Description
Enjoy a wholesome and vibrant dinner with this Balsamic Chicken & Veggie Orzo recipe. Featuring tender chicken, crisp fresh vegetables, and a tangy balsamic glaze, this easy and healthy one-pan meal combines bold flavors and nourishing ingredients to deliver comfort and satisfaction to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Pasta & Broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Oils & Sauces (natural)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Herbs & Seasonings
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, then season with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil (natural) in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add a little more olive oil (natural) if needed. Toss in minced garlic, diced red and yellow bell peppers, and zucchini. Sauté for about 4 minutes until the veggies soften but remain slightly crisp. Add halved cherry tomatoes last and cook another 2 minutes to release their sweetness.
- Cook the Orzo: Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the orzo pasta and cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the liquid, becoming tender and flavorful.
- Combine and Glaze: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add balsamic vinegar (natural) and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), stirring gently to coat everything in a glossy, tangy glaze. Cook for another 2 minutes to let flavors marry.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the dish. Give one last gentle stir and serve warm, savoring every bite of this vibrant, balanced dinner.
Notes
- Chop chicken and vegetables into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Stir the orzo frequently during cooking to prevent sticking and burning.
- Use fresh basil and ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Adjust balsamic vinegar (natural) and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) quantities to achieve preferred sweetness or tanginess.
- Allow the dish to rest briefly before serving to enhance flavor melding.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: balsamic chicken, veggie orzo, healthy dinner, one-pan meal, Mediterranean, easy recipe, gluten free, chicken and vegetables
