Balsamic Glazed Chicken & Orzo with Feta & Sautéed Spinach Recipe
If you’re craving a meal that combines bold flavors with comforting textures, look no further than the Balsamic Glazed Chicken & Orzo with Feta & Sautéed Spinach. This dish brings together juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken bathed in a luscious balsamic glaze, paired with tender orzo pasta and vibrant sautéed spinach, all crowned with creamy crumbled feta. It’s a symphony of taste and color that will brighten your dinner table and quickly become a favorite to revisit time and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Balsamic Glazed Chicken & Orzo with Feta & Sautéed Spinach lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s the tangy balsamic vinegar that adds depth, the orzo that offers a satisfying bite, or the fresh spinach that brings a lively green pop and nutrition to the plate.
- Chicken breasts (1½ lb or 680 g): Choose boneless, skinless for quick, even cooking and tender results.
- Olive oil (3 tbsp total): Adds healthy fats and helps achieve golden searing on the chicken and spinach.
- Dried oregano (1 tsp): Provides a subtle herbal note that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Garlic powder (½ tsp) and minced garlic (3 cloves): Garlic is the flavor powerhouse in this recipe, infusing every bite.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all the flavors.
- Balsamic vinegar (1/3 cup): The star ingredient for the glaze, delivering a rich tangy sweetness.
- Honey (2 tbsp): Balances the vinegar’s acidity with natural sweetness for that irresistible glaze.
- Orzo pasta (1 cup): Its small size perfectly soaks up flavors and offers a unique alternative to rice or traditional pasta.
- Chicken broth or water (2 cups): Used to cook the orzo, infusing it with savory depth.
- Fresh spinach (3 cups): Wilts quickly to add vibrant color and earthy flavor to the dish.
- Crumbled feta cheese (½ cup): A creamy, salty finish that contrasts beautifully with the sweet glaze.
- Optional fresh parsley or basil: Adds a fresh, fragrant touch to brighten the final presentation.
How to Make Balsamic Glazed Chicken & Orzo with Feta & Sautéed Spinach
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
Start by bringing the chicken broth to a boil, which will infuse your orzo with a lovely savory flavor from the beginning. Once boiling, add the orzo and cook until it’s tender and has absorbed all the liquid, usually around 8 to 10 minutes. Fluff the orzo gently with a fork and set it aside; this will be the soft, comforting base of your dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While the orzo cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to get it nice and hot. Season the chicken slices generously with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Sear the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. This process locks in those juicy flavors, creating a wonderful contrast to the tangy glaze you’ll make next. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Balsamic Glaze
Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the balsamic vinegar, honey, and minced garlic. Allow this mixture to simmer for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a glossy, syrupy glaze. This step is where all those vibrant, sweet, and tangy notes come alive — it’s what makes this Balsamic Glazed Chicken & Orzo with Feta & Sautéed Spinach truly unforgettable.
Step 4: Glaze the Chicken
Return the cooked chicken slices to the skillet, turning them gently to coat each piece in the luscious balsamic glaze. This not only enhances the flavor but also gives the chicken a beautiful caramelized finish that catches the eye and excites the palate.
Step 5: Sauté the Spinach
In a separate pan, warm another tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat, then add minced garlic. Cook it just for about 30 seconds until fragrant — be careful not to burn it! Add the fresh spinach and sauté until just wilted, tender yet bright green. This quick sauté preserves the spinach’s nutrients and adds a lovely, slightly crisp texture to the dish.
Step 6: Assemble & Serve Balsamic Glazed Chicken & Orzo with Feta & Sautéed Spinach
To build your plate, spoon a comforting mound of orzo onto each serving dish, then layer the perfectly glazed balsamic chicken on top. Add a generous handful of sautéed spinach and finish with a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. If you have it on hand, fresh parsley or basil adds that fresh herbaceous note, making the presentation even more inviting.
How to Serve Balsamic Glazed Chicken & Orzo with Feta & Sautéed Spinach
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil not only lends a burst of color but also lightens the dish with their bright, aromatic qualities. A few extra crumbles of feta can elevate the creaminess, making each bite wonderfully balanced between sweet, savory, and tangy layers.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite balanced on its own, but if you want to make it even more special, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette would complement the balsamic glaze nicely. Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, can also add a deliciously earthy counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner, serve everything family-style on a large platter so everyone can dig in and enjoy the bounty. For a more elegant touch, plate individual servings with a drizzle of extra balsamic glaze around the edge and a sprig of fresh herbs for a restaurant-worthy presentation at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the components separate if you prefer to preserve the texture: chicken and orzo in one container, sautéed spinach in another.
Freezing
This Balsamic Glazed Chicken & Orzo with Feta & Sautéed Spinach freezes well without losing much flavor. Store cooked chicken and orzo together in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. It’s best to freeze the spinach separately or prepare fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken and orzo gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Reheat the spinach quickly in a pan or microwave, as too much heat will make it soggy. Top with fresh feta after reheating for a bright finish.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and add a bit more richness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs tend to be thicker.
Is there a substitute for orzo in this recipe?
If orzo isn’t available, you can use other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or even couscous. Just note that cooking times might vary slightly.
Can I make the balsamic glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently before tossing with the chicken to avoid burning the sugars in the honey.
What if I don’t have fresh spinach? Can I use frozen?
Frozen spinach can be used in a pinch. Thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before sautéing to avoid a watery dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Traditional orzo is made from wheat, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can substitute with a gluten-free small pasta or quinoa to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing texture.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Balsamic Glazed Chicken & Orzo with Feta & Sautéed Spinach a try soon. It’s one of those dishes that feels both comforting and elegant, easy enough for a weekday dinner but special enough for guests. Once you taste that perfectly glazed chicken paired with creamy feta and fresh spinach, you’ll understand why it’s quickly become a beloved recipe to share with loved ones.
