Description
This Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry is a vibrant, healthy dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken pieces are sautéed with colorful vegetables and tossed with lemony orzo pasta in a savory-sweet sauce, creating a balanced and flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Vegetables
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 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 (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Prepare the orzo pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic and Vegetables: If needed, add a little more olive oil to the same skillet. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the diced zucchini, red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and snap peas. Stir fry the vegetables for 4-5 minutes, or until they are just tender but still crisp.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to create a tangy and slightly sweet sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and toss well to coat everything evenly.
- Add the Orzo: Stir in the cooked orzo pasta and combine thoroughly, heating everything through. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the dish before serving to add a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- You can swap out the vegetables depending on what you have available; asparagus, carrots, or mushrooms are great alternatives.
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and soy sauce for 30 minutes prior to cooking.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your desired spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Ensure not to overcook the vegetables to preserve their crunch and nutrients.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep sodium levels in check while maintaining flavor balance.
