Description
Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry is a vibrant, flavorful one-pan dish that combines tender diced chicken, mixed sautéed vegetables, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta, all tossed in a zesty lemon and oregano-infused sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner, offering a balance of protein, vegetables, and satisfying carbs with a fresh citrus twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 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
Liquids & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup chicken broth or low-sodium broth
Seasonings
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Orzo: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- 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 the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the chicken pieces are cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add minced garlic and mixed vegetables, and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp and vibrant in color.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the drained orzo, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and everything to heat through.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stir fry and season with additional salt, pepper, or more lemon juice if desired, adjusting to your flavor preference.
- Serve: Transfer the stir fry to a serving dish or individual plates. Garnish with fresh parsley if using, providing a bright pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Use fresh, seasonal vegetables to enhance the dish’s flavor and nutrition.
- You can add more lemon juice or zest if you prefer a more pronounced citrus flavor.
- Consider swapping oregano for fresh basil or thyme to vary the herb profile.
- Using leftover cooked chicken can shorten prep time without compromising taste.
- Serve with a side salad or crusty bread to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: lemon chicken orzo, chicken stir fry, orzo pasta recipe, quick chicken dinner, Mediterranean chicken dish
