Zesty Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry Recipe
This Zesty Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry is a vibrant and healthy Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts sautéed with fresh vegetables and served over perfectly cooked orzo pasta. Brightened with a tangy lemon-soy sauce, it offers a quick, nutritious meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 lb), cubed
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
Pasta & Sauce
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash and chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces; cube the chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Cook Orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the orzo pasta, and cook for about 8 minutes until al dente. Drain the orzo and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken cubes with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Add Vegetables and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the diced bell pepper, sliced zucchini, and broccoli florets. Sauté for about 5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the low-sodium soy sauce with fresh lemon juice. Pour this tangy sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Combine with Orzo: Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and gently toss everything together, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until all ingredients are heated through and well coated with the sauce. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier result.
- Feel free to swap or add any veggies like snap peas or carrots according to your preference.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep sodium content moderate.
- For a gluten-free option, replace orzo with quinoa or gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stove or microwave.
Keywords: Lemon chicken, Orzo stir fry, Mediterranean chicken recipe, Healthy chicken dinner, Chicken and vegetable stir fry
