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Balsamic Chicken Orzo with Roasted Veggies & Whipped Feta Recipe

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

4.8 from 5 reviews

A vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender balsamic chicken, al dente orzo pasta, and a medley of roasted vegetables, all topped with creamy whipped feta for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Roasted Vegetables

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small zucchini, diced
  • 1 small red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Orzo

  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt to taste

Whipped Feta

  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • Black pepper to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra crumbled feta (optional)

Instructions

  1. Roast the Vegetables: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, toss cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and red bell pepper with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Spread the vegetables evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 15–20 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.
  2. Cook the Orzo: While the vegetables roast, bring water or low-sodium chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the orzo and a pinch of salt. Cook for 8–10 minutes until al dente. Drain the orzo and toss it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chicken pieces, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden.
  4. Make the Whipped Feta: In a food processor or small bowl, combine crumbled feta cheese, Greek yogurt, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and black pepper. Blend or whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine Everything: In a large bowl, gently toss together the roasted vegetables, cooked chicken, and orzo pasta to combine all the flavors.
  6. Serve: Portion the mixture into individual bowls or arrange on a serving platter. Dollop the whipped feta over the top and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra crumbled feta if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.

Notes

  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content of the dish.
  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and paprika for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Substitute orzo with quinoa or couscous for a different texture.
  • Whipped feta can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it great for meal prep or picnics.

Nutrition

Keywords: Balsamic Chicken, Orzo Pasta, Roasted Vegetables, Whipped Feta, Mediterranean, Healthy Dinner, Easy Weeknight Meal

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