Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry
A bright and flavorful stir fry dish featuring tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and zesty lemon, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the stir fry
- 1 cup orzo pasta small pasta shape
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced lean protein
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for heat
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
- to taste Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil the orzo according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Cooking
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil, zucchini, bell pepper, and broccoli. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Add the cooked orzo and chicken back into the skillet. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring well.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots or snap peas for extra color and nutrition. For a gluten-free version, substitute the orzo with gluten-free pasta.