Ingredients
Protein
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
- ¼ cup corn starch
Vegetables
- 2 cups (about 12oz) green beans, washed, trimmed and chopped
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Oils
- 3–4 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 large lemon
Seasonings
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- Zest of 1 large lemon
Optional Garnishes
- Finely chopped parsley or green onion
Serving Suggestion
- Cooked rice
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Trim and dice the chicken breasts into ¾-1” cubes. Toss the chicken pieces thoroughly in the corn starch until they are well coated. This will help create a light crust during cooking.
- Prep the vegetables: Wash the green beans, trim off the ends, and chop them into pieces roughly 1 ½ inches long. Chop the red onion into pieces about the size of your thumb for even cooking.
- Heat the wok and cook the chicken: Place a large wok over medium heat and add 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is warmed, add the coated chicken pieces along with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken, stirring occasionally, until the outside starts to brown and develop color.
- Add garlic and lemon zest: Stir in the minced garlic and the lemon zest with the chicken. Cook for a couple more minutes, stirring occasionally to release the garlic’s aroma and blend the lemon flavor into the chicken.
- Incorporate onions, green beans, and lemon juice: Add the chopped onion and green beans into the wok along with the fresh lemon juice. Continue to cook and stir frequently for about 5 minutes until the lemon juice is absorbed, the chicken is cooked through, and the green beans become fork-tender.
- Serve: Remove from heat and immediately serve the lemon chicken stir fry over cooked white rice. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions to add a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute corn starch with arrowroot powder or potato starch.
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
- Adjust lemon juice quantity to taste for more or less citrus tang.
- Serve with steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a complete meal.
- To add some heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or add sliced chili peppers during cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat