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Balsamic Glazed Chicken & Orzo With Whipped Feta Roasted Strawberries & Basil

A vibrant and flavorful dish that combines juicy seared chicken, creamy whipped feta, and sweet roasted strawberries with fluffy orzo, perfect for a special weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 large Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil for searing
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt for seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper for seasoning
  • 1/2 cup Balsamic vinegar for glaze
  • 3 tablespoons Honey for glaze
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced for glaze
For the Orzo and Feta
  • 1 1/2 cups Dry orzo pasta cooked until tender
  • 1 cup Feta cheese, crumbled for whipped feta
  • 4 ounces Cream cheese, softened for whipped feta
  • 4 tablespoons Olive oil for whipping feta and cooking orzo
For the Roasted Strawberries
  • 2 cups Fresh strawberries, hulled and halved for roasting
  • 2 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar for roasting strawberries
  • 1 tablespoon Honey for roasting strawberries
  • pinch Salt for roasting strawberries
For Serving
  • a small handful Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • to taste Extra cracked black pepper for finishing

Method
 

Roasting the Strawberries
  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Toss halved strawberries with 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Spread strawberries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  4. Roast for 15 to 18 minutes until soft and glossy.
Whipping the Feta
  1. In a food processor, combine crumbled feta, softened cream cheese, and a splash of olive oil.
  2. Blend until smooth and creamy, then refrigerate until ready to use.
Cooking the Orzo
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add dry orzo and cook according to package directions, usually 8 to 10 minutes until tender.
  3. Drain the orzo and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Searing the Chicken
  1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
  3. Add the chicken, cooking for 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Building the Balsamic Glaze
  1. In the same skillet, add remaining balsamic vinegar, honey, and minced garlic.
  2. Simmer until it thickens into a glaze, about 4 to 5 minutes.
  3. Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet, spooning the glaze over each piece.
Assembling the Dish
  1. Spread whipped feta on the serving platter.
  2. Spoon the warm orzo over the feta and top with chicken slices.
  3. Scatter roasted strawberries on top and garnish with fresh basil and pepper.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before searing for a proper crust. Don't crowd the strawberries for better caramelization. Use a meat thermometer for chicken doneness.