Name: Lemon Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast; ¼ cup corn starch; 2 cups (about 12oz) green beans, washed, trimmed and chopped; ½ cup chopped red onion; 2–3 cloves garlic, minced; 3–4 tablespoons olive oil; Juice of 1 large lemon; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; Zest of 1 large lemon; Finely chopped parsley or green onion; Cooked rice

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 11 reviews

If you’re on the lookout for a vibrant, zesty dinner that’s as quick to whip up as it is delicious, this Lemon Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine tender chicken breast cubes coated lightly in corn starch for that perfect sear, tossed together with crisp green beans and sweet red onions, all drenched in bright, fresh lemon juice and zingy zest. This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, packing a full burst of citrus flavor, a lovely mix of textures, and enough wholesome goodness to keep you energized on busy nights. Once you try this Lemon Chicken Stir Fry Recipe, it’ll become a staple in your weeknight meal rotation without a doubt!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white frying pan filled with small pieces of cooked light brown chicken, scattered with bright yellow lemon zest and small white minced garlic pieces on top. The pan has a shiny golden handle and sits on a light beige cloth that is folded around it. Around the pan, there are four round yellow lemon slices to the left, a small empty dark wooden bowl above, and a small clear glass bowl with lemon zest to the upper right. A white spoon rests on the bottom right edge. The whole setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are refreshingly simple but each plays an important role in making the dish flavorful, colorful, and satisfying. From the crisp green beans adding crunch to the lemon that brightens every bite, you’ll see how essential all these components are.

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast: The star protein that stays juicy and tender when cooked just right.
¼ cup corn starch: Ensures a beautifully crisp coating on the chicken for that irresistible texture.
2 cups green beans (about 12 oz), washed, trimmed and chopped: Adds a fresh, crunchy element and vibrant green color.
½ cup chopped red onion: Lends a mild sweetness and lovely aroma when sautéed.
3–4 tablespoons olive oil: The healthy fat that helps everything cook evenly and adds subtle richness.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
¼ teaspoon pepper: Adds a gentle bit of heat and depth.
2–3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings that savory punch and aroma that wakes up the senses.
1 large lemon (zest and juice): The magic ingredient that delivers bright citrus notes and freshens the dish perfectly.
Finely chopped parsley or green onion (optional garnish): Adds a fresh, herbal finish and pretty presentation.
Cooked rice for serving: The perfect base to soak up all that delicious lemony sauce.

How to Make Lemon Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by trimming the chicken breasts of any excess fat and cut them into cubes about ¾ to 1 inch in size. Toss these lovely chunks in the corn starch until they’re evenly coated—this step is key because it helps the chicken develop a nice, light crust when you cook it. Trust me, this little trick makes a big difference in texture!

Step 2: Prep the Veggies

Wash and trim your green beans, then chop them into roughly 1 ½ inch pieces so that each bite is just right. Chop the red onion into chunks about the size of your thumb to keep some pleasant bite and sweetness in the final dish.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large wok or skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken pieces alongside the salt and pepper. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, until the outside of the chicken starts to brown lightly. This caramelization is where the flavor starts to build, so be patient and let that golden color develop.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Lemon Zest

Next, toss in the minced garlic and the lemon zest to the pan. The garlic will release its fragrant aroma while the zest brings that incredible citrus brightness right into the chicken mixture. Stir everything around for a couple of minutes so these flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Incorporate Onions, Green Beans, and Lemon Juice

Now add your chopped red onions and green beans, then pour in the fresh lemon juice. This combination will steam and simmer together for about 5 minutes or until the green beans are fork-tender but still crisp and the lemon juice has cooked down slightly, coating all the ingredients with a tangy, glossy finish. Stir frequently so nothing sticks or burns, and watch the colors become even more vibrant.

Step 6: Serve Hot and Garnish

Once the stir fry is ready, serve it immediately over fluffy cooked white rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Garnish with finely chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor that perfectly complements the citrus notes.

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

A close-up view of a white frying pan filled with bright green beans and golden-brown pieces of cooked chicken, mixed with small bits of red onions. The green beans are glossy, fresh, and evenly spread among the chicken pieces, which have a slightly crispy texture on the outside. To the right, there is a gray bowl holding white rice with some yellow lemon zest on top, and next to it are two lemon halves showing their juicy interior. A pair of golden-colored fork and spoon rest on a beige cloth napkin beside the pan. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh herbs like parsley or sliced green onions not only makes the dish look gorgeous but also introduces a fresh, herbaceous element that balances the tanginess of lemon. Feel free to sprinkle some sesame seeds for an extra nutty crunch or a drizzle of chili oil if you want to add a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

This Lemon Chicken Stir Fry pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up all the lemony sauce perfectly. For a low-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice or pair with garlic butter noodles for a more indulgent twist. Lightly steamed or roasted veggies also complement this meal nicely if you want to add extra greens.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun family-style meal, present the stir fry in a large shallow bowl with rice piled high in the center and chicken and veggies artfully arranged around it. You can also stuff the cooked stir fry into warm lettuce cups for a refreshing handheld dinner or spoon it over quinoa or noodles to change things up.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Lemon Chicken Stir Fry keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, but be sure to store the rice separately so it doesn’t get mushy.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead for busy weeks, freeze the cooked stir fry (without rice) in freezer-safe containers or bags. It will stay good for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken moist. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain the best texture and toasty coating on the chicken. Add freshly chopped herbs after warming up for an instant flavor boost.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay juicy, which makes them a great option for this Lemon Chicken Stir Fry Recipe. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.

What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh lemon?

If fresh lemon isn’t available, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, but fresh lemon zest is crucial for that intense citrus aroma, so try to find fresh lemons for the best results.

Is this recipe spicy?

This Lemon Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is naturally bright and tangy without heat. If you like spice, adding chili flakes or a splash of sriracha during cooking or as a garnish works beautifully.

Can I make this dish vegan or vegetarian?

To make it vegan, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable oil instead of olive oil. The lemon and garlic flavors remain fantastic with plant-based proteins.

How do I keep the green beans crisp?

The key is to not overcook the green beans—cooking them until just fork-tender preserves their snap. Adding them later in the cooking process and stirring often prevents sogginess.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is proof that you don’t need complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen to enjoy a flavorful, healthy meal. The bright lemon notes combined with tender chicken and fresh veggies create a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Give it a try on your next busy evening — it’s bound to become a quick favorite that you’ll return to time and time again!