Citrus Chicken Orzo with Beans is a high protein and fiber meal all made in one skillet. Chicken is marinated in fresh squeezed lemon and orange juice and paired with orzo, zucchini, and white beans for a filling meal.
Why You’ll Love Citrus Chicken Orzo with Beans
Many people eat chicken and rice as their standard healthy meal prep, but there are ways to eat healthy with more flavor and variety. This Citrus Chicken Orzo with Beans is a refreshing meal that is high in protein and fiber. Each serving has 39 grams protein and 8 grams fiber to keep you full and satisfied.
Chicken breast is marinated in freshly squeezed lemon and orange juice to tenderize and flavor it. Orzo is the carb source for energy. Zucchini adds color and micronutrients. White beans make it high in fiber and add extra protein. A heathy, balanced meal all made in one skillet.
Ingredients
- Lemon and orange: the fresh citrus flavor. The acidity tenderizes the chicken in the marinade.
- Olive oil: healthy fat.
- Chicken breast: the main lean protein source.
- Black pepper: seasoning for the chicken.
- Garlic: for flavor and is full of antioxidants.
- Zucchini: adds color and micronutrients. High in vitamin C and also has vitamin A, potassium, and folate.
- Orzo: the carb source for energy. Orzo is pasta that is shaped like rice. Regular pasta provides about 7grams protein per serving from the wheat used.
- Chicken broth: the liquid to cook the orzo and adds flavor.
- White beans: adds fiber and protein.
How to Make Citrus Chicken Orzo with Beans
To make the marinade, cut the orange and lemon in half. In a small bowl, zest one of the orange halves to get about ½ teaspoon worth, then juice the orange half. Zest one of the lemon halves to get about ½ teaspoon, then juice the lemon half in the bowl. Stir in olive oil.
Add chicken to a container with a lid or in a gallon size bag. Pour marinade over chicken. Cover with lid and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add chicken in a single layer and pour in marinade. Season with pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning halfway. Once cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F), remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Use ¼ cup broth to deglaze skillet if needed.
Add garlic and zucchini to skillet and cook for a few minutes. Then, add orzo and 2 cups broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover with lid. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent orzo from sticking to pan. Once orzo is fully cooked, reduce heat to low.
Stir in drained beans and then add in chicken. Add a little orange and lemon zest and juice. Enjoy!
Try These Meal Prep Recipes Next:
- One Pan Chicken Caprese Orzo
- Healthy Chicken Mushroom Orzo in One Pot
- Shrimp Rice and Peas in One Skillet
- Southwest Chicken Quinoa Bowl
- One Pan Quinoa Risotto with Mushrooms, White Beans, & Chicken
Citrus Chicken Orzo with Beans Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lemon for zest and juice
- 1 orange for zest and juice
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 2 inch cubes
- ground black pepper
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 zucchini, chopped into small pieces
- 1 cup dry orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (15 oz) can white beans
Instructions
- To make the marinade, cut the orange and lemon in half. In a small bowl, zest one of the orange halves to get about ½ teaspoon worth, then juice the orange half. Zest one of the lemon halves to get about ½ teaspoon, then juice the lemon half in the bowl. Stir in olive oil.
- Add chicken to a container with a lid or in a gallon size bag. Pour marinade over chicken. Cover with lid and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add chicken in a single layer and pour in marinade. Season with pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning halfway. Once cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F), remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Use ¼ cup broth to deglaze skillet if needed.
- Add garlic and zucchini to skillet and cook for a few minutes. Then, add orzo and 2 cups broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover with lid. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent orzo from sticking to pan. Once orzo is fully cooked, reduce heat to low.
- Stir in drained beans and then add in chicken. Add a little orange and lemon zest and juice. Enjoy!
