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5 Amazing Balsamic Chicken Veggie Orzo Recipe

Balsamic Chicken Veggie Orzo

Imagine tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken mingling with colorful, crisp-tender vegetables and perfectly cooked orzo pasta, all coated in a vibrant, tangy-sweet balsamic glaze. This dish feels gourmet but fits into any busy weeknight—it’s balanced, beautiful, and bursting with flavor!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1.5 cups Orzo Pasta, uncooked
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil, divided
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 large Red Bell Pepper, diced
  • 1 medium Zucchini, diced
  • 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes, halved
  • 4 cups Chicken Broth, low sodium
  • ½ cup Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Dried Basil
  • ¼½ tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
  • Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach, packed
  • Fresh Parsley or Basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt, black pepper, ½ tsp oregano, and ½ tsp basil.
  2. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Sear chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side. Set aside.
  3. Reduce heat, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté onion 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
  4. Add bell pepper and zucchini. Season lightly. Cook 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.
  5. Push veggies aside and add orzo to toast for 1 minute.
  6. Deglaze pan with ¼ cup broth, scraping up browned bits.
  7. Add remaining broth, balsamic vinegar, cherry tomatoes, remaining herbs, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
  8. Return chicken and juices to skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15-20 minutes until orzo is tender and liquid absorbed.
  9. Remove from heat and stir in spinach to wilt.
  10. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or basil.

Notes

Prep all your ingredients before you start. For deeper flavor, toast the orzo and use high-quality balsamic vinegar. Finish with fresh herbs and optional grated Parmesan or feta for extra punch.

Nutrition

Keywords: balsamic chicken, orzo pasta, one-pan dinner, easy chicken recipe