Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry Recipe
Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry is a vibrant and wholesome dish combining tender sautéed chicken, colorful mixed vegetables, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta all infused with fresh lemon zest and juice. This quick and easy stir fry offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon oregano
Pasta
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Others
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- ¼ cup chicken broth or low-sodium broth
- Optional: 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. Once cooked, drain the orzo and set it 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, or until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly golden. 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 yet retain a vibrant color and slight crunch.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the drained orzo, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stir fry and adjust the seasoning by adding extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice as preferred to enhance the brightness and balance of flavors.
- Serve: Transfer the lemon chicken and veggie orzo stir fry to serving plates or bowls. Garnish optionally with fresh parsley for an added pop of color and fresh herbal note. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- You can use any combination of your favorite vegetables for the stir fry such as zucchini, snap peas, or mushrooms.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level better.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute orzo with a gluten-free pasta variety or quinoa.
- For a more citrusy flavor, add additional lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Lemon Chicken, Orzo Stir Fry, Easy Dinner, Healthy Chicken Recipe, Mediterranean Chicken, Vegetable Stir Fry
