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Balsamic Chicken & Veggie Orzo

Balsamic Chicken & Veggie Orzo: A Quick One-Pan Delight

This Easy Balsamic Chicken & Veggie Orzo is a quick, one-pan meal bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces Chicken Breasts Substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Any high-heat cooking oil can work.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 medium Red Onion Yellow onion is an excellent substitute.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh minced garlic is best.
  • 1 medium Bell Pepper Any color works; can swap for zucchini.
  • 1 medium Zucchini Replace with asparagus or yellow squash if desired.
For the Pasta and Broth
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta Gluten-free pasta can be used as a substitute.
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth Vegetable broth is a good alternative.
For the Finishing Touches
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Fresh is best, but canned will do.
  • 2 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar High-quality balsamic elevates the dish.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Basil Omit if unavailable.

Equipment

  • large skillet

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and half of the oregano. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate to rest.
  2. In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed, and sauté chopped red onion for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  3. Add diced bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet, sauté for 3-4 minutes until they soften. Stir in orzo pasta and mix well.
  4. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender.
  5. Slice the rested chicken, stir it back into the skillet with cherry tomatoes and balsamic vinegar. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until tomatoes soften.
  6. Remove from heat, sprinkle with remaining oregano and fresh basil. Serve warm and enjoy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Pound chicken to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Stir orzo occasionally to prevent sticking. For a creamier texture, add cream or grated Parmesan before serving. To make vegetarian, omit chicken and use vegetable broth.

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