Honey Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Juicy honey–balsamic glazed grilled chicken served over a refreshing Mediterranean orzo salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, herbs, and feta. This dish is sweet-savory, light yet filling, and perfect for healthy lunches or dinners.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Marinating time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: ~45–50 minutes
Serves: 2
Ingredients
Honey Balsamic Chicken
2 chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1½ tbsp honey
1 garlic clove, minced
½ tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp paprika
Salt & black pepper to taste
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
¾ cup dry orzo pasta
½ cucumber, diced
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ red onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil
1 tbsp olives, sliced
Orzo Dressing
1½ tbsp olive oil
Juice of ½ lemon
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate Chicken
In a bowl, whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Coat chicken well and marinate 15–30 minutes (or up to overnight).
Step 2: Cook Orzo
Boil orzo in salted water until al dente (8–9 minutes).
Drain and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Make Orzo Salad
In a bowl, combine cooked orzo, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, feta, herbs, and olives.
Toss with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Set aside.
Step 4: Grill Chicken
Heat grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
Grill chicken 4–5 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through.
Rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
Step 5: Serve
Spoon orzo salad onto plates.
Top with sliced honey balsamic chicken.
Drizzle any extra pan juices over the chicken.
Tips
Pound chicken slightly for even cooking.
Don’t overcook—balsamic glaze caramelizes quickly.
Add roasted zucchini or peppers to the orzo for extra veggies.
For extra protein, add chickpeas to the salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—skip feta or use vegan feta.
Q: Can I use another grain?
Yes—quinoa, couscous, or farro work beautifully.
Q: Is this weight-loss friendly?
Yes—balanced carbs, lean protein, and healthy fats.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~480 kcal
Protein: 38 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fat: 14 g
Fiber: 4 g