One-Pot Balsamic Chicken and Orzo

Overhead photo of one-pan balsamic chicken dish

5 from 6 votes

This zesty 30-minute One-Pot Balsamic Chicken and Orzo is a weeknight game changer. It's also fancy enough for your weekend dinner party!

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: 30-minute meal, balsamic vinegar, Chicken, one-pot meal, orzo pasta, ShopRite

Servings: servings

Calories: 692kcal

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Ingredients

2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, I use ShopRite Bowl & Basket™ fresh chicken, cut into 1-1 1/2-inch cubes
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 1/2 tsp. Italian Seasoning
1 1/2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
2 Tbsp. butter
1 1/2 cups orzo pasta, uncooked
1 cup yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 14.5-oz. can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 Tbsp. light brown sugar
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes, more if you like things spicier
3 Tbsp. capers

Instructions

Add the cubed chicken to a large bowl and toss with olive oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt and pepper until well coated. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until just cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet with a slotted spoon to a plate. Set aside.
Add the butter to the skillet and cook the orzo over medium heat, tossing often, until lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes. Add the onion and continue to cook for 2-3 until the onions are slightly translucent and softened. Add the garlic and cook for one minute, stirring often.
Stir in the chicken broth, tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil. After the mixture comes to a boil, add the chicken back to the skillet with any juices and reduce the temperature to a low simmer. Cover and cook until the orzo absorbs the liquid and the chicken is totally cooked through, about 10-12 minutes, adding the capers in the last minute. Remove from the heat and let stand about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

You'll bring the entire chicken orzo mixture to a boil before reducing the heat to a simmer. You'll need to simmer the mixture, covered, for about 10-12 minutes or until the orzo has completely absorbed the liquid and the chicken is cooked through.

If you're not a fan of capers you don't need to add them. We love them, so three tablespoons is the perfect amount for us. They give the dish some added zest.

Nutrition