Balsamic Glazed Chicken & Orzo with Whipped Feta & Grilled Zucchini

Ingredients
For the chicken
4 boneless chicken thighs or 2 large chicken breasts, cut into pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper
For the balsamic glaze
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1 to 2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 minced garlic clove
For the orzo
1 cup dry orzo
2 cups chicken broth or water
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
Salt, to taste
For the whipped feta
150 to 200 g feta cheese
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Black pepper
For the zucchini
2 zucchini, sliced into rounds
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper
Optional: a little oregano or chili flakes
For garnish
Chopped parsley
Fresh thyme
Lemon wedges
Instructions
1) Make the whipped feta
Blend the feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
2) Cook the orzo
Bring the broth or water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until tender. Drain if needed, then toss with olive oil or butter and a little salt.
3) Grill the zucchini
Toss the zucchini with olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano if using. Grill in a grill pan or skillet for 2 to 3 minutes per side until tender and lightly charred.
4) Cook the chicken
Season the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sear in a hot skillet over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through.
5) Make the glaze
In a small bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, honey, soy sauce, and garlic. Pour into the pan with the cooked chicken and let it bubble for 2 to 4 minutes until thickened and glossy. Turn the chicken to coat well.
6) Assemble
Spoon the orzo onto plates. Add the balsamic glazed chicken, grilled zucchini, and a dollop of whipped feta. Garnish with parsley, thyme, and lemon wedges.
Tips
Chicken thighs stay juicier and look closest to the photo.
Add a little lemon zest to the whipped feta for extra brightness.
For more sauce, double the glaze ingredients.
Easy shortcut version
Use store-bought balsamic glaze instead of making your own, and just drizzle it over the cooked chicken.
Serves
About 4