Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry Recipe

Introduction

Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry is a bright, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and orzo pasta with zesty lemon. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal that feels both light and hearty.

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 minced garlic and mixed vegetables, cooking 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 to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
5. Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
6. Step 6: Transfer to a serving dish or individual bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley if using, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust the tanginess by adding more or less lemon juice and zest to suit your taste.
• Try swapping chicken with shrimp or tofu for different dietary preferences.
• Add red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat in your stir fry.
• Mix in Mediterranean flavors like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or artichoke hearts for a new twist.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute orzo with gluten-free orzo or rice.
• Include nuts like slivered almonds or pine nuts just before serving for extra crunch.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To freeze, cool completely and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet to maintain texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice work well as substitutes for orzo in this stir fry.

How do I store leftover stir fry?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for about 3-4 days.

Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 114 reviews

• Author: Victor
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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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 tossed in a tangy lemon and herb sauce. This quick and easy stir fry is a healthy and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 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

Other Ingredients

• 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

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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, until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano. Add to skillet and sauté until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil. Add minced garlic and mixed vegetables. Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
4. Combine Ingredients: Return cooked chicken to skillet. Add drained orzo, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Stir all together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.
5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as preferred.
6. Serve: Transfer to serving dish or individual plates. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

• Use fresh seasonal vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust lemon juice and zest to your preferred level of tanginess.
• Try adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Consider swapping chicken with shrimp or tofu for dietary variation.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Lemon Chicken, Veggie Stir Fry, Orzo Pasta, Healthy Dinner, Quick Meal, Weeknight Recipe