It was a beautiful summer evening, and I couldn’t wait to fire up the grill and try out this new Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad recipe I’d been dreaming about. As I walked out to the patio, the smell of charcoal and sizzling chicken filled the air, instantly making my mouth water. I remembered the last time I made this dish – the juicy, tender chicken paired with the sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, all balanced by the creamy, salty ricotta salata in the orzo salad. It was a flavor explosion that had quickly become a new family favorite.
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
What makes this Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad recipe so special is the unique blend of flavors and textures. The key is in the marinade – a sweet and savory combination of fresh strawberries, balsamic vinegar, and aromatic herbs that infuses the chicken with incredible depth of flavor. And the orzo salad? It’s the perfect accompaniment, with al dente pasta, creamy ricotta salata, and a light, tangy dressing that ties everything together.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The foundation of the dish, these get an incredible flavor boost from the marinade.
– Fresh strawberries – Blended into the marinade, they add sweetness and a touch of fruitiness.
– Balsamic vinegar – Provides the perfect balance of acidity to complement the strawberries.
– Orzo pasta – The base of the refreshing salad side.
– Ricotta salata – A salty, crumbly cheese that adds a creamy texture and savory notes.
– Olive oil, lemon juice, parsley – For the simple yet flavorful orzo salad dressing.
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 recipe, taking just about an hour from start to finish. You’ll need a grill or grill pan, a blender or food processor, and a large pot for boiling the orzo. Let’s get started!
1- Begin by preparing the marinade. In a blender or food processor, combine the fresh strawberries, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth.
2- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow baking dish and pour the strawberry balsamic marinade over them, making sure they’re evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour, allowing the flavors to infuse the meat.
3- While the chicken is marinating, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.
4- In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, diced cucumber, crumbled ricotta salata, chopped parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
6- Transfer the grilled Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken and serve it warm, alongside the Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad is all in the marinade. Be sure to blend the strawberries, balsamic, and herbs together until completely smooth for maximum flavor penetration. And don’t forget to let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes – this is what keeps it juicy and tender.
When it comes to the orzo salad, be mindful not to overcook the pasta. Aim for al dente texture, and be sure to rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking. This will prevent the salad from becoming mushy. Lastly, don’t be afraid to play around with the mix-ins – feta, cherry tomatoes, or toasted pine nuts would all make tasty additions.
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 summertime meal, pairing beautifully with a chilled glass of white wine or rosé. For a heartier meal, serve it with a fresh green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. And don’t forget a sprinkle of additional chopped parsley or a few fresh strawberry slices for a beautiful, restaurant-worthy presentation.
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 days. The chicken and salad can be prepared separately and assembled just before serving for optimal freshness.
For make-ahead convenience, you can marinate the chicken up to a day in advance. The orzo salad can also be made a day ahead – just give it a quick toss with a bit of extra lemon juice or olive oil before serving. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply grill the chicken and assemble the dish.
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
Feel free to get creative with this Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad recipe. Try using a mix of berries in the marinade, like raspberries or blackberries. You could also swap out the orzo for another small pasta shape, like couscous or fregola. And for a more substantial meal, serve the chicken and salad over a bed of mixed greens or baby spinach.
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 recipe more diet-friendly, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a boost of flavor and moisture. For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the orzo with gluten-free pasta or quinoa. And for a dairy-free option, omit the ricotta salata and use a plant-based cheese alternative or toasted nuts instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries in the marinade. Just be sure to thaw them completely before blending. The flavor may be slightly less intense, but it will still work well.
Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?
A: The chicken should marinate for at least 30 minutes, but you can let it go for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to really penetrate the meat.
Q: Can I make the orzo salad ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The orzo salad can be made up to 3 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Q: How many people does this recipe serve?
A: This Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad recipe serves 4-6 people, depending on the appetites of your guests.
Q: What if my chicken is undercooked?
A: If the chicken isn’t quite cooked through after the recommended grilling time, simply return it to the grill for a few more minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Juicy grilled chicken breasts coated in a sweet and tangy strawberry balsamic glaze, served over a creamy ricotta salata orzo salad. This light and flavorful dish is perfect for a summer dinner.
Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
– 1/2 cup crumbled ricotta salata
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. – In a shallow bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and garlic. Add the chicken breasts and turn to coat. Cover and marinate for 30 minutes.
3. – While the chicken is marinating, cook the orzo according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
4. – Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes.
5. – In a large bowl, toss the cooked orzo with the ricotta salata and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper.
6. – Slice the grilled chicken and arrange on top of the orzo salad. Drizzle any remaining strawberry balsamic glaze over the top.
7. – Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
This dish can be served warm or at room temperature. For a heartier meal, you can add a side salad or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Courses
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad is a true summertime delight – a flavor-packed dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of juicy, marinated chicken and the refreshing orzo salad is simply irresistible. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the magic for yourself. Be sure to let me know how it turns out in the comments below, and don’t forget to share your photos on social media using the hashtag #GrilledChickenWithStrawberryBalsamic. Enjoy!