Description

This Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Orzo Delight is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines juicy grilled chicken breasts with a tangy strawberry balsamic glaze. Paired with perfectly cooked orzo pasta tossed in fresh herbs and lemon juice, this recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors, making it an ideal meal for a light yet satisfying lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

For the Strawberry Balsamic Glaze

1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
60 ml balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp honey

For the Orzo

200 g orzo pasta
60 g ricotta salata, crumbled (or feta cheese as alternative)
2 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
3 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil on a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and juices run clear. Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the Strawberry Balsamic Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the diced strawberries, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens slightly, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and transfer the orzo to a large mixing bowl.
Toss the Orzo: To the cooked orzo, add the crumbled ricotta salata or feta cheese, finely chopped basil and mint, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the orzo is evenly coated with the herbs, cheese, and dressing.
Assemble the Dish: Slice the grilled chicken breasts and arrange them on serving plates. Spoon the strawberry balsamic glaze generously over the chicken to add a sweet and tangy flavor. Serve alongside the herbed orzo pasta to complete the dish.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with grilled tofu or portobello mushrooms.
Ricotta salata can be replaced with feta cheese or goat cheese based on preference.
The glaze can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To make the dish gluten-free, substitute traditional orzo pasta with a gluten-free pasta alternative.
Adjust seasoning of salt and pepper according to taste.