Balsamic Chicken Orzo
A cozy and flavorful one-pot balsamic chicken orzo made with tender seared chicken, creamy orzo, balsamic glaze, and fresh herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into chunks
- 1.5 cups orzo pasta, uncooked
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Sear the chicken in olive oil until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté the onion until soft, then add the garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo and toast lightly for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and balsamic vinegar, scraping the pan to release browned bits.
- Return chicken to the skillet, cover, and simmer until orzo is tender.
- Stir in spinach, tomatoes, and Parmesan.
- Finish with basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Notes
- Add extra broth when reheating to keep the orzo creamy.
- Use feta or mozzarella for a richer finish.
- Swap chicken with chickpeas for a vegetarian version.