Description
Balsamic Chicken & Veggie Orzo is a flavorful one-skillet dinner made with juicy seared chicken breasts, tender orzo pasta, and colorful sautéed vegetables, all finished with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. It’s an easy, family-friendly weeknight meal that feels fresh, comforting, and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, bell pepper, and red onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in orzo and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the chicken and orzo. Cook for 2–3 minutes to allow flavors to combine.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the top before serving.
- If orzo absorbs liquid too quickly, add a splash of broth or water.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for juicier results.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet / Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with orzo and vegetables
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg