Classic Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Orzo
This delightful dish combines tender chicken and al dente orzo with a sweet and tangy strawberry balsamic sauce, making for a unique and flavorful meal.
Equipment
- Large skillet or pan
- Wooden spoon
- Paper towels
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts about 1 lb, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1/2 cup Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 1/2 cups Fresh Strawberries hulled and sliced
- 1 cup Orzo Pasta
- 2 cups Chicken Broth low sodium
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil chopped (for garnish)
- Balsamic Glaze Optional: Drizzle of
Instructions
Instructions
- Pat dry and season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in balsamic vinegar, scraping up any browned bits, and simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add sliced strawberries to the pan, cook for 3-5 minutes to soften and release juices, and gently mash some berries.
- Add chicken broth and orzo to the skillet, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 10-12 minutes until orzo is al dente.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the orzo and toss gently to combine.
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil and optionally a drizzle of balsamic glaze, then serve warm.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for 15 minutes before cooking. Ensure the orzo is stirred occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan.