Get ready to discover your new favorite dinner: rzo with Whipped Feta & Grilled Zucchini. This irresistible dish brings together juicy balsamic-glazed chicken, fragrant orzo, creamy whipped feta, and the summery char of grilled zucchini for a restaurant-worthy meal that you can create at home. It’s the ultimate balance of tangy, savory, and fresh flavors with show-stopping color—you’ll want to invite friends over just to show it off. Whether you’re aiming to impress or need an easy one-bowl wonder, rzo with Whipped Feta & Grilled Zucchini is sheer joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t need a supermarket sweep for this splendid plate—every ingredient for rzo with Whipped Feta & Grilled Zucchini is chosen for an important reason. Each element adds its own zing, tenderness, or creamy contrast, making this dish as gorgeous as it is flavorful.
- Chicken Breasts: The main protein—choose boneless, skinless pieces for quick, juicy cooking.
- Olive Oil: Essential for flavor, moisture, and grilling—it ties together every part of the recipe.
- Dried Oregano, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt & Pepper: A savory, aromatic blend that infuses the chicken with Mediterranean flair.
- Balsamic Vinegar: The unforgettable backbone of the glaze—tangy and sweet when reduced.
- Honey: Delivers that luscious caramelization and balances the vinegar’s sharp edge.
- Fresh Garlic: Adds punchy aroma and warmth to the balsamic glaze.
- Orzo Pasta: The comforting, tender base for the entire dish—cooks up fast.
- Chicken Broth (or Water): Cooking orzo in broth boosts its flavor incredibly.
- Fresh Parsley & Lemon Juice: These brighten the orzo, making every bite feel fresh and vibrant.
- Feta Cheese & Greek Yogurt: The secret weapons of a dreamy whipped feta spread—ultra-creamy with a tangy twist.
- Zucchini: Sliced and grilled until smoky and tender, bringing freshness and a gorgeous green hue.
- Optional Garnishes—Basil, Dill, Extra Balsamic, Red Pepper Flakes: Choose your favorites for color and a final flourish of flavor.
How to Make rzo with Whipped Feta & Grilled Zucchini
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
Start by boiling your chicken broth and dropping in the orzo. As it cooks, it’ll soak up loads of savory flavor, making this pasta so much more interesting than plain water. Once tender, toss it with a bit of olive oil, a generous squeeze of lemon, and plenty of chopped parsley. The bright herbs and citrus keep the base light and zesty—it’s the bedrock for all the other flavors.
Step 2: Prepare the Balsamic Glaze
To make the crave-worthy balsamic glaze, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, and minced fresh garlic in a small saucepan. Simmer until it thickens into a glossy syrup that hugs the back of a spoon. The aroma will let you know you’re on the right track—sharp, sweet, and absolutely mouthwatering. Set it aside for the magic moment: glazing the chicken.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a hot skillet and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through—about 5 to 6 minutes per side. In the last couple minutes, brush generously with that tangy balsamic glaze so it caramelizes right onto the chicken, forming a sticky, glossy coating. Let the chicken rest before slicing to seal in all the juices.
Step 4: Grill the Zucchini
Slice your zucchini lengthwise, toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill them on a super-hot grill pan or outdoor grill for quick, beautiful char marks. The smoky, softened slices will add a gorgeous contrast to the creamy whipped feta and juicy chicken—a must for the perfect rzo with Whipped Feta & Grilled Zucchini experience.
Step 5: Make the Whipped Feta
In a blender or food processor, whip together crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, a drizzle of olive oil, and tangy lemon juice. Add just enough warm water to smooth it out into a creamy, dreamy, spreadable cloud. This element is a total flavor bomb: salty, tangy, and so indulgent you’ll want to swipe your finger through it.
Step 6: Assemble the Dish
Now comes the restaurant-style moment! Spoon a generous helping of orzo onto each plate, crown with slices of balsamic chicken, and drape the grilled zucchini alongside. Drop dollops of whipped feta everywhere, then finish with another swirl of balsamic glaze for drama. Every bite of rzo with Whipped Feta & Grilled Zucchini is a party of colors, textures, and big flavors.
