This Chicken and Bean Orzo Salad is absolutely delicious. While this Orzo salad can be served as a side dish, it can also be eaten as a meal!
What I love about recipes like this one is that it is so adaptable in that you can substitute some of the ingredients or add more of your favorite ingredients.
As an example, if you don't have any grape tomatoes on hand you can easily substitute for a regular tomato by cutting it up into bite-sized pieces. The options are endless with this fantastic recipe.
If you are not familiar with Orzo, it's basically pasta shaped like large grains of rice. Many often confuse Orzo with Rice. Orzo is pasta, not a grain like Rice.
For those of you that pay attention to nutritional information, you will notice that each serving of this salad provides a healthy amount of protein and fiber.
For another Greek inspired Orzo salad, you should try my Greek Chicken Orzo Salad with Kalamata Olives. One of my favs! For more of my great salad recipes visit this page.
🐓 How to Handle Raw Chicken
Leave the chicken in the fridge until ready to use.
Be careful of dripping juices. Clean up immediately.
Do not wash raw chicken (which prevents cross-contamination).
Wash all utensils and cutting boards (if applicable).
If marinating the chicken, make sure you toss the juices before you cook. Don't ever use the juice from the marinade.
Wash your hands after handling raw chicken.
For more great recipes with Orzo, I suggest you check these recipes out:
📋 Gather your Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make this Chicken and Bean Orzo Salad recipe (see recipe card for quantities): Orzo, Frozen Corn, Chicken, Chili Powder, Salt, Ground Black Pepper, Salsa, Olive Oil, Honey, Red Kidney Beans, Red Bell Pepper, Grape Tomatoes, Cucumbers and Green Onions.
🥣 How to Make Chicken and Bean Orzo Salad
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the Orzo. Cook for seven minutes. Add the corn and cook for four minutes, or until the Orzo is tender. Drain in a colander and cool under cold running water. Drain well.
Sprinkle the chicken with chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook chicken in a skillet or bake in the oven. Make sure the chicken is thoroughly cooked. Dice chicken into bite-size pieces.
In a large bowl, mix the salsa, oil and honey. Add the chicken, beans, red peppers, tomatoes, cucumber, green onions and the orzo mixture. Mix well.
📖 Recipe
Chicken and Bean Orzo Salad
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Orzo, uncooked
- 1 ½ Cups Frozen Corn
- 2 Chicken Breasts, Cooked & Chopped
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1 Jar Salsa, Mild
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoon Honey
- 15 oz Red Kidney Beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, Diced
- 6 Grape Tomatoes, Sliced
- 1 large Cucumber, peeled, seeded, and sliced
- ¼ Cup Green Onions, Diced
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the Orzo. Cook for seven minutes. Add the corn and cook for four minutes, or until the Orzo is tender. Drain in a colander and cool under cold running water. Drain well.
- Sprinkle the chicken with the chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook chicken in a skillet or bake in the oven. Make sure chicken is thoroughly cooked. Dice chicken into bite-size pieces.
- In a large bowl, mix the salsa, oil and honey. Add the chicken, beans, red peppers, tomatoes, cucumber, green onions and the orzo mixture. Mix well.
Nutrition
Nutritional information provided for this recipe is based on 1 serving. This information is an estimate and may vary based on several factors. If nutritional information is important to you and your diet, please verify this recipe with a Registered Dietitian.
Pam
This is very good! Had it as a side dish but would consider it as a main dish. I will definitely be making this!
Chef Rodney
Glad you liked it! Thanks for letting me know!