Lemon chicken & veggie orzo stir fry is my favorite dish to make when I want something bright and colorful and I still need it to be hearty and filling without feeling heavy. One evening after coming home from the farmers market with a bag full of fresh veggies I decided to toss them all together with juicy chicken and a splash of lemon and that quick idea turned into one of my most-loved meals and now it’s on repeat whenever I want an easy dinner that’s bursting with flavor and freshness.

I love how the zesty lemon brings everything to life and the orzo adds a fun pasta twist that soaks up all the juices and each bite is packed with crisp tender vegetables and golden chicken pieces and it feels like a big comforting bowl of sunshine and it’s so quick to make that I can have it on the table in under 30 minutes and it always makes me feel like I’m treating myself to something special even on a busy weeknight.

Ingredients

Here’s what I like to use for this stir fry. Feel free to mix it up with your favorite veggies!
Chicken breasts – Tender, juicy base of the dish that soaks up the lemony sauce.
Orzo pasta – Small pasta shape that feels like rice but cooks faster and absorbs flavor beautifully.
Zucchini – Adds a fresh, mild sweetness and tender bite.
Bell peppers – Bring colorful crunch and sweetness.
Peas – Add little bursts of sweetness and bright green color.
Lemon juice & zest – The star for a zesty, fresh flavor that ties everything together.
Olive oil – Helps with sautéing and adds richness.
Garlic – Gives the dish a fragrant savory base.
Salt – Enhances all the natural flavors.
Black pepper – Adds a subtle warmth and depth.
Fresh parsley – Bright finishing touch for freshness.

Tools You’ll Need

Large skillet or wok – Essential for stir frying everything evenly.
Pot – For cooking the orzo separately.
Sharp knife – For chopping all the veggies and chicken.
Cutting board – A safe space for all the prep work.
Tongs or spatula – To stir and toss everything in the skillet.
Zester or grater – For getting the perfect lemon zest.

Instructions

Step 1

I start by cooking the orzo in salted water until al dente, then drain and set it aside.

Step 2

While the orzo cooks, I chop the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper.

Step 3

In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium-high heat and add the chicken, cooking until golden and cooked through.

Step 4

Next, I add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

I toss in the zucchini, bell peppers, and peas, cooking for about 5–7 minutes until the veggies are just tender but still crisp.

Step 6

I add the cooked orzo to the skillet along with lemon juice and zest, tossing everything together so the flavors mix beautifully.

Step 7

Finally, I sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving.

📌 Love Home Recipes? Follow Me on Pinterest!

Join thousands of others for daily Sweet home Recipes and creative ideas.

Follow Me on Pinterest

Tips

If you want to make it even more flavorful, I sometimes marinate the chicken in a little lemon juice and olive oil before cooking. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top for a cheesy finish. And for extra veggies, broccoli or snap peas are fantastic additions!

Ways to Serve

I love serving this lemon chicken & veggie orzo stir fry on its own as a complete meal. It’s also delicious alongside a crisp green salad or with warm crusty bread to soak up any extra lemony sauce. Sometimes I enjoy leftovers cold the next day for a fresh pasta salad twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make lemon chicken & veggie orzo stir fry ahead of time?

Yes! It reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep.

What can I use instead of chicken in lemon chicken & veggie orzo stir fry?

You can swap it for shrimp, tofu, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version.

How do I store leftovers of lemon chicken & veggie orzo stir fry?

Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this lemon chicken & veggie orzo stir fry a try and love it as much as I do! It’s so fresh, colorful, and easy to make — perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week. Let me know if you try it — I’d love to see your creations! And don’t forget to save this recipe for your next bright and satisfying meal.

Happy Cooking!