One Pan High Protein Marry Me Chicken & Orzo

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

Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1lbchicken thighs
- 1tspsalt
- 1/2tspblack pepper
- 1tspgarlic powder
- 1/2tsppaprika
- 1/2tspred pepper flakes
- 1/2cupsun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3clovegarlic, minced
- 1tspItalian seasoning
- 1cuporzo
- 2cupschicken broth, low sodium
- 1/2cupunsweetened almond milk or regular milk
- 1/2cupgrated Parmesan
- 2cupsfresh spinach
How to make One Pan High Protein Marry Me Chicken & Orzo
Sear the Chicken
Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Remove and set aside; it will finish cooking later.
Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in Italian seasoning.
Add the Orzo & Liquid
Pour in chicken broth and jmilk.
Stir in orzo and let everything come to a gentle simmer.
Simmer & Cook Together
Return the chicken to the pot, nestling it into the liquid.
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
Stir in the Parmesan to thicken the sauce.
Optional: Add spinach and stir until wilted.
Serve & Enjoy
Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh basil.
Tips & Tricks
For a lower fat option, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.
FAQS
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 my favorite recipes and join me in eating healthy and delicious meals. 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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