Zesty Lemon Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Name: Zesty Lemon Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, sliced thin; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 lemon, zested and juiced; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp honey; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 inch ginger, grated; 1 tsp cornstarch; 1/4 cup water; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 10 min

🍽 Serves: 4

★★★★★

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Welcome to a dish that brings a burst of citrusy freshness to your dinner table — Zesty Lemon Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry. This quick and vibrant recipe is perfect for weeknights when you crave something healthy yet packed with flavor. Ready to make your taste buds sing?

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Ingredients for Zesty Lemon Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

The heart of the dish is the chicken breast, sliced thin to absorb all that zesty goodness and cook quickly. The broccoli florets add a nice crunch and a healthy dose of greens, while the red bell pepper brings in a sweet, colorful note. Our star player, the lemon, both zested and juiced, elevates the dish with its fresh citrus zing. Soy sauce adds a savory depth, and a touch of honey balances the flavors with a hint of sweetness. Garlic and ginger are the aromatic backbone, infusing the dish with warmth and flavor. Cornstarch is our secret weapon to thicken the sauce just right, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds a lovely herbal finish.

Tips & Tricks

For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
To ensure even cooking, slice the chicken breast as uniformly as possible.
If you prefer your veggies more tender, give them an extra minute in the pan.
Use a microplane to zest the lemon — it makes the job quick and easy.

Serving Suggestions

This stir-fry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa for a complete meal. You could also wrap it in a warm tortilla for a fun twist. A side of lightly pickled cucumbers would add a refreshing crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and will work just as well.
What if I don't have fresh ginger?: You can substitute with 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?: Yes, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or your favorite plant-based protein.

Zesty Lemon Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe Walkthrough

Let's start by mixing our flavorful sauce. In a small bowl, combine your lemon zest and juice with soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch mixed with water. Set this aside; it’ll be the magic touch later.

Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add your chicken slices, seasoning them with a dash of salt and pepper. Stir-fry until they’re golden brown and cooked through, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Using the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the broccoli florets and red bell pepper, stir-frying for about 3-4 minutes until they are just tender but still bright and crisp.

Now, return the chicken to the pan and pour over the prepared lemon sauce. Toss everything to coat it evenly. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Once it’s reached the perfect consistency, remove from heat.

Finish your dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and herbaceous flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy — ready in under 30 minutes.
Bright, fresh flavors that wake up your palate.
Perfect balance of protein and veggies.
Adaptable to what you have on hand.
Simple ingredients that pack a punch.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, sliced thin

2 cups broccoli florets

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 lemon, zested and juiced

3 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp honey

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 inch ginger, grated

1 tsp cornstarch

1/4 cup water

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix the lemon zest and juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch with water. Set aside.

2. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken slices and season with salt and pepper. Stir-fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil. Add broccoli and red bell pepper, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until just tender.

4. Return the chicken to the pan, pour over the lemon sauce, and toss everything to coat. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

5. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

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