Balsamic Chicken Veggie Orzo (Print Version)
Tender balsamic-glazed chicken with roasted vegetables and orzo pasta, finished with fresh herbs for a wholesome meal.
# What You Need:
→ For the Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 tablespoon honey
06 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ For the Veggies
09 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
10 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
11 - 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
12 - 1 small red onion, chopped
13 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
14 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
15 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
16 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ For the Orzo
17 - 1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta
18 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
19 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
20 - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
21 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, honey, oregano, salt, and pepper. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour marinade over. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
03 - Toss zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a large baking sheet.
04 - Remove chicken from marinade (reserve remaining marinade) and place on the baking sheet with the vegetables.
05 - Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping chicken halfway through, until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F) and vegetables are tender. Brush chicken with reserved marinade during the last 5 minutes of roasting.
06 - Meanwhile, cook orzo according to package instructions in chicken broth or water until al dente. Drain and toss with parsley, basil, and lemon juice.
07 - To serve, divide orzo among plates, top with roasted veggies and sliced chicken. Garnish with extra herbs if desired.
# Insider Tips:
01 -
- The balsamic glaze creates this gorgeous sticky finish that makes simple chicken taste restaurant-quality
- Everything roasts on one sheet pan so cleanup is practically nonexistent
- The orzo soaks up all those roasted vegetable juices making every bite incredibly satisfying
02 -
- Dont skip brushing the chicken with the reserved marinade during those last few minutes of roasting
- Crowding the baking sheet will steam everything instead of roast it so use two sheets if needed
- The orzo absorbs liquid quickly so toss it with the lemon and herbs immediately after draining
03 -
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for the easiest cleanup ever
- Room temperature chicken marinates more evenly so take it out of the fridge 20 minutes before cooking