How to Serve rzo with Whipped Feta & Grilled Zucchini
Garnishes
Take your rzo with Whipped Feta & Grilled Zucchini to the next level by sprinkling on fresh basil or dill for pops of green and fragrance. Drizzle a little extra balsamic glaze to up the tang factor, and if you like a little heat, a dash of red pepper flakes brings a gentle kick.
Side Dishes
This dish is practically a meal in itself, but pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or some garlic-roasted potatoes is absolute bliss. Even a basket of warm pita or crusty bread will help scoop up every last bit of whipped feta and glaze.
Creative Ways to Present
Spread the components family-style on a big platter—pile orzo in the middle, ring with zucchini, sliced chicken on top, and dot with whipped feta. For parties, serve everything in small bowls with skewers or as build-your-own bowls, letting guests assemble their perfect bite of rzo with Whipped Feta & Grilled Zucchini.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover rzo with Whipped Feta & Grilled Zucchini in airtight containers in the fridge. The whipped feta and balsamic chicken will keep beautifully for up to 3 days. Keep the components separate if you plan to reheat, which means the flavors stay vibrant and nothing gets soggy.
Freezing
While the chicken and orzo freeze well, whipped feta and grilled zucchini are best enjoyed fresh. If you do need to freeze, wrap the chicken tightly in foil and stash the orzo separately; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Save the cheese and zucchini for a fresh batch when you serve.
Reheating
To warm up, gently reheat chicken and orzo in the microwave or a covered skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water. Add fresh grilled zucchini and whipped feta after heating for best texture. A quick extra drizzle of balsamic glaze revives all the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Juicy boneless chicken thighs work beautifully in rzo with Whipped Feta & Grilled Zucchini. Just adjust cooking time as they may take a few minutes longer to cook through.
Can I make the whipped feta ahead of time?
Yes! Whipped feta can be made up to three days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a quick stir before serving.
What’s the best way to grill zucchini without an outdoor grill?
A stovetop grill pan works great for those classic char marks and smoky flavor. If you don’t have one, simply use a hot cast-iron skillet for delicious results.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Definitely! Skip the chicken and use balsamic-glazed portobello mushrooms, chickpeas, or even roasted eggplant to build your own rzo with Whipped Feta & Grilled Zucchini feast.
Do I have to use Greek yogurt for the whipped feta?
Greek yogurt is best for creaminess and tang, but you can swap in regular plain yogurt or even sour cream if needed. Just adjust the consistency with warm water as you blend.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about gathering around a table for rzo with Whipped Feta & Grilled Zucchini—it’s warm, vibrant, and a total crowd-pleaser! If you’re ready for a dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated, don’t wait. Give this recipe a try and savor all those layers of flavor that make every forkful worth celebrating.
Print
rzo with Whipped Feta & Grilled Zucchini Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This recipe for Balsamic Glazed Chicken & Orzo with Whipped Feta & Grilled Zucchini is a delightful combination of savory flavors and textures that come together beautifully on the plate. Tender chicken breasts glazed with a sweet balsamic reduction, served alongside lemony orzo, creamy whipped feta, and charred grilled zucchini – a perfect harmony of tastes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Balsamic Glaze
- 1 1/2 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
For the Orzo
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt to taste
For the Whipped Feta
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1–2 tbsp warm water (to thin)
For the Grilled Zucchini
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the OrzoBring chicken broth to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package instructions (about 8–10 minutes) until tender. Drain if necessary and toss with olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
- Prepare the Balsamic GlazeIn a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, and minced garlic. Simmer over medium heat for 8–10 minutes until reduced and thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the ChickenSeason chicken with oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Brush generously with balsamic glaze during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
- Grill the ZucchiniToss zucchini slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill on a grill pan or outdoor grill for 2–3 minutes per side until tender and lightly charred.
- Make the Whipped FetaBlend feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, and lemon juice until smooth. Add warm water as needed to create a creamy, spreadable texture.
- Assemble the DishSpoon orzo onto serving plates or bowls. Add sliced balsamic chicken. Arrange grilled zucchini on the side. Add generous dollops of whipped feta. Drizzle with extra balsamic glaze if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop, Oven
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
