Why Make This Recipe
High Protein Chicken Orzo is a perfect dish for anyone who wants a nutritious meal that’s also delicious and satisfying. It combines wholesome ingredients like chicken, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes with orzo pasta for a tasty experience. Plus, it’s rich in protein, making it a great choice for muscle recovery or simply to keep you energized throughout the day.
How to Make High Protein Chicken Orzo
Ingredients:
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Cook orzo pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and orzo.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken and orzo mixture and toss to combine.
- Add feta cheese and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve warm or store in the refrigerator for meal prep.
How to Serve High Protein Chicken Orzo
You can serve High Protein Chicken Orzo warm right after making it. It also works well as a cold dish, so feel free to refrigerate it and enjoy it later. Great for lunch or dinner, this dish can stand alone or be paired with a side salad for a complete meal.
How to Store High Protein Chicken Orzo
To store your remaining High Protein Chicken Orzo, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container.
Tips to Make High Protein Chicken Orzo
- To save time, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients.
- If you want a little kick, add red pepper flakes to the dressing for some heat.
Variation
You can easily switch up this recipe by using quinoa or whole wheat pasta instead of orzo. You can also substitute the chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu for a different protein source.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It’s a great meal prep option as it stays good for several days and can be served warm or cold.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, if feta isn’t your favorite, you can try using goat cheese, mozzarella, or even cheddar based on your taste preferences.
High Protein Chicken Orzo
A nutritious and delicious dish combining chicken, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and orzo pasta, rich in protein for muscle recovery.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook orzo pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and orzo.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken and orzo mixture and toss to combine.
- Add feta cheese and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve warm or store in the refrigerator for meal prep.
Notes
Can be served warm or cold. Great for lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: High Protein
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
