Balsamic Chicken Orzo with Roasted Veggies & Feta Recipe
This Balsamic Chicken Orzo with Roasted Veggies & Feta is a vibrant, wholesome meal that combines tender chicken, flavorful roasted vegetables, and creamy feta cheese over hearty orzo pasta. Easy to prepare and packed with protein, this dish makes a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
- Author: Douaa
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting, Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Vegetables
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta & Toppings
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Preheat and Roast Veggies: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, toss the zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Cook Chicken: While the veggies roast, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the diced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook the chicken until fully cooked and lightly browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the chicken and stir to coat evenly for a tangy finish.
- Prepare Orzo: Cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions in salted boiling water. Once cooked, drain well and set aside.
- Assemble the Bowl: In serving bowls, combine the cooked orzo, roasted vegetables, and balsamic chicken. Top generously with crumbled feta cheese and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of freshness.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in balsamic vinegar and garlic powder for 30 minutes before cooking.
- You can substitute orzo with other small pasta like couscous or quinoa for a different texture.
- Use part-skim feta to reduce fat content if desired.
- Roasting vegetables brings out natural sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1/2 of recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Balsamic Chicken, Orzo Pasta, Roasted Vegetables, Feta Cheese, Healthy Dinner, Mediterranean Recipe, Easy Weeknight Meal