Description

This Balsamic Chicken & Veggie Orzo recipe combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and orzo pasta all tossed in a tangy balsamic vinegar and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce dressing. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a balanced, flavorful, and wholesome meal perfect for quick weeknight dinners or anytime meals that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

2 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces

Pasta

1 ½ cups orzo pasta

Vegetables

1 bell pepper, diced
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup fresh basil leaves

Dressings & Sauces

3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (natural)
1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings

Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Wash and chop the bell peppers and zucchini into small cubes. Halve the cherry tomatoes and mince the garlic to ensure even and quick cooking.
Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the orzo and set aside, ready to absorb flavors later.
Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add garlic, bell peppers, and zucchini, stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften but retain a slight crunch.
Combine and Season: Return the chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the cooked orzo and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle balsamic vinegar (natural) and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce over the mixture. Stir well to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the tangy sauce.
Finish with Fresh Herbs: Turn off the heat and toss in fresh basil leaves. Add a final drizzle of olive oil for richness and shine. Mix gently to allow the aroma of the basil to infuse the dish.

Notes

Chop vegetables and marinate chicken in balsamic vinegar (natural) ahead of time for deeper flavor.
Keep orzo slightly firm to maintain texture when mixed with sauce.
Use the freshest vegetables possible for vibrant color and crispness.
Adjust balsamic vinegar (natural) quantity to your desired tanginess.
Add fresh basil at the end to preserve its flavor and prevent wilting.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: balsamic chicken orzo, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, veggie orzo, healthy weeknight meal