Garlic-Infused Chicken Orzo Skillet
This Garlic-Infused Chicken Orzo Skillet is an easy weeknight meal that bursts with flavor! The orzo pasta cooks directly in the chicken broth, soaking up every bit of savory goodness with just the right amount of spice. The key ingredients—garlic and crushed red pepper—bring a delightful kick that garlic lovers will adore. Thaw the spinach in the microwave and chop the chicken while waiting for the broth to boil, making the cooking process efficient. Packed with protein and greens, this dish is simultaneously hearty and light. For a twist, try adding feta cheese, a handful of olives, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a refreshing Greek-inspired version. Customize the spice level to your heart’s content, making it perfect for your family’s taste preferences. Ready in under 30 minutes, this meal is ideal for a busy weeknight and promises to please everyone at the table!
4
Servings
220
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
orzo pasta
1 1/2 cups (uncooked)
fat-free chicken broth
4 cups (brought to a boil)
olive oil
1 teaspoon (for cooking)
garlic cloves
2-5 (minced)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/4-1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
boneless skinless chicken breast
1 lb (cut into bite-sized pieces)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
frozen spinach
1 (10 ounce) package (thawed and drained)
parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring the fat-free chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Add 1 clove of minced garlic to the broth.
2
Once boiling, stir in the uncooked orzo pasta. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and has absorbed most of the broth.
3
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the remaining minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned and cooked through.
5
Lower the heat to medium and stir in the chopped fresh parsley, thawed and drained spinach, the cooked orzo along with any remaining broth, and the grated parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring until everything is well combined and the spinach has wilted.
6
Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
27.5g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Garlic-Infused Chicken Orzo Skillet?
It is a flavorful and efficient weeknight meal where orzo pasta is cooked in chicken broth and combined with sautéed garlic, red pepper flakes, chicken, and spinach.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The meal is designed to be ready in under 30 minutes.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 220 calories.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include orzo pasta, fat-free chicken broth, chicken breast, garlic, frozen spinach, and parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a customizable kick from crushed red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted from 1/4 to 1 teaspoon.
Can I make a Greek-style variation of this dish?
Yes, you can add feta cheese, olives, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a Greek-inspired twist.
How much chicken is required?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces.
How much garlic should I use?
You can use between 2 to 5 cloves of minced garlic depending on your preference.
What type of broth is recommended?
The recipe specifically suggests using 4 cups of fat-free chicken broth.
Do I need to cook the orzo separately in water?
No, the orzo is cooked directly in the chicken broth to absorb more flavor.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 20g of protein.
How do I prepare the spinach?
Use one 10-ounce package of frozen spinach that has been thawed and drained.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this meal?
Each serving contains 27.5g of carbohydrates.
When do I add the parmesan cheese?
The grated parmesan cheese is stirred in at the final stage along with the spinach and parsley.
Can I use fresh parsley?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley.
How long should the chicken cook?
The chicken should be cooked for 5-6 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through.
How much olive oil is needed?
Only 1 teaspoon of olive oil is used for sautéing the garlic and chicken.
What is the recommended cooking time for orzo?
The orzo should be cooked for 8 to 10 minutes until it is al dente.
How do I make the cooking process more efficient?
Thaw the spinach in the microwave and chop the chicken while waiting for the broth to boil.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy, hearty, yet light meal packed with protein and greens.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
While the recipe calls for breasts, you can substitute with boneless skinless chicken thighs if preferred.
What should I do if there is broth left after cooking the orzo?
Add the cooked orzo along with any remaining broth into the skillet with the chicken.
Is this dish suitable for garlic lovers?
Yes, the combination of garlic in the broth and garlic sautéed with the chicken makes it perfect for garlic lovers.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can substitute fresh spinach; simply add it at the end and stir until wilted.
What size should the chicken be cut?
The chicken should be cut into bite-sized pieces for even and quick cooking.
Do I need to season the chicken?
Yes, season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste while it is browning in the skillet.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It is a savory skillet meal where the orzo is tender and the spinach is well-incorporated with the chicken.
What is a good garnish for this dish?
Extra grated parmesan cheese makes an excellent garnish before serving.