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
Scale
- 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