Description
This vibrant Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry is a quick and healthy Mediterranean-inspired meal featuring tender chicken breasts, colorful vegetables, and zesty lemon flavors, all tossed together with tender orzo pasta and Parmesan cheese for a delicious one-pan dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, halved and sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Oils and Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the orzo and set it aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Sauté the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate to rest.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced red bell pepper, zucchini, and broccoli florets. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are just tender but still crisp.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma without burning.
- Combine Chicken and Orzo: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the cooked orzo and stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Add Lemon and Seasoning: Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice along with the crushed red pepper flakes if using. Toss everything to coat evenly and heat through for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm for a bright, flavorful, and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the orzo with quinoa or rice.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for more nutrition and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your preference for added brightness or tartness.
