If you’re hunting for a weeknight dinner that feels like a restaurant treat without the fuss, look no further than rzo with Whipped Feta & Grilled Zucchini. This dish brings together juicy balsamic-glazed chicken, creamy whipped feta, charred zucchini, and lemony orzo, creating a Mediterranean-inspired plate that’s bright, balanced, and irresistibly fresh. Each component elevates the others—the richness of chicken meets zingy feta and smoky summer vegetables, all nestled atop a bed of comforting orzo. Whether you’re serving family or impressing friends, rzo with Whipped Feta & Grilled Zucchini promises a delicious adventure in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long grocery list to whip up rzo with Whipped Feta & Grilled Zucchini—just a handful of everyday pantry staples and a few fresh herbs and veggies. Each ingredient is essential: from the tangy balsamic glaze to the creamy whipped feta, every bite is thoughtfully layered for maximum flavor, color, and texture.
- Chicken Breasts: The protein star, juicy and lean, soaks up all those Mediterranean spices.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps bind flavors together in both marinades and dressing.
- Dried Oregano, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: These seasonings create aromatic depth and beautifully color the chicken.
- Balsamic Vinegar: The secret weapon for bright, syrupy glaze—it balances sweet, sour, and savory.
- Honey: Natural sweetness that mellows vinegar’s tang and gives the glaze a glossy finish.
- Garlic (fresh & powdered): Amplifies savory notes in glaze and chicken seasoning.
- Orzo Pasta: Tender, rice-shaped pasta that soaks up every bit of flavor; a cozy base for building the dish.
- Chicken Broth: Infuses the orzo with even more savory richness.
- Fresh Parsley: A pop of green and freshness to finish the orzo.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens both orzo and whipped feta, making the whole dish sing.
- Feta Cheese: Tangy and salty, it transforms into luscious whipped feta with a quick blitz.
- Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and tang to balance the feta’s intensity.
- Zucchini: Grilling brings out their sweetness and a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the other star elements.
- Optional Garnishes (basil, dill, extra balsamic, red pepper flakes): Take it over the top with a final burst of color, aroma, and flavor.
How to Make rzo with Whipped Feta & Grilled Zucchini
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
Let’s get your base started! Bring chicken broth to a lively boil in a medium pot—using broth instead of water unlocks a world of flavor with zero extra effort. Stir in the orzo, and cook it until perfectly tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Once drained, toss the orzo with olive oil, fresh parsley, a bright squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Set aside; this simple step turns basic pasta into a springboard for all those vibrant toppings!
Step 2: Prepare the Balsamic Glaze
Next up: the magical balsamic glaze. In a small saucepan, combine aromatic minced garlic, deep, dark balsamic vinegar, and luscious honey. Let it bubble away on medium heat until thick and syrupy—about 8 to 10 minutes. This is where your kitchen starts smelling absolutely irresistible! Set the glaze aside; you’ll use it to both flavor and finish your chicken.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Take your chicken breasts and season generously with oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat up olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through (165°F is the magic number). During the last couple minutes, brush them enthusiastically with your balsamic glaze—this is when they get deliciously sticky and glossy. Let the chicken rest at least five minutes before you slice, so all those gorgeous juices stay right where they belong!
Step 4: Grill the Zucchini
While your chicken is resting, it’s time for the veggies! Toss zucchini slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill them on an outdoor grill or grill pan for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’re looking for those beautiful char marks and a bit of tenderness—smoky, sweet, and summery all at once. Grilled zucchini adds a gorgeous, slightly caramelized layer to your rzo with Whipped Feta & Grilled Zucchini.
Step 5: Make the Whipped Feta
For that dreamy, creamy finishing touch, blend crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, a drizzle of olive oil, and some fresh lemon juice. If it’s too thick, just add a splash of warm water until it’s perfectly smooth and spreadable. You’ll want to sample a spoonful—it’s so silky and packed with flavor, you might end up making extra next time!
