Zesty Lemon Chicken Stir Fry

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Zesty Lemon Chicken Stir Fry is a vibrant, quick dish that brightens up any meal with its fresh lemony twist. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it brings together tender chicken and crisp vegetables in a tangy sauce that’s sure to please.

Ingredients for Zesty Lemon Chicken Stir Fry

Chicken breast is the main protein here, offering a lean and tender bite when stir-fried. Olive oil is used for its heart-healthy benefits and subtle flavor. The large lemon provides both juice and zest, giving a refreshing and bright flavor punch. Red bell pepper adds sweetness and color, while broccoli florets and snap peas bring a satisfying crunch and nutritional boost. Garlic and fresh ginger are aromatic staples that elevate the dish with their warm, spicy notes. Soy sauce adds umami depth, and a touch of honey balances the tart lemon. Lastly, a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions adds a hint of nutty flavor and a pop of color.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in half of the lemon sauce for 15 minutes before cooking.
  • Preheat your skillet well before adding the oil to ensure a good sear on the chicken.
  • If you like spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This stir-fry pairs beautifully with fluffy jasmine rice or whole grain quinoa for a wholesome meal. For an extra layer of texture, serve it over a bed of crunchy lettuce leaves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and add a richer flavor, but may need a bit more cooking time.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients a few hours in advance, but it’s best to cook it right before serving for the freshest taste and texture.

Zesty Lemon Chicken Stir Fry Recipe Walkthrough

Start by slicing the chicken breast into thin strips. This helps it cook quickly and evenly, ensuring tender pieces in every bite. In a bowl, combine the lemon juice, zest, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger to create the zesty sauce that will coat the chicken and veggies.

Heat up olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken slices and stir-fry them until they're browned and cooked through. This should take about 5–7 minutes.

Next, toss in the broccoli, bell pepper, and snap peas. Stir-fry these for 3–4 minutes until they become vibrant and slightly tender yet still crunchy.

Pour the prepared lemon sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly. Let it cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.

Before serving, garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions for an extra layer of flavor and a touch of elegance.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Uses fresh, healthy ingredients.
  • Perfect balance of zesty and savory flavors.
  • Customizable with your favorite vegetables.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large lemon (juiced and zested)
1 red bell pepper (sliced)
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup snap peas
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
2 green onions (sliced)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Slice chicken breast into thin strips.
2. In a bowl, mix lemon juice, zest, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add chicken slices and stir-fry until browned.
5. Add broccoli, bell pepper, and snap peas; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vibrant.
6. Pour lemon sauce over the chicken and vegetables; stir to coat evenly.
7. Cook for another 2 minutes; season with salt and pepper.
8. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

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