If you’re looking for a meal that’s easy, nutritious, and doesn’t require washing 15 different pots and pans, you’ve landed in the right place. This High Protein Chicken Orzo is everything you need in a dinner—creamy, comforting, and loaded with muscle-building protein. It’s the perfect balance between indulgence and health, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or impressing your family with minimal effort.
Orzo might look like rice, but don’t let it fool you—it’s a tiny pasta that soaks up flavors like a dream. Paired with tender, juicy chicken and a velvety parmesan sauce, this One Pot Chicken Orzo delivers big on taste without keeping you tied to the stove for hours. Whether you’re hitting the gym, chasing after kids, or just need a hearty protein dinner that doesn’t involve another boring grilled chicken breast, this recipe has you covered.
Why You’ll Love High Protein Chicken Orzo
Let’s break it down:
1. High in Protein, High in Satisfaction
Chicken brings the protein, orzo brings the carbs, and together they create the ultimate high protein dinner that keeps you full and fueled. If you’re tired of dry, bland chicken meals, this creamy, flavorful dish will change your dinner game.
2. One Pot = Less Cleanup
No one enjoys standing over a sink full of dishes after dinner. This orzo recipe comes together in just one pot, meaning less mess and more time to kick back and enjoy your meal.
3. Creamy Without the Guilt
Yes, this creamy orzo is rich, but it doesn’t rely on heavy cream to get that luscious texture. The secret? A little parmesan, some broth, and just the right technique.
4. Versatile and Customizable
This recipe is fantastic as written, but if you want to switch things up, you can add different proteins, veggies, or spices to make it your own. More on that later!
Ingredients for High Protein Chicken Orzo
This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients, but the combination is pure magic.
The Essentials:
- Chicken Breasts – Lean, high in protein, and easy to cook.
- Orzo Pasta – A small pasta that gives the dish a creamy, risotto-like texture.
- Chicken Broth – Infuses deep flavor into the pasta as it cooks.
- Parmesan Cheese – Because everything is better with cheese.
- Garlic & Onion – The flavor base that makes the dish pop.
- Olive Oil – For sautéing and adding richness.
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor:
- Vegetables – Spinach, asparagus, bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.
- Red Pepper Flakes – If you like a little heat.
- Lemon Juice – For a fresh, bright finish.
How to Make High Protein Chicken Orzo (Step-by-Step Guide)
This dish comes together in just 30 minutes. Here’s how:
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear it until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add diced onions and minced garlic. Let them soften and release their flavors—your kitchen will smell amazing at this point.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Stir in the orzo pasta, letting it toast for a minute. This step adds a nutty depth of flavor that makes the final dish even better.
Step 4: Add the Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth, bring everything to a gentle simmer, and let the orzo with chicken cook until tender and infused with flavor.
Step 5: Stir in the Chicken and Cheese
Slice or shred the cooked chicken and stir it back into the pot. Add freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring until everything is beautifully creamy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Taste, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve your creamy high protein chicken orzo hot. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, or extra cheese for the finishing touch.
Pro Tips for the Best High Protein Chicken Orzo
1. Use Good Quality Chicken Broth
A flavorful broth is key to a rich, savory orzo. Homemade or a high-quality store-bought version works best.
2. Don’t Overcook the Orzo
Orzo cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it! You want it al dente—not mushy.
3. Want More Creaminess?
Stir in a little Greek yogurt or an extra sprinkle of parmesan at the end.
4. Add Greens for Extra Nutrients
Throw in some baby spinach or kale for added vitamins and color.
How to Serve High Protein Chicken Orzo
This dish is fantastic on its own, but if you want to make it a full spread, here are some great pairings:
- A Fresh Side Salad – Try this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup for a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Veggies – Pair it with Roasted Chicken Thighs and Potatoes for a hearty meal.
- A Glass of White Wine – A crisp Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect match for the creamy texture.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to bring back the creaminess.
- Freezing: Not recommended—pasta can turn mushy when frozen.
FAQs About High Protein Chicken Orzo
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs add extra juiciness and flavor.
What if I don’t have orzo?
You can use small pasta like ditalini, but the texture will be slightly different.
How do I make this dairy-free?
Skip the parmesan and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Can I add more veggies?
Yes! Mushrooms, bell peppers, and even zucchini work great in this dish.
How do I make this even higher in protein?
Add an extra chicken breast, stir in some white beans, or toss in some shredded rotisserie chicken.
More High-Protein Recipes to Try
If you loved this high protein chicken orzo, check out these other delicious, protein-packed meals:
High Protein Chicken Orzo
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cups fresh spinach chopped
- ½ lemon juiced
- Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup heavy cream for extra creaminess
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Season the diced chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for about 5 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Step 2: Sauté Aromatics & Toast the Orzo
- In the same pot, add onions and garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo pasta, letting it toast slightly for 1-2 minutes.
- Step 3: Simmer the Orzo
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 4: Add Chicken, Cheese & Spinach
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir in the parmesan cheese.
- Add the spinach, stirring until wilted.
- Step 5: Finish & Serve
- Remove from heat and squeeze in lemon juice.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra parmesan and fresh thyme.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, swap parmesan for nutritional yeast and use coconut milk instead of cream.
- If orzo absorbs too much liquid, add an extra splash of broth or milk before serving.
- This dish is best fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Not recommended for freezing as pasta texture may become mushy.
- For extra protein, add shredded rotisserie chicken or stir in a can of white beans.
If you’re looking for a protein dinner that’s easy, delicious, and satisfying, this high protein chicken orzo is the answer. It’s comforting without being heavy, packed with nutrients, and perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, you won’t regret adding this to your recipe collection.
Now go grab a bowl, dig in, and enjoy every creamy, protein-packed bite!
