Balsamic Glazed Chicken & Orzo with Whipped Feta & Grilled Zucchini

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🍗 Balsamic Glazed Chicken & Orzo with Whipped Feta & Grilled Zucchini

A fresh Mediterranean-style dish featuring juicy balsamic-glazed chicken, tender orzo pasta, creamy whipped feta, and smoky grilled zucchini. Perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.

🧾 Ingredients

For the Balsamic Chicken

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar

  • 1 tbsp honey

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • ½ tsp smoked paprika

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Orzo

  • 1 cup orzo pasta

  • 2 cups chicken broth or water

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

For the Whipped Feta

  • ½ cup feta cheese

  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp lemon juice

  • ½ clove garlic (optional)

For the Grilled Zucchini

  • 2 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • ½ tsp dried oregano

  • Salt & black pepper

Optional Garnish

  • Cherry tomatoes (halved)

  • Fresh basil or parsley

  • Lemon wedges

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken and coat well. Let it marinate 20–30 minutes.

2️⃣ Cook the Orzo

Bring chicken broth to a boil. Add orzo and cook 8–10 minutes until tender.
Drain if needed and toss with olive oil, lemon juice, and parsley. Set aside.

3️⃣ Grill the Zucchini

Brush zucchini slices with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper.
Grill on a grill pan or skillet 2–3 minutes per side until tender and lightly charred.

4️⃣ Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium heat.
Cook the marinated chicken 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked and caramelized.
Pour remaining marinade into the pan and simmer 1–2 minutes to create a glaze.

5️⃣ Make the Whipped Feta

Blend feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic in a food processor until smooth and creamy.

🍽️ Assemble the Dish

  1. Spread a layer of whipped feta on a plate or bowl.

  2. Add a portion of lemony orzo.

  3. Slice the balsamic glazed chicken and place on top.

  4. Add grilled zucchini on the side.

  5. Garnish with cherry tomatoes, herbs, and a squeeze of lemon.

⭐ Tips

✔ Marinate chicken longer (up to 2 hours) for deeper flavor.
✔ Add spinach or roasted peppers to the orzo for extra vegetables.
✔ Use whole-wheat orzo for a healthier option.

⏱️ Time & Servings

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes

  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

  • Servings: 3–4

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