Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry
Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and chewy orzo pasta. This one-pan meal is not only colorful but also packed with flavor and nutrition. It’s quick to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights!
Why Make This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to try Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry. First, it’s a fast and easy dinner option that takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Secondly, it’s healthy, loaded with fresh veggies and lean protein. Lastly, the bright flavors from the lemon and garlic will surely satisfy your taste buds, making it a hit with the whole family!
How to Make Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry
Making Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry is a simple process. Just follow these easy steps to create a delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
Directions
- Cook Orzo: Begin by cooking the orzo according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set it aside.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until it turns golden and is fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes.
- Add Veggies: Toss in the zucchini, red bell pepper, and broccoli. Stir-fry them for 4–5 minutes until the veggies are tender-crisp.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked orzo, lemon zest, lemon juice, soy sauce, and honey (if you’re using it). Toss everything together and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat Through: Cook for another 2 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions.
How to Serve Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry
Serve this dish hot right from the skillet for the best flavor. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with a fresh side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry
If you have leftovers, allow the stir fry to cool down before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, simply microwave until hot.
Tips to Make Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry
- Customize Vegetables: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or green beans.
- Add Spice: For a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep! Prepare a bigger batch on the weekend for easy lunches during the week.
Variation
For a vegetarian version, you can easily replace the chicken with chickpeas or extra tofu. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta like ditalini or even whole wheat pasta.
2. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Its mild flavors and colorful vegetables make it appealing to kids. You can skip the soy sauce if you want to make it less salty.
3. How can I make it gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo or any gluten-free pasta and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free as well.
