Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry Recipe

Introduction

This Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry is a bright and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and zesty lemon combine with orzo pasta for a quick and satisfying dish that feels both fresh and comforting.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 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

1. Step 1: 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. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano. Add to the skillet and sauté until cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Add the minced garlic and mixed vegetables, sautéing for 3–4 minutes until tender but still vibrant.
4. Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained orzo, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Stir together and cook for 2–3 minutes to heat through.
5. Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as preferred.
6. Step 6: Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use any fresh or frozen vegetables you have on hand, such as zucchini, snap peas, or spinach for variety.
• Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the dish vegetarian-friendly (use tofu or chickpeas in place of chicken).
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and vegetables.
• To keep chicken tender, avoid overcooking and cut the pieces into even sizes.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the dish moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, small pasta shapes like couscous, quinoa, or tiny shells can work well as substitutes for orzo in this recipe.

Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Cook all components and combine just before serving, or fully assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then reheat gently when ready to eat.

Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 100 reviews

• Author: Gabriel
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A vibrant and flavorful Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry featuring tender chicken breast, colorful mixed vegetables, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta, all infused with fresh lemon zest and juice for a bright, refreshing taste. This quick and easy skillet meal combines healthy ingredients and zesty seasoning for a perfect weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken and Veggies

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Orzo and Sauce

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• ¼ cup chicken broth or low-sodium broth
• Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. 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. Drain well and set aside.
2. 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 to the skillet and sauté until cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add minced garlic and mixed vegetables, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender but still have a vibrant color and slight crunch.
4. 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 and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through.
5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stir fry and adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or lemon juice according to your preference for brightness and seasoning balance.
6. Serve: Transfer the lemon chicken and veggie orzo stir fry to a serving dish or individual plates. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for added color and freshness.

Notes

• You can substitute the mixed vegetables with your favorites or seasonal vegetables.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content if preferred.
• For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and increase vegetables or add plant-based protein.
• Serve immediately for best texture, though leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
• Adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese can enhance flavor but will alter the dietary classification.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: lemon chicken, orzo pasta, vegetable stir fry, quick dinner, healthy chicken recipe, one-pan meal