Description
This Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry is a bright, one-pan dinner that transforms simple ingredients into a refreshing, flavorful meal. Juicy chicken, tender orzo, and colorful veggies come together in a tangy lemon-garlic sauce that’s both light and satisfying.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 1/2 cups uncooked orzo
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups chicken broth
1 small zucchini, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup broccoli florets
2 garlic cloves, minced
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add another tbsp of olive oil. Add garlic, zucchini, bell pepper, and broccoli; sauté until tender, about 4–5 minutes.
3. Stir in the orzo and toast for 1 minute until lightly golden.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan.
6. Toss well to coat everything in the sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve warm for a vibrant, wholesome dinner.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle of extra lemon juice before serving.
Try swapping orzo with quinoa or couscous for variety.
This dish reheats beautifully and makes perfect leftovers for lunch the next day!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: lemon chicken orzo, chicken stir fry, healthy orzo recipe, lemon garlic chicken, one pan dinner