Description
A vibrant and healthy Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry featuring tender chicken breast, colorful vegetables, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta tossed in a zesty lemon-soy sauce. This quick and flavorful stir fry is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 lb), cubed
Vegetables
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
Pasta
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Sauces and Oils
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash and chop all the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Cube the chicken breasts into even pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then add the orzo pasta. Boil it for about 8 minutes or until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add the Vegetables: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute to release its aroma. Then add the diced bell pepper, sliced zucchini, and broccoli florets. Cook for 5 minutes more, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce and fresh lemon juice. Pour this sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet, stirring to combine evenly.
- Combine Orzo and Finish: Add the cooked orzo to the skillet. Gently toss all ingredients together over medium heat until the orzo is heated through and the flavors are well combined, about 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the sodium content moderate.
- For added flavor, garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with tofu for a vegetarian option.
- To save time, prepare the vegetables while the orzo is cooking.
- Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: lemon chicken, orzo stir fry, chicken and vegetables, healthy dinner, quick stir fry, Mediterranean chicken, low sodium soy sauce
