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- Chicken and orzo components - 1 pound chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth - Vegetables and seasonings - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh baby spinach - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper, to taste - Oils and vinegar - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish In this recipe, we use chicken breast for a lean protein source. Dicing it allows for even cooking. The orzo pasta is small and cooks quickly, making it perfect for this dish. The low-sodium chicken broth adds rich flavor while keeping the dish light. Cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst as they cook. Fresh baby spinach is a great way to sneak in some greens. Garlic powder and oregano bring depth to the dish without overpowering it. We use extra-virgin olive oil for cooking. It adds a nice flavor and helps to brown the chicken. Finally, balsamic vinegar adds a tangy sweetness that brings the whole dish together. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness. Overall, these ingredients create a dish that is tasty and easy to make. You will enjoy the balance of flavors and textures in every bite. {{ingredient_image_2}} Cooking the chicken Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 pound of diced chicken breast. Season it well with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Stir it often. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and no longer pink in the center. Adding orzo and broth After the chicken is cooked, push it to the edges of the skillet. Create an empty space in the center. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Stir gently to mix everything together. This mixture will cook and flavor the orzo. Simmering and incorporating spinach Increase the heat a bit to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once you see bubbles, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to stop the orzo from sticking. The orzo will absorb most of the broth and become tender. After that, stir in 1 cup of fresh baby spinach and 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar. Cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and turns bright green. Taste your dish and add more salt or pepper if needed. Let the skillet rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps all the flavors blend together nicely. - Ensuring tender chicken: Cut the chicken into small pieces. This helps it cook faster and stay juicy. Sear it over medium heat until golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Aim for 165°F. - Avoiding sticky orzo: Stir the orzo often while it cooks. This helps prevent it from sticking together. Use low-sodium chicken broth for extra flavor without the saltiness. - Flavor enhancement strategies: Add garlic powder and dried oregano for depth. You can also toss in crushed red pepper for a spicy kick. Always taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. - Creative plating ideas: Use a large bowl for family style or individual plates for guests. This makes it look fancy and inviting. - Garnishing techniques: Top your dish with fresh basil leaves. For extra flair, drizzle balsamic reduction over the top. This adds color and a sweet-tangy flavor. Pro Tips Use High-Quality Balsamic Vinegar: The flavor of your dish will be significantly enhanced by using a good quality balsamic vinegar. Opt for one that is aged for a richer taste. Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Keep an eye on the orzo while it cooks, as it can go from perfectly al dente to mushy quickly. Taste it a minute or two before the suggested cooking time to ensure it's just right. Add Extra Vegetables: Feel free to customize this dish by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the chicken at the beginning. Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the skillet to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes for a more delicious dish. {{image_4}} You can change the protein in this dish. Shrimp and tofu work well. Shrimp cooks fast, adding a sweet touch. Tofu absorbs flavors nicely and is great for vegans. You can also swap in different veggies. Bell peppers add crunch and color. Zucchini brings a soft texture and mild taste. Feel free to mix and match for your perfect dish! Changing the vinegar can give this dish a new twist. Try apple cider vinegar for a sweeter taste. Red wine vinegar adds depth and richness. Herbs can also enhance flavor. Fresh thyme or rosemary can give it a nice aroma. If you like spice, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. A little heat can balance the sweetness of the balsamic vinegar. Don't be afraid to experiment until you find your favorite flavor! To store leftovers of Balsamic Chicken Orzo Skillet, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Make sure to store it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. Enjoy your meal for up to three days. I recommend using glass containers. They are safe and easy to clean. You can also use plastic containers with tight lids. Just make sure they are BPA-free. To reheat your delicious skillet meal, use the stovetop method. Place it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Stir it gently until it warms up evenly. You can also use the microwave. Place the meal in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps avoid overcooking and keeps it juicy. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Cook it fully and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you are ready to eat. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? The chicken is fully cooked when it is no longer pink inside. You can use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (75°C). The chicken should also be golden brown on the outside. Cut into a piece to check that it’s cooked all the way through. What can I serve with Balsamic Chicken Orzo Skillet? You can serve this dish with a fresh salad or steamed veggies. Garlic bread or crusty rolls pair nicely too. A glass of white wine complements the dish well. Consider serving some fruit for dessert to round out the meal. This blog post shared a clear guide for making a tasty Balsamic Chicken Orzo Skillet. You learned about key ingredients, like chicken, orzo, veggies, and seasoning options. I provided steps for cooking and tips for a great meal. You also found variations to keep things fresh and unique. Remember, proper storage and reheating keep leftovers safe and tasty. Trust these tips to make your cooking fun and easy. Enjoy your cooking journey with this flavorful dish!

Balsamic Chicken Orzo Skillet Delight

A delicious one-pan meal featuring chicken, orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables, all enhanced with balsamic vinegar.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh baby spinach
  • 1 quarter cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the diced chicken and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Sauté for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (no longer pink in the center).
  • Once the chicken is fully cooked, push it to the edges of the skillet, creating space in the center. Add the orzo pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and chicken broth into the center of the skillet. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
  • Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo has absorbed most of the broth and is tender.
  • After the orzo has cooked, stir in the fresh baby spinach and balsamic vinegar. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and vibrant green.
  • Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and allow it to rest for a couple of minutes to enhance the flavors before serving.

Notes

Serve in a large bowl or individual plates, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle balsamic reduction for added flair.
Keyword balsamic, chicken, one-pan meal, orzo, skillet