to the original flavor.

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High Protein Chicken Orzo

A nourishing and comforting dish featuring tender chicken and soft orzo pasta, enhanced with fresh spinach and creamy feta.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed Great source of lean protein.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing.
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped Adds sweetness.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced Provides flavor.
• 1 cup orzo pasta Hearty base for the dish.
• 2 cups chicken broth For cooking orzo.
• 1 cup canned tomatoes, diced and undrained Adds moisture and flavor.
• 1 cup spinach, fresh or frozen Provides nutrients.
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled Adds creaminess and tang.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice Brightens the dish.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano Herb for flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil Herb for flavor.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
• Salt and pepper to taste To season the dish.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder Optional seasoning.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder Optional seasoning.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the chopped onion. Sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
6. Stir in the orzo pasta, toasting it for about 2 minutes.
7. Pour in chicken broth and tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Return the cooked chicken and add fresh spinach, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
9. Remove from heat and stir in feta cheese, lemon juice, oregano, and basil.
10. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Refrigerate and enjoy within 3-4 days, or freeze in portions for later use.

Tried this recipe?

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Common Questions About High Protein Chicken Orzo

1. Can I use whole wheat orzo pasta?

Yes, you can! Whole wheat orzo adds extra fiber and nutrition to the dish, making it even more wholesome. Just remember to keep an eye on the cooking time—it may take a few minutes longer to reach the perfect tenderness.

2. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This High Protein Chicken Orzo stores beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Prepare a larger batch, portion it out, and you’ll have nourishing meals ready for the week ahead.

3. What can I substitute for feta cheese?

If you’re avoiding dairy, you can easily replace feta with nutritional yeast for a naturally cheesy flavor. Alternatively, a dairy-free feta made from nuts works wonderfully as well, maintaining the creamy texture and savory touch.

As we conclude this comforting kitchen journey, remember that cooking is not just about the food but about the love and care behind each dish. This High Protein Chicken Orzo is more than a recipe; it’s a way to nourish ourselves and those we care about.

May your kitchen be filled with warmth, joy, and the delightful flavors of your creation. Happy cooking!