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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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