One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Orzo Recipe
This One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Orzo is the perfect easy dinner for busy nights. It’s packed with flavor from tangy balsamic vinegar, tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and herbs—all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup.
If you’re looking for a quick, family-friendly meal that feels a little elevated but comes together in about 30 minutes, this recipe is a must-try.
Why You’ll Love This One Pan Chicken and Orzo
Easy weeknight dinner: Everything comes together quickly in one skillet.
One-pan meal: Less cooking and, best of all, less cleanup.
Ready in about 30 minutes: Perfect for busy nights.
Packed with vegetables: Zucchini, bell pepper, tomatoes, spinach, and red onion add plenty of fresh flavor.
Family-friendly: A simple, flavorful meal the whole family can enjoy.
One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Orzo Recipe
This flavorful one-pan meal has the perfect balance of tangy balsamic vinegar, savory chicken, tender orzo, and colorful vegetables. Fresh basil and spinach finish everything off for a delicious dinner that's easy enough for a weeknight.
One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Orzo Pasta
This easy one-pan balsamic chicken and orzo is packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and plenty of flavor from tangy balsamic vinegar and herbs. It’s a simple 30-minute weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Recipe Details
Category: Dinner, One-Pan Meal
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup dry orzo pasta
2 cups chicken stock or broth
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 zucchini, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
½ red onion, diced
1 cup fresh spinach
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, plus more for drizzling
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the chicken. Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces.
Cook the chicken. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
Cook the chicken for about 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through.
Add the balsamic vinegar. Reduce the heat to low and add 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar to the chicken. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring to coat the chicken and allow the flavors to combine.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the vegetables. Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, bell pepper, and red onion. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the orzo and broth. Stir in the dry orzo and chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Cover the skillet and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking, until the orzo is tender and most of the chicken stock has been absorbed.
Add the greens and basil. Stir in the fresh spinach and chopped basil. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted.
Return the chicken. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir everything together.
Finish with balsamic. Drizzle additional balsamic vinegar over the top and gently toss to combine.
Serve warm and enjoy!
What to Serve with Chicken and Orzo
This one-pan chicken and orzo is delicious on its own, but you can easily turn it into a complete dinner with a few simple sides.
Try serving it with:
Garlic bread
A simple spring mix salad
Caesar salad
Roasted vegetables
Crusty bread for soaking up the extra sauce
Tips for the Best Chicken and Orzo
Don’t overcook the chicken.
Cook the chicken just until it reaches a safe internal temperature and is no longer pink in the center. Removing it from the skillet while you cook the vegetables helps keep it tender.
Use fresh basil when possible.
Fresh basil adds a bright, fresh flavor that pairs especially well with the balsamic vinegar and vegetables.
Stir the orzo occasionally.
Orzo can stick to the bottom of the skillet as it cooks, so give it a stir every few minutes while it simmers.
Add extra balsamic at the end.
If you love balsamic vinegar, don't be afraid to drizzle a little more over the finished dish. It adds a delicious tangy sweetness and brightens all of the flavors.
Easy Variations
This recipe is easy to customize based on what you have on hand.
Swap the chicken for shrimp: Shrimp makes a delicious alternative and cooks quickly.
Use kale instead of spinach: Add chopped kale with enough time for it to soften.
Add cheese: Finish the dish with freshly grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella.
Use whole wheat orzo: Substitute whole wheat orzo if you prefer.
Add extra vegetables: Mushrooms, broccoli, or chopped spinach would all work well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make chicken and orzo ahead of time?
Yes! This dish stores well and reheats easily, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the orzo has absorbed a lot of the sauce, add a small splash of chicken broth or water when reheating.
What does balsamic vinegar add to this dish?
Balsamic vinegar adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that balances the savory chicken, vegetables, and herbs. It also adds a bright finish to the dish.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Orzo works especially well because it cooks directly in the skillet with the chicken broth. However, small pasta shapes such as ditalini can work as a substitute. Keep in mind that cooking times and the amount of liquid needed may vary depending on the pasta you use.
An Easy Weeknight Dinner
This One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Orzo is one of those dinners that makes a busy night a little easier. You get tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, fresh herbs, and creamy orzo all in one skillet—and there's very little cleanup afterward.
It's quick enough for a weeknight but flavorful enough to feel like something a little special. Add some garlic bread or a simple salad, and dinner is ready!