Description
A delicious weeknight dinner featuring tender balsamic chicken served over a bed of orzo pasta and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in a zip-lock bag and pour in the marinade. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Remove chicken from the marinade (discard the marinade) and add to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let it rest.
- In the same skillet, add chopped bell pepper and zucchini. Sauté for 5 minutes until veggies are tender.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in the baby spinach, cooking just until wilted.
- Add cooked orzo to the skillet, mixing well with the vegetables.
- Slice the rested chicken and place it over the orzo mixture. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for longer than 30 minutes if time allows.
- You can substitute quinoa for orzo for a gluten-free option.
- Add other vegetables like asparagus or broccoli based on preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg