Gather these ingredients to create a delicious Healthy Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry:
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Directions
Prepare your dish by following these straightforward steps:
- Step 1: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and oregano, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add the bell pepper, zucchini, and broccoli. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the cooked orzo, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy this healthy, flavorful stir fry!
Nutritional Information
Below is the nutritional breakdown for this recipe:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4 servings
FAQs
1. Can I use different vegetables?
Yes! You can easily switch out the vegetables for those that are in season or your favorites.
2. Can I meal prep this dish?
Absolutely! This stir fry stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prepping.
3. Is this dish gluten-free?
The orzo pasta used is not gluten-free unless you specifically choose a gluten-free alternative.
4. How can I make this dish spicier?
Adding red pepper flakes or slices of fresh chili can give this dish a nice kick!
5. Can I use cooked chicken in this recipe?
Certainly! If you have leftover chicken, simply sauté the veggies and add the cooked chicken toward the end to heat through.
Conclusion
This Healthy Lemon Chicken & Veggie Orzo Stir Fry is not only a feast for the eyes but also a wholesome meal that packs in flavor and nutrients. With its simple cooking method and flexibility, you can enjoy this delicious dish any night of the week! Try it out, and let the freshness of the lemon and vegetables brighten up your dining table.
