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A rustic bowl filled with creamy orzo pasta, tender chicken pieces, and sun-dried tomatoes, all topped with fresh parsley.

High Protein Chicken and Orzo Skillet


  • Author: Emma Hart
  • Total Time: 55
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A Mediterranean-inspired one-pan meal with golden-brown chicken thighs, flavorful orzo pasta, juicy tomatoes, and briny olives. Lightly sweetened with honey and seasoned with oregano, garlic, and lemon. This high-protein dish is satisfying and perfect for weeknight dinners.


Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup dry orzo pasta
2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup pitted and chopped kalamata olives
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
1 tablespoon honey
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley


Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat

Sear chicken thighs until golden on both sides, about 5 minutes total
Stir in garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes; cook 1 minute

Add cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and chicken stock to the skillet

Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to deglaze and reduce slightly

Add orzo pasta and stir to coat with oil and stock mixture

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 15 minutes until orzo is tender

Flake chicken into bite-sized pieces, stir in feta cheese, honey, lemon juice, and parsley

Let rest 5 minutes before serving

Notes

Use any olive variety if kalamatas are unavailable

Add spinach or kale during the 10-minute simmer for extra veggies

Adjust red pepper flakes for spice preference

For more herbs, stir in chopped thyme or dill during the last 2 minutes of cooking

  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 40
  • Category: dinner
  • Method: Stovetop Cooking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 50g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg