Zesty Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry Recipe
A vibrant and zesty Mediterranean-inspired Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry featuring tender chicken breasts, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta, all tossed in a tangy lemon-soy sauce. This quick and healthy one-pan meal is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 lb), cubed
Vegetables
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
Grains
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Seasonings & Sauces
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Wash and chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces; cube the chicken breasts to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the orzo pasta, and cook until al dente, approximately 8 minutes. Drain the orzo and set aside for later use.
- Sauté the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and cook until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant. Then add the diced bell peppers, sliced zucchini, and broccoli florets. Sauté the vegetables until they are tender-crisp, which takes about 5 minutes.
- Create the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the low-sodium soy sauce with fresh lemon juice. Pour this tangy mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked orzo to the skillet, gently tossing all ingredients together until heated through and well mixed. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, then serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Feel free to use any combination of vegetables you prefer or have on hand.
- For extra flavor, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute the orzo with a gluten-free pasta alternative.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: lemon chicken, orzo stir fry, Mediterranean chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner, quick chicken stir fry
