Name: Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: Orzo Pasta: 1 cup Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: 1 pound (cut into bite-sized pieces) Salt and Pepper: to taste Zucchini: 1 (diced) Red Bell Pepper: 1 (diced) Broccoli Florets: 1 cup Garlic: 2 cloves (minced) Lemon (zest and juice): 1 Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional) Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons (chopped) Parmesan Cheese: 2 tablespoons (grated, optional)

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If you’re craving a vibrant, nourishing meal that feels as cozy as it does fresh, the Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry is about to become your new weeknight staple. This one-pan wonder is loaded with juicy bites of chicken, perfectly sautéed veggies, and little pasta pearls—all tossed in a lemony finish that’s bright enough to wake up any dinner routine. Each ingredient works together to create a dish that’s equal parts zesty, hearty, and packed with color, making the Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry irresistible for any night of the week.

Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is a celebration of simple, everyday ingredients that truly shine when combined. Each component plays a role—whether it’s adding creaminess, crunch, color, or that unmistakable zing. Here’s what you’ll need for a sensational Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry:

Orzo pasta: These tiny pasta grains soak up flavor and provide a tender, slightly chewy base for the stir fry.
Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps brown the chicken and vegetables beautifully.
Boneless skinless chicken breast: The star protein; quick-cooking, lean, and super satisfying.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every other ingredient.
Zucchini: Offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor and pretty green color.
Red bell pepper: Brings crunch and a burst of color that makes the dish pop.
Broccoli florets: Adds a satisfying bite and soaks up all that delicious lemony seasoning.
Garlic: Brings the savory heart of the stir fry together—don’t skip it!
Zest and juice of 1 lemon: The key to that unforgettable fresh and tangy finish.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a whisper of heat.
Chopped fresh parsley: Lends freshness and a pretty pop of green right before serving.
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a savory, nutty complexity—especially for cheese lovers.

How to Make Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry

Step 1: Cook the Orzo

Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your orzo until it’s just al dente. Give it a taste—a little bite is perfect! Drain well and set aside. The orzo will get even more flavorful later as it soaks up bright citrus and savory chicken juices.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper before tossing them in to cook. Let them sizzle away for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring now and then so they brown on all sides and cook through. Set the chicken aside, but keep the pan handy for the next step.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, add your diced zucchini, red bell pepper, and broccoli florets. These veggies need about 4 to 5 minutes to become tender-crisp—the goal is vibrant color and a bit of snap, not mush! Stir in the garlic during the last 30 seconds to release its incredible aroma.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the reserved chicken to the skillet, then add in the cooked orzo. Zest your lemon directly into the pan, squeeze in every bit of juice, and add the red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. Toss everything together for a minute just until heated through and every last bit is glistening with flavor.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley (and a shower of Parmesan, if you’re in a cheesy mood). Give one final toss and serve it up while it’s warm—the Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry is at its best right out of the pan!

How to Serve Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry

Garnishes

This dish loves to be dressed up! Finish each plate of Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry with a dusting of extra Parmesan, a handful of fresh lemon zest, or a few more parsley leaves. A crack of fresh black pepper or a pinch of flaky sea salt also adds a lovely finishing touch.

Side Dishes

The stir fry is a hearty meal on its own, but you can turn dinner into a feast by adding a leafy green salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette, some warm pita bread, or even a spoonful of cool Greek yogurt for a creamy twist beside your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, scoop the Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry into colorful bowls or mound it on a platter with lemon wedges tucked around the sides. For a picnic or potluck, try packing it into mason jars or individual ramekins for portable, pretty servings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a joy with this recipe! Simply let the Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry cool to room temperature, then pack it into airtight containers. It’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days and is just as zesty on day two.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, portion the cooled stir fry into airtight, freezer-safe containers or bags. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator—it holds up better than you might expect!

Reheating

To reheat, place the Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry in a skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep things nice and moist. Gently warm over low-medium heat, stirring until everything is steamy and revived. The microwave works too; just cover and reheat in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! You can swap in sliced turkey, shrimp, or even tofu if you want to keep things vegetarian. Adjust the cooking time based on what you use so everything stays juicy and tender.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Definitely! Just substitute gluten-free orzo (or another short pasta like rice-shaped gluten-free pasta) and double-check any packaged ingredients. The dish turns out just as delicious and fresh.

What other vegetables work well in this stir fry?

This recipe is all about flexibility. Snap peas, thin carrot rounds, mushrooms, or baby spinach added at the end are all fantastic. Just remember to keep things colorful and not overcook your veggies—crisp-tender is best!

Can I make Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare all the components a day or two ahead and assemble just before serving. Or, make the entire dish and reheat gently. The flavors continue to mingle and get even better after a rest.

What’s the best way to zest and juice a lemon?

Use a microplane or fine grater for zesting—the aromatic skin goes right into the dish, so zest before you juice! Roll the lemon on the counter with gentle pressure before cutting to maximize the juice you get.

Final Thoughts

You won’t believe how flavorful and colorful a weeknight meal can be until you try the Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry for yourself. It’s the kind of recipe that quickly feels like a classic, thanks to its breezy prep and incredible taste. So grab your ingredients and treat yourself to a bright, satisfying dinner—you might just find a new family favorite!

Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry is a flavorful and easy one-pan meal that combines tender orzo pasta with juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, and zesty lemon. Perfect for a quick and healthy dinner!

Ingredients

Orzo Pasta:

1 cup

Olive Oil:

1 tablespoon

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast:

1 pound (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Salt and Pepper:

to taste

Zucchini:

1 (diced)

Red Bell Pepper:

1 (diced)

Broccoli Florets:

1 cup

Garlic:

2 cloves (minced)

Lemon (zest and juice):

Red Pepper Flakes:

1/4 teaspoon (optional)

Fresh Parsley:

2 tablespoons (chopped)

Parmesan Cheese:

2 tablespoons (grated, optional)

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Instructions

Cook Orzo: Cook the orzo in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add seasoned chicken, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Veggies: In the same skillet, sauté zucchini, red bell pepper, and broccoli until tender-crisp. Add garlic and cook briefly.
Combine Ingredients: Return chicken to the skillet, add cooked orzo, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Toss until heated through.
Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan. Serve warm.