Description
A vibrant and healthy Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry combining tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta, all tossed in a bright lemon-soy sauce. This quick stovetop meal is perfect for busy weeknights and packed with fresh flavors and balanced nutrition.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Orzo
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Orzo: Cook orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and black pepper. Sauté the chicken until it is cooked through and golden brown, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the diced zucchini, red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and snap peas. Stir fry the vegetables for 4 to 5 minutes until they are just tender but still crisp.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Pour this sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables, tossing to coat evenly.
- Add Orzo and Finish: Add the cooked orzo to the skillet. Stir everything together thoroughly and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is heated through and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a fresh and vibrant finish.
Notes
- You can swap out the vegetables with whatever you have on hand, such as asparagus, carrots, or mushrooms for variety.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and soy sauce for 30 minutes prior to cooking.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content of the dish.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by substituting the orzo with gluten-free pasta or quinoa.
