Description
This Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry is a bright, flavorful, and healthy meal featuring tender chicken breast, vibrant mixed vegetables, and tender orzo pasta all sautéed together with fresh lemon juice and zest. Quick to make, it combines juicy chicken, a medley of crisp vegetables, and zesty lemon undertones, perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner or an impressive lunch. Garnished with fresh parsley, it offers a balanced plate full of protein, vegetables, and carbs in a single skillet.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 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
Liquids & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup chicken broth or low-sodium broth
Seasonings & Garnish
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Orzo: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain the orzo and set it aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano. Add the chicken to the skillet and sauté it until cooked through and slightly golden, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add minced garlic and the mixed vegetables. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp and vibrant in color.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the drained orzo, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Stir all the ingredients together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the dish to heat through thoroughly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stir fry and adjust seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired to enhance brightness and flavor.
- Serve: Transfer the stir fry to serving bowls or plates. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels.
- Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like zucchini, snap peas, or spinach based on what you have available.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute orzo with quinoa or gluten-free pasta.
- Ensure not to overcook the vegetables to maintain their crisp texture and nutritional value.
- Fresh lemon zest adds more natural brightness than bottled lemon juice, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: lemon chicken, orzo stir fry, chicken and vegetables, easy dinner, one-pan meal, Mediterranean chicken, quick chicken recipe
