Description
This Balsamic Chicken & Veggie Orzo recipe combines tender marinated chicken breasts with a flavorful mix of vegetables and toasted orzo pasta, all cooked together in a skillet for a vibrant and hearty one-pan meal. The balsamic marinade adds a rich, tangy sweetness complemented by fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese, making this dish perfect for a satisfying and wholesome dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 pound chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Orzo and Vegetables
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Garnish
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later use. Cook the chicken in the skillet for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and golden brown. Transfer to a plate and let rest to retain juices.
- Toast the Orzo: In the same skillet, add the orzo pasta and toast for 1-2 minutes until slightly golden to enhance its flavor.
- Cook the Orzo: Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for 8-10 minutes until the orzo is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced zucchini, bell pepper, and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but retain some bite.
- Combine Chicken and Marinade: Slice the rested chicken breasts and add them back to the skillet. Pour the reserved marinade over the entire dish and stir gently to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your flavorful balsamic chicken and veggie orzo warm.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for longer (up to 2 hours) for deeper flavor.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free orzo or substitute with quinoa.
- Add a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness just before serving.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Balsamic Chicken, Orzo, Vegetable Pasta, Skillet Dinner, Mediterranean Chicken, One-Pan Meal
