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Balsamic Chicken Orzo with Roasted Veggies & Spicy Feta Recipe

Balsamic Chicken Orzo with Roasted Veggies & Spicy Feta Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 29 reviews

This Balsamic Chicken Orzo with Roasted Veggies & Spicy Feta is a vibrant and hearty meal that combines tender chicken, caramelized roasted vegetables, and flavorful orzo pasta, all brought together with a tangy balsamic honey glaze and a kick of spicy feta. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner, this dish is easy to prepare, packed with protein and fiber, and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 450 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Roasted Vegetables

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 red onion, diced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Orzo

  • 1 ½ cups dry orzo pasta
  • 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Balsamic Sauce

  • 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Spicy Feta

  • 100 g (3.5 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Instructions

  1. Roast the Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). In a bowl, toss the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, red bell pepper, and red onion with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread the vegetables evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes until they are tender and lightly caramelized, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
  2. Cook the Orzo: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the dry orzo pasta and toast it for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 8–10 minutes until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth. Drain any excess liquid if needed.
  3. Cook the Chicken: While the orzo cooks, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes until it is fully cooked through and golden brown, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
  4. Make the Balsamic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Drizzle this sauce over the cooked chicken and roasted vegetables, tossing gently to coat them evenly with the tangy glaze.
  5. Assemble Bowls: Divide the cooked orzo evenly among serving bowls. Top each bowl with a generous portion of roasted vegetables and balsamic-coated chicken. Sprinkle the spicy feta cheese over the top to add a creamy, flavorful kick.
  6. Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired. Serve the dish immediately while warm, enjoying the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors in every bite.

Notes

  • You can adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of red pepper flakes in the feta cheese.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control the salt content and allows you to season to taste.
  • To save time, vegetables can be roasted while you cook the orzo and chicken simultaneously.
  • Fresh herbs such as parsley or basil make excellent garnishes to enhance freshness and presentation.

Nutrition

Keywords: balsamic chicken orzo, roasted vegetables, spicy feta, Mediterranean dinner, healthy chicken recipe, quick weeknight meal, honey balsamic sauce

Find it online: https://maicook.com/balsamic-chicken-orzo-with-roasted-veggies-and-spicy-feta-recipe/