Easy One-Pan Balsamic Chicken Orzo with Vegetables: A Delicious & Healthy Dinner 🥘🍇✨
1. Introduction
Are you searching for a quick, flavorful, and healthy dinner recipe that combines the savory goodness of balsamic-glazed chicken with tender orzo and fresh vegetables? Look no further than this easy one-pan balsamic chicken orzo. Perfect for busy weeknights, this pasta and chicken skillet offers a simple dinner solution that can be whipped up in no time, making it a favorite among all good recipes or any healthy dinner recipes for a crowd. Whether you’re preparing clean simple dinner recipes or craving a big healthy dinners, this Balsamic Chicken And Veggie Orzo dish hits all the right notes for a flavorful and nutritious stove top dinner.
2. Ingredients Needed for Easy Balsamic Chicken And Veggie Orzo
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup zucchini, chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or basil
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
For added convenience, consider using kitchen gadgets like the CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set, or if you’d prefer a slow cooker version, check out the Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Balsamic Chicken Orzo with Vegetables
**Preparation of Chicken**
Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
**Cooking the Vegetables and Pasta**
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and red onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables start to soften. Pour in the balsamic vinegar and chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan.
Add the orzo pasta and dried herbs to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Cover the skillet and simmer on low heat for 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
**Finishing Touches**
Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Stir to coat everything with the balsamic glaze. Continue cooking uncovered for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley.
4. Storage Tips & Reheating Suggestions
This balsamic glazed chicken with orzo can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. You can also prepare this dish in advance for meal prep or batch cooking, making it an ideal choice for simple and healthy dinners for a crowd.
5. Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This healthy dinner recipe for a crowd pairs well with a crisp green salad or sautéed greens like spinach or kale. For a refreshing beverage, consider a chilled sparkling water or a glass of your favorite white wine. For convenience, you might want to enhance your Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker for cold drinks, or use the Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master for prepping your vegetables quickly.
6. Variations & Customizations of Balsamic Chicken Orzo
Customize this recipe to suit your tastes by adding grilled mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach for extra greens. If you want a cheesy touch, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan on top before serving. Looking for a different carb base? Try substituting the orzo with quinoa or brown rice, making this an even more versatile dish.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Balsamic Chicken And Veggie Orzo
**Can I make this dish in a crockpot?**
Yes! Check out the slow cooker version for an easy, dump-and-go alternative that’s just as flavorful.
**What are some good side dishes to serve with Balsamic Chicken And Veggie Orzo?**
Fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread are excellent options for complementing this healthy dinner recipe.
**How long does leftovers last?**
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
8. Conclusion
This easy one-pan balsamic chicken orzo with vegetables offers a flavorful, nutritious, and quick solution for those seeking clean simple dinner recipes. Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd, this dish combines the sweet tang of balsamic glaze with tender chicken and fresh vegetables in a hearty pasta base. It’s a healthy dinner recipe for a crowd that balances rich flavors with wholesome ingredients. Enjoy this simple yet impressive meal that’s sure to become a regular on your dinner rotation!
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Easy One-Pan Balsamic Chicken Orzo with Vegetables
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Healthy
Description
Easy One-Pan Balsamic Chicken Orzo with Vegetables is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner recipe perfect for busy weeknights. This dish combines tender chicken breasts, orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables sautéed in a balsamic glaze, all cooked in one convenient skillet for minimal cleanup and maximum taste. Ideal for those seeking a nutritious, satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup zucchini, chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or basil
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and red onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables start to soften. Pour in the balsamic vinegar and chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan.
- Add the orzo pasta and dried herbs to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Cover the skillet and simmer on low heat for 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Stir to coat everything with the balsamic glaze. Continue cooking uncovered for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley.
Notes
- Use high-quality balsamic vinegar for the best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or herbs according to your taste.
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for variety.
- Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
