Easy One-Pan Balsamic Chicken Orzo with Vegetables: A Flavorful and Nutritious Delight 🍗🍚🥗
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a quick, satisfying, and healthy dinner idea, look no further than this Balsamic Chicken And Veggie Orzo recipe. This all-in-one stove top dinner combines tender balsamic-glazed chicken with tender orzo pasta and colorful vegetables, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or when you crave a clean simple dinner recipe that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Whether you’re into big healthy dinners or exploring healthy dinner recipes for a crowd, this dish ticks all the boxes.
2. Ingredients for Balsamic Chicken And Veggie Orzo
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach or kale
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparing Balsamic Chicken And Veggie Orzo
Preparation of the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Heat a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Cooking the Vegetables and Orzo
In the same pan, add a bit more olive oil if needed, then sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the bell peppers and cherry tomatoes, cooking until they begin to soften. Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes. Pour in the balsamic vinegar and a cup of water or chicken broth, stirring well. Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed the liquids.
Combine Chicken and Serve
Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the pan with the vegetables and orzo. Stir in the chopped spinach or kale and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the greens wilt. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. For a complete meal, serve hot with a side of Mexican beef Chile Verde or a refreshing salad.
4. Storage Tips for Balsamic Chicken And Veggie Orzo
This dish stores well in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a microwave or reheat on the stovetop until heated through. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions for a quick future meal. This makes it a great option for meal prep and batch cooking.
5. Serving Suggestions for Balsamic Chicken And Veggie Orzo
Serve this flavorful Balsamic Glazed Chicken With Orzo on its own or alongside a light green salad with balsamic vinaigrette. You can add a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of extra balsamic glaze for added sweetness. For more ways to elevate your dinner, explore some low-carb options or pair with crunchy bruschetta.
6. Tips for Making Healthy Dinner Recipes For A Crowd
Scaling up this healthy dinner recipe for a crowd is straightforward. Use larger cookware like the Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker for easy batch cooking or prepare multiple pans. Incorporate seasonal vegetables or add some protein variations such as shrimp or tofu for added diversity. This versatile dish ensures everyone leaves satisfied.
7. Why Choose Stove Top Dinners Healthy
This stove top dinner is quick, requiring minimal prep and cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights. It’s also packed with healthy ingredients like vegetables and lean protein, fitting perfectly within healthy dinner recipes for a crowd. Plus, it’s adaptable — swap out ingredients to cater to dietary preferences.
8. FAQs about Balsamic Chicken And Veggie Orzo
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dish and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave for a quick dinner.
Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free orzo or substitute with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add zucchini, mushrooms, or any seasonal vegetables for extra flavor and nutrients.
Q: How can I make this dish even healthier?
Use olive oil rather than butter, include more greens, and opt for organic chicken.
9. Conclusion
This Easy One-Pan Balsamic Chicken Orzo with Vegetables recipe is a perfect example of simple, healthy, and flavorful clean simple dinner recipes. It is ideal for busy nights, meal prep, or serving a crowd, making it a versatile addition to your collection of big healthy dinners. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, wholesome meal with minimal cleanup!
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Easy One-Pan Balsamic Chicken Orzo with Vegetables
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Healthy
Description
Enjoy a quick and healthy dinner with this flavorful One-Pan Balsamic Chicken Orzo with Vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines tender balsamic-glazed chicken with orzo pasta and colorful vegetables in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor, it’s an easy and nutritious choice for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach or kale
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed, then sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the bell peppers and cherry tomatoes, cooking until they begin to soften. Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the balsamic vinegar and a cup of water or chicken broth, stirring well. Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed the liquids.
- Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the skillet with the vegetables and orzo. Stir in the spinach or kale and cook for another 2-3 minutes until greens wilt. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot with additional sides if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for juicier results.
- Use gluten-free orzo or cauliflower rice for a gluten-free or low-carb version.
- Add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to customize your dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat thoroughly before serving, either in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 430 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg