Zesty Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry Recipe
This Zesty Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry is a flavorful and vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts, fresh vegetables, and tender orzo pasta tossed in a tangy lemon-soy sauce. Perfect as a wholesome main course that comes together quickly on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 lb), cubed
Vegetables
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
Grains
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Sauce & Seasonings
- 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 and cube the chicken breasts evenly to ensure consistent 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.
- 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 to 7 minutes.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for one minute until fragrant. Then add diced bell peppers, sliced zucchini, and broccoli florets. Continue to sauté the mixture until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
- Create the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the low-sodium soy sauce and fresh lemon juice. Pour this sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and toss gently to combine all ingredients well. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through and flavors are well blended.
Notes
- For extra zest, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the sauce mixture.
- Substitute chicken breasts with tofu for a vegetarian version, adjusting cook times accordingly.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Feel free to swap orzo with other small pasta shapes if desired.
- Cook vegetables to your preferred level of tenderness; some may like them softer or crunchier.
Keywords: lemon chicken, orzo stir fry, Mediterranean chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner, quick chicken and vegetables, one-pan chicken meal
