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Lemon Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Bright, zesty lemon meets tender chicken and crisp green beans in this quick, weeknight stir fry with a subtle kick of heat. A touch of honey balances the citrus for a glossy, flavorful finish.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
 

Lemon Chicken Stir-Fry

  • 1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2.5 cups green beans, trimmed and halved
  • 2/3 cup red onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced (reserve 1/2 tsp zest for finishing)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • In a small bowl, whisk the lemon juice with the honey and half of the lemon zest. Set this bright glaze aside.
  • Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then the green beans and a pinch of the salt. Stir-fry 3 minutes until lightly blistered and bright green. Splash in a tablespoon of water, cover for 1 minute to steam, then transfer beans to a plate.
  • Pat the chicken dry. In a bowl, toss it with cornstarch, the remaining salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until the pieces are evenly coated.
  • Return the wok to medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Spread the chicken in a single layer and cook 2 minutes undisturbed, then stir-fry 3–4 more minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to the plate with the beans.
  • Reduce heat to medium. Add the red onion to the pan (add a teaspoon more oil if the pan looks dry) and cook 2 minutes until just softened. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Pour in the lemon-honey mixture and the remaining lemon zest. Let it bubble for 60–90 seconds, scraping up any browned bits, until slightly thickened and glossy.
  • Return the chicken and green beans to the pan and toss 1–2 minutes to coat in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon if desired. Serve hot (great over steamed rice).

Notes

Tip: For best browning, don’t overcrowd the pan—cook the chicken in a single layer and let it sear before stirring. Zest the lemon before juicing; it’s much easier.
Leftovers keep well up to 3 days in the refrigerator; rewarm gently in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Lemon Chicken Stir Fry Recipe flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.