Step 6: Assemble the Dish
Now the fun part: building the showstopper. Pile the orzo onto plates or shallow bowls, add sliced balsamic chicken, arrange those grilled zucchini slices artfully, and top it all off with big dollops of whipped feta. For the grand finale, drizzle with any remaining balsamic glaze and sprinkle with fresh herbs or a shake of red pepper flakes, if you like things spicy. Suddenly, your kitchen feels like a Mediterranean getaway!
How to Serve rzo with Whipped Feta & Grilled Zucchini
Garnishes
Finish your rzo with Whipped Feta & Grilled Zucchini with a flourish! Scatter torn basil or dill across the top for a burst of fresh, herbal aroma. A generous swirl of extra balsamic glaze brings both beauty and tang, while a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick. Each little finishing touch makes every bite more vibrant and memorable.
Side Dishes
Though this dish is a complete meal on its own, it shines even brighter alongside a simple tomato-cucumber salad or warm, crusty bread for scooping up the whipped feta. A crisp green salad or a bowl of marinated olives also work beautifully, adding more textures and playing up the Mediterranean vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual family dinner, serve rzo with Whipped Feta & Grilled Zucchini in big shareable bowls or platters for everyone to dig in. For date night or guests, try artfully layering the components in shallow bowls, letting the colors peek through. Another fun twist: serve the whipped feta in a little ramekin on the side, so everyone can swirl their chicken or veggies through it at the table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store the individual components separately when possible to keep everything tasting fresh. Balsamic chicken, orzo, and grilled zucchini can all be packed into airtight containers and kept in the fridge for up to three days. Whipped feta also stores well, though you might want to give it a quick stir before serving again.
Freezing
While the chicken and glaze freeze well (up to two months), orzo with Whipped Feta & Grilled Zucchini is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing the whipped feta can affect its texture, so make only what you’ll use within a few days for creamiest results. Zucchini tends to get mushy after freezing, so grill it fresh when you can.
Reheating
To reheat rzo with Whipped Feta & Grilled Zucchini, gently warm the chicken and orzo in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to keep things moist. Grilled zucchini can be reheated in a skillet for a quick burst of heat. Always add the whipped feta cold or at room temperature rather than microwaving it, to preserve its lush creaminess.
FAQs
Can I substitute another protein for the chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe is delicious with salmon, shrimp, or even tofu. Simply adjust the cooking time as needed and follow the same balsamic glaze process—you’ll still get spectacular results.
What’s the best way to grill zucchini without an outdoor grill?
If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a stove-top grill pan or even a heavy cast-iron skillet works great. Just get it nice and hot, and cook the zucchini slices until charred and tender.
How far ahead can I make whipped feta?
You can whip the feta mixture up to three days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and give it a good stir before serving to freshen the texture.
Is it okay to use store-bought balsamic glaze instead of making it?
Certainly! While homemade glaze adds a lovely depth, a good-quality store-bought balsamic glaze saves time and works beautifully for drizzling over the chicken and orzo.
Can I use whole wheat orzo or gluten-free pasta?
Yes! Whole wheat orzo adds a pleasant nuttiness, while gluten-free orzo or other small gluten-free pastas make this dish accessible for everyone. Just be sure to check the package for specific cooking times.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a dinner that feels both fresh and decadent, give rzo with Whipped Feta & Grilled Zucchini a place at your table. With zesty chicken, bright orzo, and piles of creamy, tangy feta, it’s sure to win hearts and earn repeat requests. Happy cooking!
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rzo with Whipped Feta & Grilled Zucchini Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delightful and flavorful recipe for Balsamic Glazed Chicken & Orzo served with Whipped Feta and Grilled Zucchini. This dish combines tender chicken coated in a sweet balsamic glaze, herb-infused orzo pasta, creamy whipped feta, and charred grilled zucchini for a well-rounded meal.
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
Optional Garnish
- Fresh basil or dill
- Extra balsamic drizzle
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo – Bring 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 Glaze – In 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 Chicken – Season 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 Zucchini – Toss 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 Feta – Blend feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, and lemon juice until smooth. Add warm water as needed to create a creamy, spreadable texture.
- Assemble the Dish – Spoon 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.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the dish with your favorite herbs or additional vegetables.
- Adjust the sweetness of the balsamic glaze by adding more or less honey to suit your taste preferences.
- Ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for proper doneness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1080mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
