Name: Balsamic Chicken Veggie Orzo: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped; 1 zucchini, chopped; 1 yellow squash, chopped; 1 red onion, chopped; 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Balsamic Chicken Veggie Orzo: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more! Imagine tender, juicy chicken breast, perfectly seared and infused with the rich, tangy sweetness of balsamic vinegar, nestled amongst a vibrant medley of colorful vegetables and delicate orzo pasta. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience.

Orzo, often mistaken for rice, is a type of pasta with a fascinating history, particularly in Italian cuisine. Its versatility makes it a beloved ingredient in countless dishes, from hearty soups to refreshing salads. The beauty of this balsamic chicken veggie orzo recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. It’s a dish that can be easily customized to suit your preferences and dietary needs, making it a weeknight winner for busy families and discerning foodies alike.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The balsamic glaze provides a delightful sweet and sour contrast to the savory chicken and vegetables. The orzo adds a comforting, slightly chewy element that ties everything together. People adore this balsamic chicken veggie orzo because it’s healthy, satisfying, and incredibly easy to prepare. It’s a one-pan wonder that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor, making it the perfect solution for a delicious and stress-free meal.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Balsamic Marinade:

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Vegetables:

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped
1 yellow squash, chopped

1 red onion, chopped
8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Orzo:

1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Marinating the Chicken:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. This is your balsamic marinade!

Place the cubed chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the balsamic marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.
Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful the chicken will be! I usually aim for at least an hour.

Preparing the Vegetables:

While the chicken is marinating, prepare your vegetables. Wash and chop the red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Slice the cremini mushrooms and halve the cherry tomatoes.

In a large bowl, toss the chopped vegetables with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is evenly coated.

Cooking the Orzo:

In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the orzo pasta and toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it’s lightly golden brown. This step adds a nutty flavor to the orzo.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.

Fluff the orzo with a fork. If desired, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Set aside.

Cooking the Chicken and Vegetables:

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the marinade) and add it to the hot skillet. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.

Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
Add the chopped vegetables to the same skillet. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp and slightly caramelized. If the pan seems dry, add a little more olive oil.

Assembling the Balsamic Chicken Veggie Orzo:

Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine.
Add the cooked orzo to the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or balsamic vinegar to taste.

Serving:

Serve the Balsamic Chicken Veggie Orzo immediately.
Garnish with chopped fresh basil, if desired.
This dish is delicious on its own, or you can serve it with a side salad or crusty bread.

Tips and Variations:

Vegetable Variations: Feel free to use any vegetables you like! Broccoli florets, asparagus, carrots, or spinach would all be great additions.
Protein Variations: You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, sausage, or tofu. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free orzo pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

Add Some Heat: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the orzo while cooking for a brighter flavor.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prepping! Prepare it ahead of time and portion it out into containers for easy lunches or dinners.
Fresh Herbs: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fresh herbs. Parsley, rosemary, or chives would all be delicious additions.
Cheese: Besides Parmesan, try adding crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.

Wine Pairing: A light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc would pair well with this dish.

Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Balsamic Chicken Veggie Orzo isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The tangy balsamic glaze perfectly complements the savory chicken and the vibrant medley of vegetables, all nestled in a bed of perfectly cooked orzo. Trust me, the combination is simply divine, and it’s a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

But what truly makes this recipe a must-try is its versatility. It’s incredibly adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand. Feeling adventurous? Try adding a sprinkle of feta cheese or some toasted pine nuts for an extra layer of texture and flavor. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken and add some grilled halloumi or tofu for a protein boost. You could also swap out the vegetables for your favorites – zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms all work beautifully.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

For a complete meal, I love serving this Balsamic Chicken Veggie Orzo with a side of crusty bread to soak up all that delicious balsamic glaze. A simple green salad also makes a refreshing accompaniment. And if you happen to have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), they’re fantastic cold for lunch the next day.

Here are a few more ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

* Mediterranean Twist: Add Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a generous sprinkle of oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
* Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a touch of heat.
* Lemon Herb: Brighten up the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme.
* Creamy Delight: Stir in a dollop of mascarpone cheese or a splash of cream at the end for a richer, more decadent experience.

I’ve poured my heart into creating this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor – the perfect trifecta for a winning weeknight meal. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra vegetables, making it a healthy and satisfying option for the whole family.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get cooking! I promise you won’t be disappointed. This balsamic chicken veggie orzo is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Once you’ve made it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you think of the flavor? Share your photos and comments with me – I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking!