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Tomato Basil Chicken Orzo

549 kcal | 61g Protein | 57g Carbohydrates | 8g Fat
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Carb Noodles
Protein Chicken
Servings 4
Calorie 600-800 Calories

Equipment

Ingredients
  

For the Orzo:

  • 1 cup dry orzo
  • 14.5 oz canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups spinach fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes for added freshness
  • 3 tbsp chopped fresh basil plus more for garnish
  • 1 tbsp parmesan
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 2 cloves garlic minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Chicken:

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Spray oil optional

Instructions
 

Cook the chicken (two methods):

  • Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F. Spray chicken breasts with oil and season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through. Rest, then dice into bite sized pieces.
    2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 2 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, Spray oil
  • Stovetop Sear: Heat a skillet over medium-high with spray oil. Season chicken as above, then sear 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Rest, then dice into bite sized pieces.

Toast the orzo:

  • In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, spray lightly with oil. Add garlic and toast 30 seconds, then stir in dry orzo and toast 1–2 minutes.
    1 cup dry orzo, 2 cloves garlic

Build the sauce:

  • Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional cherry tomatoes. Stir to combine.
    14.5 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1 tsp onion powder, 1½ tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes

Simmer:

  • Bring to a light boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.

Finish it:

  • Stir in spinach and chopped basil until wilted, then fold in the cooked chicken to coat in the sauce. Add parmesan and lemon zest to brighten, and adjust seasoning to taste.
    2 cups spinach, 3 tbsp chopped fresh basil, 1 tbsp parmesan, 1 tbsp lemon zest

Assemble your prep:

  • Portion orzo evenly into containers, then place sliced chicken breast on top of each serving. Garnish with extra basil or chili flakes if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 549kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 61gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 146mgSodium: 1337mgPotassium: 1519mgFiber: 5gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 576IUVitamin C: 23mgCalcium: 121mgIron: 4mg
Keywords healthy chicken orzo skillet, one-pan orzo meal prep, tomato basil chicken
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