One Pan High Protein Marry Me Chicken & Orzo

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Abigail Zysk (@poultryraptor)

A delicious and creamy chicken dish with orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, perfect for a comforting meal.

Prep Time
10min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
40min
One Pan High Protein Marry Me Chicken & Orzo recipe

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 plate)

Main Ingredients

  • 1lb
    chicken thighs
  • 1tsp
    salt
  • 1/2tsp
    black pepper
  • 1tsp
    garlic powder
  • 1/2tsp
    paprika
  • 1/2tsp
    red pepper flakes
  • 1/2cup
    sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 3clove
    garlic, minced
  • 1tsp
    Italian seasoning
  • 1cup
    orzo
  • 2cups
    chicken broth, low sodium
  • 1/2cup
    unsweetened almond milk or regular milk
  • 1/2cup
    grated Parmesan
  • 2cups
    fresh spinach

How to make One Pan High Protein Marry Me Chicken & Orzo

Sear the Chicken

  1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes.

    Step 1.1: Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes
  2. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat.

  3. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.

    Step 1.1: Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown
  4. Remove and set aside; it will finish cooking later.

Sauté the Aromatics

  1. In the same pan, add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

    Step 2.1: In the same pan, add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes
  2. Stir in Italian seasoning.

Add the Orzo & Liquid

  1. Pour in chicken broth and jmilk.

    Step 3.1: Pour in chicken broth and jmilk
    Step 3.2: Pour in chicken broth and jmilk
  2. Stir in orzo and let everything come to a gentle simmer.

    Step 3.1: Stir in orzo and let everything come to a gentle simmer

Simmer & Cook Together

  1. Return the chicken to the pot, nestling it into the liquid.

  2. Cover and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

    Step 4.1: Cover and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through

Thicken the Sauce & Finish

  1. Stir in the Parmesan to thicken the sauce.

    Step 5.1: Stir in the Parmesan to thicken the sauce
    Step 5.2: Stir in the Parmesan to thicken the sauce
  2. Optional: Add spinach and stir until wilted.

Serve & Enjoy

  1. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh basil.

Tips & Tricks

  1. For a lower fat option, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

  2. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.

FAQS

  1. How do I make One Pan High Protein Marry Me Chicken & Orzo step by step?

    To make One Pan High Protein Marry Me Chicken & Orzo, start by seasoning 1 lb of chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same pan, sauté minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes for about a minute, then stir in Italian seasoning. Pour in low-sodium chicken broth and almond milk, then add 1 cup of orzo. Bring to a gentle simmer, return the chicken to the pot, cover, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through. Finally, stir in grated Parmesan and fresh spinach until wilted, and garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh basil.

  2. Is One Pan High Protein Marry Me Chicken & Orzo suitable for a low-carb diet?

    One Pan High Protein Marry Me Chicken & Orzo contains orzo, which is a type of pasta and not low-carb. If you're looking for a low-carb alternative, consider substituting the orzo with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. This will help maintain the dish's creamy texture while reducing the carbohydrate content.

  3. What can I substitute for almond milk in the Marry Me Chicken & Orzo recipe?

    If you don't have almond milk on hand, you can easily substitute it with regular milk, coconut milk, or any other plant-based milk like soy or oat milk. Just make sure to choose an unsweetened variety to keep the flavors balanced in the dish.

  4. How should I store leftovers of One Pan High Protein Marry Me Chicken & Orzo?

    To store leftovers of One Pan High Protein Marry Me Chicken & Orzo, let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creaminess.

  5. What side dishes pair well with One Pan High Protein Marry Me Chicken & Orzo?

    One Pan High Protein Marry Me Chicken & Orzo is a hearty dish on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread. A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette can complement the creamy flavors of the chicken and orzo nicely.

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Abigail Zysk

(@poultryraptor)

Hi, I love food and I'm all about lowering my risk of colorectal cancer by following a pollotarian diet and avoiding processed foods. Check out...

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