This high-protein asparagus chicken skillet recipe is a weeknight lifesaver, bringing together tender chicken, fresh asparagus, and creamy orzo in one convenient pot.
It’s a healthy, satisfying meal that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss. Each serving provides about 35 grams of protein.
You’ll love how simple it is to prepare, yet it delivers on flavor and comfort. This dish is a fantastic way to get a balanced meal on the table, packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, all without a mountain of dishes to wash afterward.
Table of Contents
- What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
- Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
- Time Needed From Start To Finish
- How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
- Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
- Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
- How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
High-Protein Asparagus Chicken Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This high-protein asparagus chicken skillet recipe is a weeknight lifesaver, bringing together tender chicken, fresh asparagus, and creamy orzo in one convenient pot. It’s a healthy, satisfying meal that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss. Each serving provides about 35 grams of protein.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken pieces to the hot skillet. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. The chicken should no longer be pink in the center. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. In the same skillet (no need to clean it), add the dry orzo pasta. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes over medium heat until the orzo begins to turn a light golden brown. This toasting step adds a wonderful nutty depth of flavor to the pasta.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, stirring well to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed and the orzo is almost al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Uncover the skillet and stir in the heavy cream and the trimmed asparagus pieces. Stir everything together gently.
5. Continue to cook, uncovered, for another 3-5 minutes, or until the asparagus is crisp-tender and the orzo is fully cooked to your liking. The sauce should have thickened slightly. The asparagus should be bright green and still have a slight bite to it, not mushy.
6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the orzo and asparagus. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Protein: 35
Keywords: chicken, asparagus, orzo, skillet, one pot, high protein, weeknight, creamy, quick, easy
What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
This creamy chicken orzo is a true winner for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights when time is short. You can have a delicious, home-cooked meal on the table in under 30 minutes, which is a huge bonus for any busy family. Second, it’s a one-pot wonder, meaning significantly less cleanup – a dream come true after a long day. The combination of tender chicken, al dente orzo, and crisp-tender asparagus creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that even picky eaters tend to enjoy. It’s hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own but light enough not to leave you feeling overly stuffed. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a healthy, satisfying, and easy-to-make dinner solution that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a smooth cooking experience. This recipe uses readily available items you might already have in your pantry or can easily find at any grocery store. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the quality of its fresh components.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
For simple substitutions, you can easily swap boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the breasts if you prefer a slightly richer flavor and juicier texture. If you don’t have heavy cream, half-and-half can be used, though the sauce might be a little less rich. Vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken broth for a slightly different flavor profile, or if you prefer to keep it vegetarian-friendly (though you’d need to omit the chicken). Feel free to use frozen asparagus if fresh isn’t available; just add it directly to the pot without thawing, and it might need an extra minute or two to cook through. Any small pasta shape, like ditalini or small shells, could technically work in a pinch if you don’t have orzo, but orzo’s quick cooking time and texture are ideal for this dish.
Time Needed From Start To Finish
This recipe is designed for speed and efficiency, making it perfect for those evenings when you need a delicious meal on the table without a lengthy commitment.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
These times are estimates and can vary slightly based on your cooking speed and equipment, but generally, you can expect to have this delightful meal ready to serve in around half an hour.
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Creating this flavorful chicken orzo skillet is straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure a perfectly cooked and delicious meal every time.
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken pieces to the hot skillet. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. The chicken should no longer be pink in the center. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Toast the Orzo: In the same skillet (no need to clean it), add the dry orzo pasta. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes over medium heat until the orzo begins to turn a light golden brown. This toasting step adds a wonderful nutty depth of flavor to the pasta.
- Simmer the Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring well to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed and the orzo is almost al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Asparagus and Cream: Uncover the skillet and stir in the heavy cream and the trimmed asparagus pieces. Stir everything together gently.
- Finish Cooking: Continue to cook, uncovered, for another 3-5 minutes, or until the asparagus is crisp-tender and the orzo is fully cooked to your liking. The sauce should have thickened slightly. The asparagus should be bright green and still have a slight bite to it, not mushy.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the orzo and asparagus. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
This high-protein asparagus chicken skillet is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions.
For a kid-friendly twist, you can cut the chicken into smaller, bite-sized pieces, almost like mini nuggets. If your kids aren’t keen on asparagus, try swapping it for frozen peas or finely diced carrots, which can be added during the last few minutes of cooking. A sprinkle of mild cheddar cheese along with the Parmesan can also make it more appealing to younger palates.
To add more vegetables, consider stirring in a handful of fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking; it will wilt beautifully into the creamy sauce. Sliced mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped) can also be added with the asparagus for extra flavor and texture. If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added with the garlic and onion powder.
This dish is fantastic as a standalone meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or a slice of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious creamy sauce. For a more substantial meal, especially if serving a crowd, you could offer a side of roasted root vegetables.
When serving for a party or buffet, this dish holds up well. You can keep it warm in a slow cooker on a “warm” setting, stirring occasionally, though the orzo might absorb more liquid over time, so have a little extra broth or cream on hand to loosen it if needed. Optional toppings for serving could include extra grated Parmesan, a drizzle of good quality olive oil, or a sprinkle of fresh basil or chives for added freshness and color.
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
Even simple recipes can have a few pitfalls. Knowing what to watch out for can help ensure your high-protein asparagus chicken skillet turns out perfectly every time.
One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Chicken breasts can dry out quickly. Cook them just until they are no longer pink in the center and are nicely browned on the outside. Removing them from the skillet after cooking and adding them back in at the end helps maintain their tenderness.
Another frequent issue is sticky or mushy orzo. Orzo is a small pasta and can absorb liquid quickly. Make sure to stir it occasionally while it simmers to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Also, be mindful not to overcook it. You want it al dente, meaning it still has a slight bite. Cooking it covered helps it steam and absorb liquid evenly.
Under-seasoning is another common slip-up. Don’t be afraid to taste the dish before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. The amount of salt needed can vary depending on the saltiness of your chicken broth and Parmesan cheese.
Finally, overcooking the asparagus can lead to a limp, unappetizing texture. Asparagus cooks quickly, especially when cut into small pieces. Add it towards the end of the cooking process and cook only until it’s crisp-tender and vibrant green. It should still have a slight snap when you bite into it.
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
This high-protein asparagus chicken skillet is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are still delicious and can be stored properly for future meals.
To store any leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating, the orzo will likely have absorbed more
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
- How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
- Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
- Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.
