Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry

This Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry is the ultimate weekday dinner – bright, fresh, and packed with flavor. Tender pieces of chicken, sautéed veggies, and zesty lemon come together to create a dish that’s as vibrant as it is satisfying. The orzo adds a wonderful texture, making each bite a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and just a little bit sweet from the veggies. It’s one of those meals that feels light yet comforting, and trust me, it’s so easy to whip up. If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious dinner that comes together in no time, this is it!

Why You’ll Love Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry

Flavor-packed: The zesty lemon and fresh vegetables bring this dish to life! The tang from the lemon and the natural sweetness of the bell peppers and zucchini create a delightful flavor profile that’s bright and refreshing.

Quick & Easy: This stir fry is a perfect solution for busy nights when you want something healthy, tasty, and ready in under 30 minutes. You’ll get dinner on the table in no time, and everyone will love it.

Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite veggies based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Try adding spinach, broccoli, or even some mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with lean chicken and plenty of veggies, this dish is full of vitamins, minerals, and protein. It’s a great way to get a well-rounded meal in one dish without feeling weighed down.

Family-friendly: This dish is great for kids and adults alike! The orzo makes it feel a little bit fun, while the fresh, vibrant veggies and chicken keep it balanced and nutritious.

Ingredients in Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry

Here’s everything you’ll need for this fresh, vibrant stir fry:

• Chicken Breast: Tender, lean protein that cooks quickly and soaks up all the delicious flavors.
• Orzo: The small pasta that adds texture and bulk to the dish. It cooks up nice and fluffy and soaks in the flavors beautifully.
• Zucchini: Adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a crisp texture. It’s perfect in stir fry!
• Bell Peppers: A colorful addition that brings crunch and sweetness to the dish.
• Red Onion: Sweet and slightly tangy, red onions bring great flavor and color.
• Garlic: The aromatic base that brings out the richness in the dish.
• Lemon: A key ingredient that provides brightness and acidity. It ties everything together with its fresh, zesty flavor.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the veggies and chicken, it adds healthy fat and flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: Optional, but fresh parsley or basil can really elevate the flavors and add a fresh finish.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

1. Cook the Orzo

Start by cooking the orzo according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, making sure to reserve a little bit of pasta water in case you need it for later.

2. Cook the Chicken

While the orzo is cooking, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Sauté the Veggies

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until the veggies are tender but still have some crispness. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. Combine Everything

Add the cooked orzo and chicken back to the pan with the veggies. Stir everything together, and if needed, add a little pasta water to bring it all together. Stir in the lemon juice, zest, and a drizzle of olive oil to bring that zesty brightness to the dish.

5. Season and Serve

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve immediately with a slice of lemon on the side for extra zest.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 380
Total Fat: 12g

• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 60mg
  Sodium: 370mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 42g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 5g
  Protein: 30g
  Vitamin A: 20%
  Vitamin C: 80%
  Calcium: 4%
  Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry

This stir fry is perfect for a standalone dinner, but it also pairs wonderfully with other sides:

Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette adds a nice, crisp contrast to the warm stir fry.

Garlic Bread: If you’re in the mood for some extra carbs, garlic bread is a great side to soak up all the delicious flavors from the stir fry.

Steamed Vegetables: Add some extra veggies like steamed broccoli or green beans for even more nutrition.

Rice: You can also serve this stir fry over a bed of rice for a heartier meal. Jasmine or basmati rice would pair especially well.

Additional Tips

Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha when mixing everything together.

Use Any Veggies You Like: Don’t feel limited to zucchini and bell peppers. You can throw in mushrooms, spinach, or snap peas for different flavors and textures.

Prep Ahead: This recipe is great for meal prep! You can cook the chicken and veggies in advance, store them in the fridge, and then just heat them up with the orzo when you’re ready to eat.

Swap the Chicken: If you prefer, you can swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein. Both work great in this dish.

Add a Crunch: For some added texture, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds on top before serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

A1: Yes! You can swap the orzo for any small pasta like couscous, farfalle, or even rice. Just keep in mind that it might slightly alter the texture of the dish.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A2: Yes, you can! Just prepare everything and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat and add the lemon juice fresh to keep the flavor bright.

Q3: How do I keep the orzo from getting soggy?

A3: Be sure to drain the orzo well and don’t overcook it. It should have a firm texture when added to the stir fry, which will prevent it from becoming mushy.

Q4: Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

A4: You can, but fresh vegetables work best in this stir fry. Frozen vegetables can release extra moisture, which may affect the texture of the dish.

Q5: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A5: If you use gluten-free orzo or substitute the orzo with gluten-free rice, this dish can be made gluten-free.

Q6: How can I make this dish vegetarian?

A6: Simply swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas for a satisfying vegetarian option.

Q7: Can I use lime instead of lemon?

A7: Absolutely! Lime would add a nice twist to this dish. It will give it a more tropical flavor, but it’s just as refreshing.

Q8: Can I add more protein to this dish?

A8: Yes, you can add more chicken or even some grilled shrimp or salmon for extra protein.

Q9: Can I make this stir fry ahead of time and freeze it?

A9: Freezing this stir fry isn’t recommended as the vegetables may lose their texture when thawed. However, you can make it ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Q10: Can I serve this stir fry over a bed of rice?

A10: Absolutely! Serving it over rice would make for a heartier meal. Try it with jasmine rice, basmati rice, or quinoa for an added protein boost.

Conclusion

This Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry is one of those recipes you’ll want to come back to time and time again. It’s light, healthy, and packed with fresh flavors that will brighten up any dinner table. The chicken, orzo, and veggies are the perfect combination, and the lemon ties everything together with its refreshing zing. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner or bringing it to a family gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy!

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