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Balsamic Chicken & Veggie Orzo

Balsamic Chicken & Veggie Orzo

  • Author: Michael
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Balsamic Chicken & Veggie Orzo is a quick and easy meal that blends tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and orzo pasta, all coated in a tangy apple cider vinegar glaze. This vibrant dish offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With juicy chicken strips, colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, finished with fresh basil and a savory vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, it delivers a delightful, family-friendly dinner full of zest and nutrition.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 chicken breasts, sliced thin

Pasta

  • 1 cup orzo pasta

Vegetables

  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 small zucchini, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Sauces and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar glaze (natural)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Herbs

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips. Chop bell peppers, zucchini, and halve cherry tomatoes to ensure even cooking. Rinse the orzo under cold water to remove excess starch.
  2. Cook the Orzo: Boil a pot of salted water and cook the orzo until tender but still firm to the bite, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain well and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  3. Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips and cook until golden and cooked through, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Remove chicken and keep warm.
  4. Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add additional olive oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic, bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes until softened but still vibrant and slightly crisp.
  5. Combine and Glaze: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with vegetables. Add the cooked orzo, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and drizzle the apple cider vinegar glaze (natural). Stir well and cook for 2 minutes to blend flavors.
  6. Finish with Fresh Herbs and Serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top and gently toss. Serve the Balsamic Chicken & Veggie Orzo warm, enjoying the balance of savory and tangy flavors.

Notes

  • Pre-slice chicken to speed up cooking.
  • Do not overcook orzo; keep it slightly firm for best texture.
  • Use fresh vegetables for optimal color, flavor, and nutrition.
  • Add apple cider vinegar glaze gradually to adjust tanginess to taste.
  • Allow the dish to rest off heat for a few minutes to meld flavors before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: balsamic chicken, veggie orzo, apple cider vinegar glaze, quick dinner, healthy chicken recipe, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce

Find it online: https://classicrecipehub.com/balsamic-chicken-veggie-orzo/