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Chicken and Vegetable Orzo

Easy Chicken and Vegetable Orzo for a Healthy Family Meal

A delicious Chicken and Vegetable Orzo recipe that blends tender chicken with fresh veggies for a healthy, quick dish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Orzo Base
  • 1 cup Orzo Can substitute with any short pasta if needed.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Using unsalted butter helps control salt levels.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Avocado oil is a suitable alternative.
Chicken
  • 1 pound Chicken Thighs Boneless, skinless thighs ensure tenderness.
Vegetables
  • 2 cups Broccoli Florets Can use fresh or frozen.
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Feel free to use any color.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Any onion type will work.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Cloves Substitute with one teaspoon of garlic powder if fresh is not available.
  • 1 cup Peas Frozen or canned (drained) options work well.
Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar Provides a tangy splash.
  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt Sour cream can also be used.
Finishing Touches
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated is recommended.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Any cooking salt will suffice.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly cracked is preferred.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil Can substitute fresh herbs with double the amount.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley Can substitute fresh herbs with double the amount.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the orzo and set it aside.
  2. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet, heat a mix of olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts and begins to bubble, add the chicken pieces. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board.
  3. In the same skillet, maintain the heat and toss in the chopped yellow onion, red bell pepper, and broccoli florets. Cover the skillet and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and their colors brighten. Stir in minced garlic and peas, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant and warmed through.
  4. Return the sliced chicken to the skillet along with the cooked orzo. Then, add Greek yogurt and a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy kick. Gently mix everything together over low heat, ensuring the orzo absorbs the flavors, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Finally, sprinkle in dried basil and parsley, mixing well to integrate the herbs. Grate fresh parmesan cheese on top to add a nutty flavor. Serve warm directly from the skillet.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. The dish is best freshly made, but it can still be reheated well. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.

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