It was a beautiful summer evening when I first tried this incredible Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad. My family had just moved into our new home, and I wanted to celebrate with a special meal that would wow everyone. As I strolled through the farmers’ market that weekend, I stumbled upon the most vibrant, juicy strawberries I’d ever seen. I just knew I had to incorporate them into the dish somehow.
Back home, I started experimenting with different flavor combinations, and that’s when the idea for the Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad was born. The sweet, jammy strawberries paired so beautifully with the tangy balsamic and the creamy, salty ricotta salata. And of course, the grilled chicken was the perfect protein to tie it all together.
When I served it up that night, my family was absolutely blown away. The colors, the textures, the flavors – it was like a symphony in their mouths. They couldn’t stop raving about it, and now it’s become a regular fixture in our rotation. I’m telling you, this Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad is going to be your new go-to recipe!
Why This Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad
The secret to this Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The sweet, juicy strawberries create a delightful contrast to the tangy balsamic glaze, while the creamy ricotta salata and al dente orzo add a luxurious creaminess and heartiness. And of course, the perfectly grilled chicken is the star of the show, with its crispy skin and juicy, tender meat.
But what really sets this recipe apart is the unique technique of charring the strawberries before incorporating them into the glaze. This caramelizes the natural sugars, intensifying the flavor and creating a thicker, more syrupy consistency. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back to plain old balsamic!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the foundation of this dish. Look for ones that are plump and juicy.
– Strawberries: Ripe, sweet strawberries are the star of the show. Make sure to choose ones that are bright red and bursting with flavor.
– Balsamic Vinegar: A high-quality balsamic vinegar will provide the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity for the glaze.
– Ricotta Salata: This salty, crumbly cheese adds a delightful creaminess and tang to the orzo salad.
– Orzo: This tiny, rice-shaped pasta provides a satisfying texture and soaks up all the flavors.
– Olive Oil: A good quality extra-virgin olive oil is essential for both the chicken and the salad.
Step-by-Step Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad Instructions
Preparing Your Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad
This Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad is a relatively quick and easy dish to prepare, with a total time of just under an hour. You’ll need a grill or grill pan, a medium saucepan, and a large mixing bowl to get started.
1- Begin by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, prepare the chicken by patting the breasts dry with paper towels and seasoning them generously with salt and pepper.
2- Next, in a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries and balsamic vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then let it reduce for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s thickened into a glaze-like consistency.
3- While the strawberry balsamic glaze is simmering, cook the orzo according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse it with cool water, then transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
4- Once the grill is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until they’re cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer the grilled chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
5- To the bowl of cooked orzo, add a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and the crumbled ricotta salata. Toss everything together until well combined.
6- Finally, slice the rested chicken and arrange it on a serving platter. Drizzle the strawberry balsamic glaze over the top, and serve the Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad immediately.
Pro Tips for Success
– Make sure to pat the chicken breasts dry before seasoning – this will help them get a nice, crispy sear on the grill.
– Keep a close eye on the strawberry balsamic glaze as it simmers, stirring frequently to prevent it from burning.
– Don’t overcook the orzo – you want it to be tender but still have a bit of bite to it.
– Feel free to adjust the amount of ricotta salata to your personal taste preference.
## Serving and Storing Your Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad
Perfect Pairings for Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad
This Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad is the perfect main dish for a summer barbecue or a casual weeknight dinner. Pair it with a crisp, refreshing white wine or a light, effervescent rosé. For sides, consider a simple green salad or some grilled vegetables to complement the flavors.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The chicken and orzo salad can be reheated separately in the microwave or on the stovetop.
For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the orzo salad and the strawberry balsamic glaze a day in advance. Simply store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the dish. When it’s time to serve, grill the chicken, slice it, and drizzle the glaze over the top.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad
Creative Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad Variations
For a seasonal twist, try using other fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries in place of the strawberries. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, instead of the ricotta salata.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even swap out the grilled chicken for grilled shrimp or seared scallops. The sweet and savory flavors would pair beautifully with the strawberry balsamic glaze and orzo salad.
Making Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad Diet-Friendly
To make this Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad a bit more diet-friendly, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer, juicier texture. For a gluten-free version, simply swap the orzo for a gluten-free grain like quinoa or brown rice. And to make it vegan, you can omit the ricotta salata and use a plant-based cheese alternative or toasted nuts for that creamy, salty element.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A: While fresh strawberries are ideal for the best flavor and texture, you can certainly use frozen strawberries in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw them completely before charring and adding them to the balsamic glaze.
Q: How long can I marinate the chicken for?
A: You can marinate the chicken in the balsamic glaze for up to 8 hours in the refrigerator. This will help infuse the meat with even more flavor.
Q: Can I make the orzo salad ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The orzo salad can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the flavors.
Q: How can I scale this recipe up or down?
A: This recipe is easily scalable. Simply adjust the amounts of chicken, strawberries, orzo, and ricotta salata to suit your desired serving size. The cooking times may need to be adjusted slightly as well.
Q: What can I do if the glaze becomes too thick?
A: If the strawberry balsamic glaze becomes too thick and syrupy, you can thin it out by stirring in a bit of warm water or chicken broth until you reach the desired consistency.
Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Juicy grilled chicken breasts are elevated with a sweet and tangy strawberry balsamic glaze, served alongside a creamy ricotta salata orzo salad for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal.
Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for grilling
– 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
– 1/2 cup crumbled ricotta salata
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
– 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– Zest and juice of 1 lemon
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a shallow baking dish, combine the chicken breasts, 1/2 cup of the sliced strawberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Cover and marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
2. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes.
3. While the chicken is grilling, cook the orzo according to package instructions. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
4. Add the remaining 1/2 cup sliced strawberries, ricotta salata, basil, parsley, lemon zest and juice, and a drizzle of olive oil to the orzo. Season with salt and pepper and toss to combine.
5. Slice the grilled chicken and serve on top of the ricotta salata orzo salad. Drizzle with the strawberry balsamic glaze from the baking dish.
Notes
– You can use feta cheese instead of ricotta salata if preferred.
– Add grilled asparagus or other vegetables to the orzo salad for extra nutrition.
– Marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for even more flavor.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There you have it – the secrets to the most delicious Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad you’ve ever tasted. From the perfectly charred strawberries to the creamy, salty ricotta salata, every element of this dish comes together in perfect harmony.
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the flavors for yourself. It’s sure to become a new summertime favorite that will impress your family and friends. So fire up that grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable meal. Bon appétit!
