High-Protein Balsamic Chicken Orzo

• This quick and flavorful one-skillet meal is perfect for weeknight dinners.
• This dish is packed full of protein, fiber and essential nutrients, like vitamin C and folate. 
• Save time by using a low-sodium rotisserie chicken. This lets you skip Step 2 and just add the chicken in Step 6.

Our High-Protein Balsamic Chicken Orzo is a one-skillet meal that you’ll be making on repeat. Tender, juicy chicken thighs are nestled into a bed of fiber-filled whole-wheat orzo pasta that has soaked up the luscious, creamy sauce. Antioxidant-rich bell peppers, shallots and garlic and heart-healthy spinach add nutrients and color to this satisfying dish. The addition of Parmesan and tangy balsamic vinegar at the end is the epitome of flavor on flavor. Keep reading for our expert tips on food safety, time-savers and more. 

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

• Chicken thighs are less likely to dry out while cooking than chicken breasts. Use an instant-read thermometer, aiming for a temperature of 165°F.
• For a quicker alternative, you can purchase a low-sodium rotisserie chicken, which allows you to skip Step 2 and add it in Step 6.
• For added flavor, consider topping the dish with crumbled feta or goat cheese.
• A drizzle of balsamic glaze over the finished dish would not only enhance its sweetness but also ensure a nice presentation.

Nutrition Notes

• Chicken thighs are a mix of white and dark meat. This combo adds slightly more fat to the chicken but also adds more moisture, tenderness and flavor. Chicken thighs have a small amount of iron, necessary for energy needs. You’ll also get a mix of B vitamins for metabolic health. 
• Using whole-wheat orzo will provide more protein and fiber than traditional white pasta. This hunger-crushing combination will help keep you fuller for longer. The extra fiber is also great for your digestive health. 
• Spinach is excellent for pasta dishes because it wilts down to a concentrated form, allowing you to eat more nutrients. Spinach is a good source of folate—an important vitamin for preventing neural tube defects during pregnancy, but also for maintaining a healthy heart in all adults.

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.