Healthy and Tasty: 9 Orzo Chicken Recipes the Whole Family Will Enjoy

Orzo, a versatile pasta that resembles rice, is an excellent ingredient to include in family meals. Its adaptability allows it to pair well with a variety of proteins and vegetables, making it perfect for healthy and delicious dishes.

In this article, we will explore nine delightful orzo chicken recipes that not only cater to different tastes but also provide essential nutrients for the whole family. Each recipe is designed to be simple, quick, and, most importantly, packed with flavor.

Key Benefits of Orzo

• Nutritional Value: Orzo is a good source of carbohydrates, offering energy for daily activities. Whole grain orzo varieties also provide dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and keeps you feeling full.
• Versatility: Orzo can be served hot or cold, making it suitable for salads, soups, and main dishes.
• Quick Cooking Time: Typically, orzo cooks in about 8-10 minutes, making it a convenient choice for busy weeknights.

Overview of the Recipes

The following section will delve into nine orzo chicken recipes that cater to various palates, ensuring that every family member finds something they love. Each recipe will include:

• A brief description
• List of ingredients
• Step-by-step instructions
• Nutritional information
• Tips for customization and serving suggestions

1. Lemon Herb Chicken Orzo

Photo Credit: thespicehouse.com

This refreshing dish combines the bright flavors of lemon with tender chicken and orzo, making it perfect for a delightful family dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo
• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook orzo according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
3. Stir in garlic, lemon zest, and oregano. Sauté for 2 minutes.
4. Add cooked orzo and lemon juice. Toss to combine and season with salt and pepper.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 10g

Tips

• Customization: Add seasonal vegetables like asparagus or zucchini for extra nutrition.
• Meal Prep: This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to three days.

2. Creamy Orzo Chicken Skillet

Photo Credit: oliviaskitchen.com

A comforting one-pan meal, this creamy orzo dish is perfect for chilly evenings, combining chicken and orzo in a rich, creamy sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo
• 2 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

1. Cook orzo in chicken broth according to package instructions; set aside.
2. In the same skillet, sear chicken thighs until golden brown; remove from the skillet.
3. Pour in heavy cream and garlic powder, bringing it to a simmer.
4. Add spinach and cooked orzo, stirring to combine.
5. Return chicken to the skillet, cooking until heated through. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve with grated Parmesan on top.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 25g

Tips

• Substitutions: Use low-fat milk for a lighter version.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days.

3. Garlic Butter Chicken Orzo

Photo Credit: dontgobaconmyheart.co.uk

Rich and flavorful, this dish features succulent chicken cooked in a buttery garlic sauce and tossed with orzo for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo
• 2 chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook orzo according to package directions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chicken strips and cook until golden.
3. Stir in garlic and thyme, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add cooked orzo and toss to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh thyme before serving.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 20g

Tips

• Add Vegetables: Incorporate peas or green beans for added color and nutrients.
• Storage: This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to three days.

4. Orzo Chicken Stir-Fry

Photo Credit: betweencarpools.com

This vibrant stir-fry brings a kick of heat to your dinner table, combining tender chicken, orzo, and colorful vegetables in a flavorful sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo
• 2 chicken breasts, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook orzo according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken slices and cook until browned.
3. Add garlic, bell pepper, and broccoli, stirring until vegetables are tender.
4. Mix soy sauce and sriracha in a small bowl; pour over the chicken and vegetables.
5. Add cooked orzo and toss everything to combine. Garnish with green onions before serving.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 10g

Tips

• Customize Heat Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your family’s spice tolerance.
• Add Nuts: Toss in cashews or peanuts for added crunch and flavor.

5. One-Pot Orzo Chicken and Vegetables

Photo Credit: weightwatchers.com

This easy one-pot meal combines chicken, orzo, and a medley of vegetables, creating a hearty dish that simplifies cleanup.

• 1 cup orzo
• 2 chicken thighs, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
2. Stir in diced vegetables and Italian seasoning; cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender.
3. Add orzo and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil.
4. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until orzo is cooked.
5. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 500
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 15g

Tips

• Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for batch cooking; it stores well in the fridge for up to four days.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap in any seasonal vegetables you have on hand.

6. Orzo Chicken Soup

Photo Credit: organizedisland.com

A comforting soup filled with tender chicken, orzo, and vegetables, perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo
• 2 chicken breasts, shredded
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery; sauté until softened.
2. Stir in garlic and thyme, cooking until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add orzo and shredded chicken.
4. Simmer for about 10 minutes until orzo is tender. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 7g

Tips

• Storage: This soup freezes well; stored in airtight containers for up to three months.
• Enhancements: Add kale or spinach for extra nutrients.

7. Orzo Chicken Bake

Photo Credit: therightrecipe.org

This baked dish combines juicy chicken, orzo, and a creamy sauce, topped with cheese for a comforting, baked delight.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo
• 2 chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook orzo in chicken broth according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix cooked orzo, cubed chicken, broccoli, heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 600
• Protein: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 30g

Tips

• Vegetable Variations: Swap broccoli for cauliflower or add mixed vegetables for extra nutrition.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.

8. Pesto Chicken Orzo

Photo Credit: nomastehungry.com

This vibrant dish features tender chicken and orzo tossed in a fresh basil pesto, creating a flavorful and aromatic meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo
• 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
• ½ cup basil pesto
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook orzo according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked orzo, grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, and pesto.
3. Toss until everything is well coated. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 20g

Tips

• Pesto Alternatives: Use store-bought or homemade pesto for convenience.
• Add-Ins: Incorporate roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added flavor.

9. Orzo Chicken Casserole

Photo Credit: joeshealthymeals.com

This hearty casserole is a complete meal, blending chicken, orzo, and vegetables in a creamy sauce, topped with breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo
• 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 1 cup cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook orzo according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix cooked orzo, shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Transfer to a greased casserole dish and top with breadcrumbs.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 18g

Tips

• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate until ready to bake.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to three months; reheat in the oven before serving.

Summary

These nine orzo chicken recipes not only deliver on taste but also provide a range of options to suit any family’s dietary needs and preferences. From refreshing lemon herb dishes to comforting casseroles, each recipe is designed to be easy to prepare while packed with nutrients. Don’t hesitate to experiment with ingredients and variations to make each meal uniquely yours. Happy cooking!