Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry Recipe
A vibrant and flavorful Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry combining tender chicken breast, colorful mixed vegetables, and delicate orzo pasta all infused with bright lemon zest and juice. This quick and easy skillet meal is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner loaded with protein, veggies, and zesty freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
Pasta
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Vegetables
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Flavors & Liquids
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup chicken broth or low-sodium broth
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Orzo: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, approximately 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain the orzo and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken breast with salt, pepper, and oregano. Add the chicken to the skillet and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and mixed vegetables. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still maintain their vibrant color and slight crispness.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the drained orzo, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through evenly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stir fry and adjust seasoning as desired by adding extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preference.
- Serve: Transfer the lemon chicken and veggie orzo stir fry to a serving dish or individual bowls. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish before serving.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the sodium levels in the dish.
- You can substitute mixed vegetables with any favorite vegetables like zucchini, snap peas, or spinach.
- For a dairy-free and gluten-free option, ensure the orzo is substituted with gluten-free pasta or rice.
- To add extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for mild heat.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in a skillet or microwave.
Keywords: lemon chicken, orzo pasta, vegetable stir fry, healthy dinner, quick recipe, Mediterranean chicken, weeknight meal
