Description
Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry is a vibrant, flavorful dish combining tender chicken breast, colorful mixed vegetables, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta, all enhanced with fresh lemon zest and juice. This quick and easy stir fry offers a healthy, well-balanced meal ideal for weeknight dinners featuring bright citrus notes and aromatic herbs.
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
Liquids & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup chicken broth or low-sodium broth
Seasonings
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
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 it aside.
- 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 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add minced garlic along with the mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli). Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet retain vibrant color and slight crispness.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the drained orzo pasta, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Stir everything together thoroughly and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the dish to heat through.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stir fry and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your preference for brightness and flavor balance.
- Serve: Transfer the Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry to a serving dish or individual plates. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add freshness and a pop of color before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh seasonal vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust lemon juice and zest levels to taste for preferred citrus intensity.
- Substitute leftover cooked chicken to save time.
- Try adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme for aromatic variety.
- Serve with crusty bread or light salads for a complete meal.
- Pair with crisp white wine, iced tea, or lemonade for refreshing beverages.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Lemon chicken, orzo stir fry, healthy dinner, chicken and vegetables, easy weeknight meal, Mediterranean recipe, quick chicken recipe, lemon zest, sautéed vegetables
