Description
A quick and satisfying one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, orzo pasta, and colorful vegetables tossed in a tangy balsamic glaze. This 30-minute dinner is perfect for busy weeknights and offers a taste of the Mediterranean.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 1 cup Orzo Pasta
- 2 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes
- 1 medium Zucchini
- 1 medium Bell Pepper
- 1 medium Red Onion
- 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 cloves Garlic, Minced
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and oregano.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté the chopped red onion until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the bell peppers and zucchini, cooking until they are partially softened, around 4 minutes.
- Stir the orzo into the skillet, allowing it to coat in the flavorful oils.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and gently simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Slice the cooked chicken, then fold it back into the skillet.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and remaining oregano. Gently stir until heated through, about 3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve your vibrant Balsamic Chicken & Veggie Orzo immediately.
Notes
- Optional: Drizzle with extra balsamic vinegar for added tang.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or quinoa.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a richer flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Garnish with toasted pine nuts or walnuts for added crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan Skillet
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg