This Balsamic Chicken and Veggie Orzo is a tasty mix of tender chicken, colorful veggies, and chewy orzo pasta, all brought together with a tangy balsamic glaze. It’s delicious and easy to make!
I love how this dish looks on the plate—it’s like a rainbow of flavors! Plus, it comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. You’ll want to make this one again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orzo Pasta: This tiny pasta looks like rice and adds a lovely texture to the dish. If you don’t have orzo, you can use other small pasta shapes like couscous, quinoa, or even rice.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great, but you can swap them for thighs for more flavor or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time if using tofu!
Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, zucchini, asparagus, and mushrooms bring lots of colors and nutrients. Feel free to mix it up! Bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach could work well here too.
Balsamic Vinegar: This adds a tangy sweetness. If you’re out, red wine vinegar mixed with a bit of honey can provide a similar flavor profile.
Honey or Maple Syrup: These are optional but add nice sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar. If you prefer, you can skip them or use agave syrup.
How Do You Cook Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking chicken properly ensures it’s juicy and flavorful. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with room temperature chicken. Take it out of the fridge 15-20 minutes before cooking.
- Season generously with salt and pepper for flavor all through.
- Heat your pan with oil until it’s hot but not smoking. This helps to achieve a nice crust.
- Cook chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side, depending on thickness. Avoid flipping too soon.
- Let it rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps keep the juices inside when you cut it.
This technique gives you juicy chicken every time, making your Balsamic Chicken and Veggie Orzo a guaranteed winner!
Balsamic Chicken and Veggie Orzo Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking chicken)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for vegetables)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup diced zucchini
- 1/2 cup chopped asparagus, cut into 1-2 inch pieces
- 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll have a beautiful dish full of flavors ready relatively quickly—great for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Orzo:
Start by cooking the orzo pasta in chicken broth according to the package directions until it’s tender. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain any excess liquid and set it aside for later.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with a sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides. This will add a nice flavor to the chicken!
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and let them cook until they are golden brown and cooked through—about 5-6 minutes on each side, depending on how thick they are. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for a few minutes, and then slice it into strips.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the chopped onions and cook for about 2 minutes, until they start to soften. Then, add the minced garlic along with the chopped mushrooms, zucchini, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes. Sauté everything together for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant in color.
5. Mix in the Orzo:
Now, stir the cooked orzo pasta into the skillet with the vegetables. This will mix all the flavors beautifully!
6. Add the Balsamic Glaze:
Pour the balsamic vinegar over the mixture, adding honey or maple syrup if you’re using it for extra sweetness. Stir everything well and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. This helps the glaze reduce a bit and enhances the flavors.
7. Combine the Chicken:
Gently add the sliced chicken back into the skillet, stirring everything together just to warm through.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped basil. Serve warm and enjoy this delicious, colorful meal!
This dish truly brings together the tangy balsamic glaze, juicy chicken, and fresh sautéed vegetables, all complemented by the tender orzo pasta. Enjoy your creation!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Orzo Instead of Regular Orzo?
Absolutely! Whole wheat orzo is a great substitution and will add more fiber to the dish. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as whole wheat pasta may take a few more minutes to become tender.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian! Substitute the chicken with extra veggies or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain rich flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry.
What Other Vegetables Work Well in This Dish?
There are plenty of veggies you can add or substitute! Bell peppers, spinach, broccoli, or even snap peas would all work wonderfully and add in a colorful twist.
