This tasty one-pan balsamic chicken orzo is a breeze to whip up. Juicy chicken, fluffy orzo, and colorful veggies simmer together in a sweet and tangy sauce!
I love how everything cooks in one pan; less mess means more time to enjoy. Plus, the smell is heavenly and will make you hungry before it’s even done! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a fantastic choice since they cook quickly and stay juicy. You can easily swap them for thighs if you prefer a bit more flavor or moisture.
Orzo: This small pasta is perfect for this dish. If you don’t have orzo, farro or quinoa can be good alternatives. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary.
Balsamic Vinegar: It adds that lovely tangy sweetness. If you’re out of balsamic, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar could work, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Vegetables: Feel free to mix up the veggies! Broccoli, carrots, or asparagus can make great substitutes. Just remember to keep the cooking time in mind so everything cooks evenly.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken to the perfect doneness can be tricky. Here’s what you should do:
- Always check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Use a meat thermometer for accuracy, especially if the chicken breasts are thick.
- If they’re browning too quickly, reduce the heat to medium to avoid burning.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
With these tips, you’ll serve up perfectly cooked chicken every time!
Easy One-Pan Balsamic Chicken Orzo with Vegetables
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Orzo and Veggies:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (or stock)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20-30 minutes to cook, making a tasty, hearty meal in about 40 minutes total. Perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Chicken:
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned and almost cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sautéing the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for about 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the onions are translucent.
3. Cooking the Vegetables:
Next, add the chopped red bell pepper, sliced zucchini, and mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften up.
4. Toasting the Orzo:
Stir in the orzo pasta and let it toast with the veggies for a minute or two. This adds a nice nutty flavor to the orzo.
5. Adding Balsamic and Broth:
Pour the balsamic vinegar and chicken broth into the pan. Mix everything together, scraping up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.
6. Simmering Everything Together:
Now, nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the orzo mixture. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer gently for about 12-15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).
7. Final Touches:
Once everything is cooked through, remove the lid and stir in the chopped parsley or basil. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serving:
Serve this beautiful, colorful dish warm, garnishing with extra fresh herbs if you like. Enjoy every bite of this easy and flavorful meal!
Bon appétit! 🌟
img src=”https://lucyslunchbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/easy-one-pan-balsamic-chicken-orzo-with-vegetables.webp” alt=””>
Can I Use Other Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs or even tenders. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary; thighs may take a little longer to cook through.
What Can I Substitute for Orzo in This Recipe?
If you don’t have orzo on hand, try using farro, quinoa, or even small pasta shapes like ditalini. Make sure to adjust the cooking times according to the pasta or grain you choose!
How do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep the orzo from drying out.
