Balsamic Glazed Chicken & Gluten-Free Orzo with Feta & Roasted Red Peppers

Balsamic Glazed Chicken & Gluten-Free Orzo with Feta & Roasted Red Peppers

Introduction

Balsamic Glazed Chicken & Gluten-Free Orzo with Feta & Roasted Red Peppers is a delicious and colorful dish that combines savory and sweet flavors. It features tender chicken breasts glazed with a tangy balsamic sauce, served over a bed of gluten-free orzo mixed with creamy feta cheese and vibrant roasted red peppers. This meal is not only tasty but also offers a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and fresh veggies.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and satisfying dinner. It’s easy to prepare and takes less than an hour from start to finish. The combination of balsamic glazed chicken and gluten-free orzo provides great flavor without gluten. Plus, it’s colorful and impressive, making it a wonderful option for entertaining guests or serving your family on a busy weeknight.

How to Make Balsamic Glazed Chicken & Gluten-Free Orzo with Feta & Roasted Red Peppers

Ingredients:

• 2 large chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup gluten-free orzo
• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour this marinade over the chicken breasts and let them marinate for at least 20 minutes.

2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken breasts for 5–6 minutes per side, or until they are fully cooked and caramelized on the outside. Once done, remove the chicken and let it rest before slicing.

3. While the chicken is resting, cook the gluten-free orzo according to package instructions. Drain the orzo and toss it with olive oil, chopped roasted red peppers, crumbled feta, parsley, salt, and pepper.

4. Serve the sliced balsamic-glazed chicken over the warm orzo salad. You can garnish with extra parsley and a drizzle of balsamic glaze if you wish.

How to Serve Balsamic Glazed Chicken & Gluten-Free Orzo with Feta & Roasted Red Peppers

Serve this dish warm on a nice plate. Lay the sliced balsamic-glazed chicken over a generous serving of the orzo salad. You can add some extra feta and parsley on top to make it look even more appealing. This meal can be accompanied by a side salad or some steamed vegetables for added nutrition.

How to Store Balsamic Glazed Chicken & Gluten-Free Orzo with Feta & Roasted Red Peppers

Once cooled, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Tips to Make Balsamic Glazed Chicken & Gluten-Free Orzo with Feta & Roasted Red Peppers

1. Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken for a few hours or overnight if you have the time.

2. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and herbs for the best taste.

3. Add Veggies:Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini to the orzo salad for an extra boost of nutrition.

Variation

You can easily modify this recipe by swapping out the chicken for turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option. Additionally, different types of cheese can be used, such as goat cheese or mozzarella, and you might try lemon juice in place of balsamic vinegar for a different tang.

FAQs

Q1: Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
A1: Yes, this recipe uses gluten-free orzo to make it suitable for those avoiding gluten.

Q2: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A2: Yes, you can freeze the chicken and orzo separately. Just make sure to store them in airtight containers, and thaw before reheating.

Q3: How can I make it dairy-free?
A3: You can omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep it dairy-free.

Enjoy making this delightful Balsamic Glazed Chicken & Gluten-Free Orzo with Feta & Roasted Red Peppers that is sure to please everyone at the table!