Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry Recipe
A vibrant and healthy Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry that combines tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and zesty lemon for a quick, flavorful meal ready in just 25 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stir Fry
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Orzo and Chicken
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Vegetables
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Flavoring and Garnish
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Cook Chicken: Add chicken pieces to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Cook for 5–7 minutes until chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add sliced bell pepper, zucchini, and broccoli florets to the skillet. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp but still vibrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Combine and Heat Through: Add the cooked orzo into the skillet along with lemon juice and lemon zest. Toss everything thoroughly to combine and heat through evenly.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish the stir fry with fresh chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add more vegetables or a protein substitute like tofu.
- You can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like couscous or small shells.
- Adjust the lemon juice to taste for more or less citrus tang.
- To add heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes during the vegetable sauté step.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: lemon chicken, stir fry, orzo pasta, healthy dinner, quick meal, Mediterranean recipe, chicken and vegetables