Description
This Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Orzo Delight is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining juicy grilled chicken breasts with a tangy strawberry balsamic glaze served over tender orzo pasta tossed with fresh herbs, ricotta salata, and a hint of lemon. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal, it balances sweet, savory, and fresh elements in every bite.
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 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from heat and let rest.
- Make the Strawberry Balsamic Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine diced strawberries, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and the mixture reduces to a thick glaze, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain well and transfer to a large bowl.
- Prepare the Herb Orzo: While the orzo is still warm, toss it with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Add the chopped basil, mint, and crumbled ricotta salata. Mix gently to combine all flavors evenly.
- Assemble the Dish: Slice the grilled chicken breasts and place them atop a bed of the herb orzo. Spoon generous amounts of the strawberry balsamic glaze over the chicken. Garnish with additional fresh basil or mint if desired.
Notes
- Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor in the glaze.
- Ricotta salata can be substituted with feta cheese for a similar salty tang.
- Make sure not to overcook the orzo to keep a pleasant al dente texture.
- The glaze can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Adjust sweetness of the glaze by modifying honey amount based on strawberry ripeness.
