Tuesdays suck. The new week energy of Monday is over, the hump day of Wednesday is still to come, and Thursday is a vibe but too far away. You're busy, probably stressed, sore from a good workout and really want to eat something good without resorting to Deliveroo. This one-pan meal gives you warm and easy, comes together in 10 minutes and is balanced with protein, carbs, and good fats all in one bowl. And there's a vegetarian option.

Perfect when the weather's miserable and you want something cosy without much effort.

One-Pan Harissa Chicken (or Chickpeas) with Orzo and Vegetables

Serves 2

Ingredients:

Protein (pick one or have both):

  • 1 pound chicken thighs, diced
  • 1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

Vegetables:

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • Handful of cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Spices:

  • 1 tsp Harissa paste
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Pinch of chilli flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper

Base:

  • 1 cup orzo
  • 1 cup boiling water (or stock/ bone broth if you're feeling bougie and want some extra flavour)

Fat:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Garnishes:

  • Squeeze of lemon
  • Fresh herbs (parsley or coriander)

Method:

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add your protein - if using chicken, cook for 4-5 minutes until golden and cooked through. If using chickpeas, cook for 2-3 minutes until warmed and slightly crispy.

Add the spices (Harissa paste, cumin, paprika, chilli if you're using it) and stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but don't let it burn.

Throw in the orzo and stir to coat it in the spiced oil for about a minute.

Pour in your water or bone broth, bring to a simmer, then add the vegetables - bell pepper, onion, tomatoes, garlic. Let everything cook together for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

The orzo will soak up all the spices and if you've used bone broth, you've added extra protein and gut-healing goodness without any extra effort. Divide between two bowls, drizzle with olive oil, squeeze over lemon, and scatter fresh herbs on top.

Don't ask us for calories and macros, it aint for one of those days, its quick enough for a Tuesday when you can't be bothered, or any day for that matter, and tastes good enough to stay away from Deliveroo. The spices are warming without being heavy, the vegetables add freshness and the rice soaks up all the flavour.

You can swap the protein depending on what's in your fridge, add more vegetables if you want or make it spicier or keep it mild. It's an easy dish that can be repeated many ways without tasting the same, simple but sometimes we need a lil reminder that simple is better.

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