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Herb-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Summer Vegetable Orzo

Herb-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Summer Vegetable Orzo

Dinner
Prep Time
30min
Cook Time
45min
Servings
4
Calories
1300
Chef's Note

For the best flavor, don't rush the marinating process - the longer the chicken sits in the herb mixture (up to 4 hours), the more flavorful it will be. You can also grill the vegetables instead of sautéing them for a deeper, smokier flavor. Just toss them with a bit of olive oil and grill alongside the chicken.

Tags
high-protein
dinner
grilled
chicken
pasta
summer
asparagus
Mediterranean
herb-marinated
orzo
Ingredients
  • 2.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts

  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

  • 1/3 cup olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary

  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil

  • 6 cloves garlic

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 tablespoon honey

  • 2 teaspoons salt

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

  • 3 cups orzo pasta

  • 1 pound asparagus

  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes

  • 2 medium yellow squash

  • 2 medium zucchini

  • 1 large red bell pepper

  • 1 medium red onion

  • 1 cup feta cheese

  • 1/3 cup pine nuts

  • 4 cups chicken broth

  • 1/2 cup white wine

  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest

Instructions
  • 1

    In a food processor, combine 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 tablespoons chopped rosemary, 2 tablespoons chopped thyme, 1/4 cup chopped basil, 6 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Pulse until well combined to create the marinade.

  • 2

    Place 2.5 pounds chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag and pour in 3/4 of the marinade. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible, and massage to coat the chicken evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.

  • 3

    Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F).

  • 4

    While the chicken is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Trim 1 pound asparagus and cut into 2-inch pieces. Dice 2 medium yellow squash and 2 medium zucchini into 1/2-inch pieces. Halve 2 cups cherry tomatoes. Dice 1 large red bell pepper and 1 medium red onion.

  • 5

    In a large pot, bring 4 cups chicken broth to a boil. Add 3 cups orzo pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.

  • 6

    While the orzo is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and sauté the red onion for 3 minutes until softened.

  • 7

    Add the diced bell pepper, zucchini, and yellow squash to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  • 8

    Add the asparagus and cook for another 3 minutes until bright green but still crisp.

  • 9

    Deglaze the pan with 1/2 cup white wine, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

  • 10

    Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 1 minute just to warm through. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

  • 11

    Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the used marinade. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

  • 12

    In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked orzo with the sautéed vegetables. Add the reserved cooking liquid if the mixture seems dry. Stir in 2 teaspoons lemon zest and the remaining herb marinade.

  • 13

    Toast 1/3 cup pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

  • 14

    Slice the grilled chicken against the grain into 1/2-inch thick pieces.

  • 15

    Fold 3/4 cup of the feta cheese into the orzo mixture, reserving the rest for garnish.

  • 16

    Serve the orzo topped with sliced grilled chicken, remaining feta cheese, and toasted pine nuts.

Nutrition Information (per serving)
1300
Calories
98g
Protein
163g
Carbs
29g
Fat

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