Description
A delightful dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful orzo, and vibrant veggies with a tangy balsamic glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680 g)
- 1 cup orzo pasta (about 200 g)
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar (120 ml)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (about 150 g)
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the diced zucchini and bell peppers. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
- While the vegetables are cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the skillet with the vegetables, pour in the balsamic vinegar. Stir well and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it reduces slightly and thickens.
- Slice the cooked chicken breasts and return them to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the cooked orzo and toss everything together until well combined. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- For freezing, use a freezer-safe container; it can last up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Balsamic Chicken, Orzo, Vegetables, Dinner Recipe