Description
This Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry is a fresh, quick, and irresistibly flavorful one-skillet meal. Juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and zesty lemon come together with tender orzo for a healthy weeknight dinner that’s anything but boring. It’s ready in 25 minutes, packed with protein, and perfect for meal prep or a wholesome family dinner. One bite and you’ll see why it’s a repeat favorite!
Ingredients
1 cup (200 g) orzo pasta
1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, diced
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium zucchini, chopped
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup (100 g) snap peas
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce
1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey (optional)
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
Cook orzo in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Season diced chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté for 5–6 minutes until golden and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add zucchini, red bell pepper, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
Return the cooked chicken and orzo to the skillet.
Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
Swap chicken breast for tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Want more spice? Add fresh chopped chili or extra red pepper flakes.
Best served fresh, but leftovers store beautifully for meal prep.
Add extra lemon zest just before serving for a bold citrus pop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop / Stir Fry
- Cuisine: American / Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (~⅓ of recipe)
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg