Balsamic Chicken & Veggie Orzo, Quick Healthy Weeknight Dinner

This balsamic chicken and veggie orzo turns busy weeknights into flavorful, balanced meals in under 30 minutes, featuring a delightful blend of tender chicken and vibrant vegetables glazed in a rich balsamic sauce.

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This balsamic chicken and veggie orzo turns busy weeknights into flavorful, balanced meals in under 30 minutes. Bright balsamic glaze, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables combine for a comforting dinner the whole family will request again.

Why this recipe works

• One-pan skillet finish keeps cleanup easy and flavors concentrated.
• Orzo cooks quickly, absorbing the balsamic vegetable glaze for great texture.
• Lean chicken and vegetables create a high protein, nutrient-packed dish.
• Parmesan and spinach add creamy finish and fresh color without heavy sauce.

If you enjoy exploring similar protein-forward meals, check out these high protein chicken recipes for more weeknight inspiration.

Ingredients

• 2 cups orzo pasta
• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite size pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Ingredient notes and substitutions

• Swap orzo for pearl couscous for a similar texture.
• Use boneless skinless thighs if you prefer richer chicken, reduce cook time slightly.
• For dairy-free, omit Parmesan and finish with a squeeze of lemon.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to cook orzo for extra flavor, if desired.

Where to find specialty items

• Good balsamic vinegar makes a big difference, choose a well-aged bottle in the vinegar aisle.
• If cherry tomatoes are out of season, use grape tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes.
  For other chicken meal ideas, see this roundup of best chicken enchiladas recipes that highlight quick prep and bold flavors.

STEP-BY-STEP

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium high heat, then season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes, then remove chicken from the skillet.
3. Add remaining oil to the skillet, then sauté onion and garlic until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes, before adding bell pepper and zucchini and cooking until tender.
4. Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes before pouring in balsamic vinegar and simmering for 1 to 2 minutes to glaze the vegetables.
5. Return chicken and orzo to the skillet, then toss everything to combine and stir in spinach, cooking until wilted.
6. Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve warm.

Process photos for key steps, like browning chicken and glazing the vegetables, help you match visual cues. A checkpoint to watch for is the balsamic glaze, it should coat vegetables without burning. This skillet technique echoes the flavor layering found in creamy white chicken chili recipes, where gentle simmering builds depth.

Tips for success at each stage

• Cook orzo to al dente, not mushy, since it will finish in the skillet.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing chicken, work in batches if needed.
• Keep the balsamic over medium heat to prevent burning and to create a glossy glaze.

TIPS & VARIATIONS

Make-ahead and storage

• Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the orzo.

Recipe variations

• Low carb, replace orzo with cauliflower rice and reduce balsamic to 2 tablespoons.
• Vegetarian, omit chicken and add chickpeas for protein.
• Gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or cooked quinoa.
• Add olives and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.

Serving suggestions

• Serve with a simple arugula salad or crusty bread.
• Finish with extra Parmesan or a lemon wedge to brighten flavors.

Pro tips for best results

• Use room temperature chicken for even cooking.
• Taste and adjust salt after adding Parmesan to avoid over-salting.
  For an indulgent pasta night, try pairing this bright skillet with a creamy option like blackened chicken alfredo for menu variety.

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

1. Overcooking the orzo, which makes it mushy, fix by cooking al dente and finishing in the skillet.
2. Crowding the pan when searing chicken, which causes steaming, prevent by using a hot pan and cooking in batches.
3. Burning the balsamic, which turns bitter, avoid by simmering gently and stirring constantly.
4. Adding spinach too early, which turns it limp, add at the end so it just wilts.
5. Undersalting, which leaves the dish flat, correct by seasoning in stages and tasting before serving.
6. Using low-quality balsamic, which weakens the glaze, choose a mid-range aged balsamic for the best balance.
7. Rushing the glaze stage, which prevents proper coating, allow the vinegar to reduce briefly until glossy.

If any issue occurs, stop, taste, and adjust. A splash of broth or a pinch of sugar can rescue over-acidic balsamic, while extra Parmesan helps round out under-seasoned dishes.

Balsamic Chicken & Veggie Orzo

This balsamic chicken and veggie orzo turns busy weeknights into flavorful, balanced meals in under 30 minutes, featuring a delightful blend of tender chicken and vibrant vegetables glazed in a rich balsamic sauce.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

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For the orzo

• 2 cups orzo pasta Can substitute with pearl couscous.
• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces Use thighs for richer flavor, slightly adjust cook time.
• 1 tbsp olive oil For cooking chicken.
• 1 tbsp olive oil Additional for sautéing vegetables.
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar Use high-quality aged balsamic.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances the flavors.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Can use grape or Roma tomatoes.
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped Add depth of flavor.
• 2 cups fresh spinach Adds freshness.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt Adjust to taste.
• 1/2 tsp black pepper Adjust to taste.
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese Omit for dairy-free or substitute with nutritional yeast.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo until al dente, then drain and set aside.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium high heat, then season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet.
• Add remaining oil to the skillet, then sauté onion and garlic until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes, before adding bell pepper and zucchini and cooking until tender.
• Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes before pouring in balsamic vinegar and simmering for 1 to 2 minutes to glaze the vegetables.
• Return chicken and orzo to the skillet, then toss everything to combine and stir in spinach, cooking until wilted.
• Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve warm.

Notes

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the orzo.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 35gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5g

Keyword Balsamic Chicken, Healthy Dinner, One-Pan Dish, Orzo, Weeknight Meal

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