Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Orzo with Goat Cheese and Toasted Pine Nuts
This vibrant dish features tender chicken seared and coated in a sweet and tangy strawberry balsamic glaze, served over al dente orzo pasta. Finished with creamy goat cheese and crunchy pine nuts, it's a perfect blend of savory and refreshing flavors.
Equipment
- Pot
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Paper towels
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Chicken breasts boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces or thinly sliced
- 1 cup Orzo pasta
- 1.5 cups Fresh strawberries hulled and quartered (or sliced if large)
- 1/2 cup Balsamic vinegar good quality
- 1-2 tablespoons Honey or maple syrup adjust to taste
- 2-3 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 cups Chicken broth for orzo, or water according to package directions
- Fresh basil or parsley For garnish, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper To taste
- Fresh lemon juice Optional: A squeeze of
- 1/4 cup Toasted pine nuts Optional
- 1/4 cup Crumbled goat cheese Optional
Instructions
Cooking Orzo
- Bring salted water or chicken broth to a boil, then cook orzo according to package directions until al dente.
Preparing Chicken
- Pat chicken pieces dry, then season generously with salt and pepper.
Searing Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet, sear chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, then set aside.
Making Balsamic Glaze
- Reduce heat, add remaining olive oil and garlic to the skillet, and sauté until fragrant.
Adding Strawberries and Balsamic
- Pour in balsamic vinegar, honey, and strawberries, then simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and strawberries soften.
Combining Ingredients
- Return chicken to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in the strawberry balsamic glaze.
Serving
- Stir in the cooked orzo until well combined and heated through, or serve chicken over the orzo.
Garnish and Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, toasted pine nuts, and crumbled goat cheese, then serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the balsamic vinegar. Adjust the sweetness of the glaze to your preference. This dish is also great with a sprinkle of fresh mint for a brighter flavor.