Easy Balsamic Chicken & Veggie Orzo

Easy balsamic chicken & veggie orzo has a special place in my heart because it reminds me of a summer evening when I wanted to make something colorful and light yet still filling and satisfying and I remember walking through the farmer’s market that morning picking out the brightest cherry tomatoes and the freshest basil and as I cooked later that day I could almost taste the sunshine in every bite and the balsamic glaze made the kitchen smell so inviting that my family couldn’t wait to dig in. That night turned into an impromptu patio dinner and we sat outside laughing and enjoying this fresh, vibrant dish as the sun set.

I love how this easy balsamic chicken & veggie orzo feels like a mix between a salad and a cozy pasta dish and it’s packed with juicy chicken, tender orzo, and sweet roasted veggies and each forkful feels like a little celebration of summer and freshness and it’s a dish that always makes me feel like I’m on vacation even if I’m just sitting at my own kitchen table.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Chicken breast – The main protein that soaks up all the balsamic flavor beautifully.
• Orzo pasta – Acts as the light, tender base that ties everything together.
• Cherry tomatoes – Juicy and sweet, adding a burst of color and freshness.
• Zucchini – Adds a mild, earthy bite and balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
• Red bell pepper – For a crisp, sweet crunch and bright color.
• Fresh basil – Brings a fragrant, summery flavor to the dish.
• Goat cheese – Adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the balsamic glaze.
• Olive oil – Helps the veggies roast perfectly and adds richness.
• Balsamic glaze – The star of the dish, bringing sweet and tangy depth.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning everything just right.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet – I use this to cook the chicken evenly and to toss everything together at the end.
• Baking sheet – Perfect for roasting the vegetables until they’re caramelized and tender.
• Saucepan – To cook the orzo until just right.
• Sharp knife – Essential for chopping all the veggies and chicken cleanly.
• Cutting board – A sturdy surface for prepping all your ingredients safely.
• Mixing bowl – To toss the veggies with oil and seasonings before roasting.

Instructions

Step 1

I start by preheating my oven to 425°F so it’s ready for the veggies.

Step 2

Then I chop the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and red bell pepper and toss them in olive oil with a pinch of salt and pepper in a mixing bowl.

Step 3

I spread the veggies out on a baking sheet and roast them for about 20 minutes until they’re tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 4

While the veggies roast, I season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and cook them in a large skillet over medium heat until golden and cooked through, then I slice them into bite-sized pieces.

Step 5

At the same time, I bring a saucepan of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo until al dente, then I drain and set it aside.

Step 6

Once everything is cooked, I toss the orzo, roasted veggies, and sliced chicken together in the skillet.

Step 7

I drizzle a generous amount of balsamic glaze over the top and gently stir to coat everything evenly.

Step 8

Finally, I sprinkle fresh basil leaves and little dollops of goat cheese over the dish before serving.

Tips

If you want even more flavor, I sometimes marinate the chicken in a bit of balsamic vinegar and olive oil ahead of time. You can also switch up the veggies I love using asparagus or mushrooms when they’re in season. And if you’re not a fan of goat cheese, crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan work beautifully too. Leftovers are delicious cold the next day, almost like a pasta salad!

Ways to Serve

I enjoy serving this easy balsamic chicken & veggie orzo as a main dish with a side of crusty bread to soak up all the glaze. It also works great as a party dish because it’s colorful and easy to serve at room temperature. If I’m feeling extra fancy, I add a fresh green salad on the side with a simple lemon vinaigrette.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make easy balsamic chicken & veggie orzo ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep everything and assemble just before serving. It holds up well in the fridge for a couple of days.

Can I make easy balsamic chicken & veggie orzo vegetarian?

Definitely. Just leave out the chicken and add extra veggies or even some white beans for protein.

Can I use a different pasta for easy balsamic chicken & veggie orzo?

Absolutely. You can swap orzo for any short pasta like farfalle or penne if you prefer.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this easy balsamic chicken & veggie orzo a try! It’s a dish that makes me feel like I’m sharing a big summer hug on a plate, and I’d love to hear how yours turns out. Let me know in the comments or share a photo with me! And if you love this recipe, don’t forget to save it for your next colorful dinner.

Happy Cooking!