Broccoli Chicken Orzo Bowls with Shawarma Sauce
A balanced dinner bowl that pairs warm, spiced chicken with soft orzo and bright green broccoli florets. Whisking Greek yogurt with lemon juice creates a quick, tangy sauce that brings every element together nicely without heavy simmering.
Why this one works
- Cumin and paprika create an aromatic, golden crust on the chicken bites.
- Tender-crisp steamed broccoli adds fresh texture alongside the soft orzo.
- The chilled yogurt and lemon sauce provides an instant creamy contrast.
- Assembles easily into balanced individual bowls for lunch or dinner.
What you’ll need
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cubed Cut into uniform pieces so they brown evenly and cook through at the same rate in the skillet.
- 2 cups (300g) orzo pasta Cook just until al dente to keep the pasta from turning mushy when tossed with the other warm ingredients.
- 2 cups (200g) broccoli florets Steam until vibrant green and tender-crisp for pleasant textural contrast in the bowl.
- 3 tbsp (45ml) olive oil Coats the chicken and helps distribute the ground spices evenly before searing.
- 1 tsp (5g) cumin Adds warm, earthy depth to the chicken seasoning.
- 1 tsp (5g) paprika Gives the chicken a reddish-golden color and subtle sweetness during cooking.
- 1/2 cup (120g) Greek yogurt Forms the thick, tangy base for the finished drizzle.
- 1 tbsp (15ml) lemon juice Loosens the yogurt and brings bright acidity to balance the savory spices.
TRY THIS NEXT: If these flavors sound good to you, Carrots Chicken Orzo Bowls with Roasted Pepper Sauce is a natural one to save for next time.
What to have nearby
- Skillet for browning the seasoned chicken
- Medium pot for boiling the orzo
- Steamer basket or pot insert for the broccoli
- Small whisk and mixing bowl for the yogurt sauce
Step-by-step instructions
Get the pasta water boiling while you season the chicken so the components finish around the same time. Sautéing the spiced chicken over medium-high heat allows the cumin and paprika to bloom in the oil and develop a rich, golden color.
- 1Step 1
Toss chicken with oil, cumin, and paprika. Sauté until golden.
- 2Step 2
Boil orzo until al dente; steam broccoli until tender-crisp.
- 3Step 3
Whisk yogurt, lemon, and spices for the sauce.
- 4Step 4
Combine chicken, orzo, and broccoli in bowls.
- 5Step 5
Drizzle generously with shawarma sauce before serving.
ALSO GOOD: If these flavors sound good to you, Broccoli Turkey Orzo Bowls with Ginger Lime Sauce is a natural one to save for next time.
A few things worth knowing
- Pat the chicken dry before tossing with olive oil and spices to encourage better browning in the pan.
- Keep the broccoli cooking time brief so the florets retain their bright green color and bite.
- Whisk the yogurt sauce until completely smooth before drizzling over the assembled bowls.
Ways to make it your own
- Garnish with fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley over the top before serving.
- Serve with extra lemon wedges for squeezing over individual portions.
Serving suggestions
Spoon the warm orzo into shallow bowls, top with the seasoned chicken and steamed broccoli, and finish with a generous drizzle of the yogurt sauce. A side of sliced cucumbers or toasted flatbread rounds out the meal nicely.
Storage & reheating
Store the cooked chicken, orzo, and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the yogurt sauce in a separate sealed container so the warm components can be reheated before spooning the cold sauce over top.
Nutrition notes
Nutrition is provided as a general estimate for the listed recipe. Brands, exact portions, and ingredient swaps can change the numbers.
Quick recipe answers
Can I steam the broccoli over the cooking pasta?+
Yes, resting a steamer basket over the boiling orzo water during the last few minutes of cooking is an efficient way to steam the florets.
Should the shawarma sauce be served warm or cold?+
The sauce is best served chilled or at room temperature, providing a cool, creamy contrast to the warm chicken and orzo.
These chicken and broccoli bowls deliver plenty of color, savory spice, and comforting textures in every bite. With the bright yogurt drizzle over top, it is a satisfying dish to bring to the table.
Broccoli Chicken Orzo Bowls with Shawarma Sauce
Spiced golden chicken, tender-crisp broccoli, and orzo tossed in bowls and finished with a zesty Greek yogurt shawarma sauce for an easy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cubed
- 2 cups (300g) orzo pasta
- 2 cups (200g) broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp (45ml) olive oil
- 1 tsp (5g) cumin
- 1 tsp (5g) paprika
- 1/2 cup (120g) Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp (15ml) lemon juice
Instructions
- Toss chicken with oil, cumin, and paprika. Sauté until golden.
- Boil orzo until al dente; steam broccoli until tender-crisp.
- Whisk yogurt, lemon, and spices for the sauce.
- Combine chicken, orzo, and broccoli in bowls.
- Drizzle generously with shawarma sauce before serving.
Nutrition
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