Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry Recipe
Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry is a vibrant and healthy one-pan meal that combines tender chicken breast, colorful mixed vegetables, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta infused with zesty lemon and aromatic oregano. This quick and easy stir fry offers a balanced blend of protein, veggies, and carbs, making it perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
- 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
Liquids & Seasonings
- 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
- 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, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the orzo and set 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 until fully cooked and browned. Remove the 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 yet still vibrant and slightly crisp.
- 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 thoroughly and cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and to heat through.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stir fry and adjust seasoning as needed by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your preference for flavor balance.
- Serve: Transfer the stir fry to a serving dish or individual bowls. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a different flavor or to make it vegetarian (omitting chicken).
- Feel free to swap the mixed vegetables based on your preference or what is in season.
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt content if desired.
- Adding crushed red pepper flakes can introduce a spicy kick.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: lemon chicken stir fry, easy chicken orzo recipe, healthy chicken dinner, vegetable orzo saute, Mediterranean chicken meal
