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BALSAMIC CHICKEN VEGGIE ORZO centered hero view, clean and uncluttered
Olivia Farnsworth

Balsamic Chicken Veggie Orzo - Easy Delicious Dinner

This Balsamic Chicken Veggie Orzo is a flavorful and nutritious one pot meal that combines tender chicken with vibrant vegetables and perfectly cooked orzo. Perfect for a high protein balsamic chicken orzo dinner, it’s quick to prepare and ideal for busy weeknights. Enjoy this easy balsamic chicken veggie orzo with a tangy balsamic glaze and fresh basil, making it a memorable one pot balsamic chicken tomatoes orzo dish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 zucchini diced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 1 red onion chopped
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Method
 

  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt pepper and half the oregano. Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest.
  2. Add the remaining olive oil to the same pan and sauté the chopped red onion until soft, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until aromatic.
  3. Include the diced bell pepper and zucchini in the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they start to soften. Add the orzo pasta and toss it with the vegetables and oil.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring once in a while, until the orzo absorbs most of the liquid and becomes tender.
  5. Slice the rested chicken into strips. Fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and remaining oregano. Gently combine the chicken slices and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes until the tomatoes are warmed and a light glaze forms from the balsamic.
  6. Take the pan off the heat, sprinkle fresh basil over the top, and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to about ¾ inch thickness before seasoning. Stir the orzo occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking; add extra broth or water if needed. Feel free to swap vegetables based on what’s fresh or preferred, such as asparagus or mushrooms. Use a high-quality balsamic vinegar to ensure the best flavor and a nice glaze.