Print

Easy Balsamic Chicken & Veggie Orzo Recipe

Easy Balsamic Chicken & Veggie Orzo Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 27 reviews

This Easy Balsamic Chicken & Veggie Orzo is a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired one-pan meal combining tender chicken breasts, colorful vegetables, and orzo pasta simmered in chicken broth and finished with a tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, it balances protein, veggies, and carbs in a delicious and nourishing dish that is easy to prepare and adaptable to your preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano, divided
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Orzo & Vegetables

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 red onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Finishing Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and half of the dried oregano. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped red onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add Vegetables and Orzo: Add the diced bell pepper and zucchini to the pan, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Stir in the orzo pasta, coating it well with the oil and vegetables.
  4. Add Liquid and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  5. Finish the Dish: Slice the rested chicken into strips. Add the cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and remaining oregano into the pan. Gently fold in the sliced chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes are warmed through and a light balsamic glaze forms.
  6. Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ¾ inch) before cooking for even doneness.
  • Stir the orzo occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking; add more broth if liquid absorbs too quickly before pasta is tender.
  • Vegetable substitutions such as asparagus, mushrooms, or yellow squash work well.
  • For best flavor, use high-quality balsamic vinegar as it mellows and glazes beautifully during cooking.
  • If desired, add a splash of heavy cream or Parmesan cheese at the end for creaminess.
  • This recipe can be doubled easily for larger groups or meal prep.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days; add broth when reheating.
  • Not recommended for freezing due to orzo texture changes.

Nutrition

Keywords: balsamic chicken, orzo recipe, Mediterranean chicken, one-pan meal, chicken and vegetables, easy dinner, weeknight dinner, healthy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/easy-balsamic-chicken-and-veggie-orzo-recipe/