Lemon Chicken Asparagus Stir-Fry

There’s nothing quite like a delicious stir-fry on a busy weeknight, and this Lemon Chicken Asparagus Stir-Fry truly delivers. With succulent chicken, bright asparagus, and a zesty lemon-soy sauce, it brings a burst of flavor that’s both refreshing and comforting. I’ve enjoyed this recipe countless times, often whipping it up in just under 30 minutes. Its simplicity, vibrant flavors, and healthy ingredients make it a frequent go-to on my dinner table.

Why You’ll Love Making It

What makes this dish so appealing? For starters, it’s incredibly quick to prepare. Ready in about 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for hectic weeknights when you want to get dinner on the table without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, using just a handful of common ingredients. Parents will appreciate how easy it is to get kids on board with asparagus when it’s cooked to a tender crisp in a savory, lemony sauce.

“This Lemon Chicken Asparagus Stir-Fry is a weeknight hero! Easy, quick, and so delicious—my family requests it weekly!"

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Ready to dive into this delightful dish? You’ll be amazed at how straightforward the process is. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a colorful and nutritious meal. First, you’ll prepare your ingredients, then cook the chicken until golden brown, and finish off with tender asparagus and a tangy sauce.

This recipe’s flow is intuitive, allowing even novice cooks to feel like pros in the kitchen!

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this Lemon Chicken Asparagus Stir-Fry:

• 7 mL olive oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 100 grams asparagus, trimmed
• Zest of 0.5 lemon, plus extra for garnish
• Juice of 0.5 lemon
• 45 mL soy sauce
• Steamed rice (to serve)

Feel free to substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option or experiment with other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for added variety!

Step-by-Step Directions

Creating this dish is as easy as one, two, three:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Sprinkle the sliced chicken breast with kosher salt and black pepper for a burst of flavor.

2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sauté until it’s no longer pink, about 4 minutes.

3. Add Garlic: Mix in the minced garlic and continue to cook until the chicken is fully cooked through, approximately 4 minutes more.

4. Incorporate Asparagus: Toss in the asparagus, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes, until the asparagus is just tender.

5. Finish with Soy Sauce: Pour in the soy sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.

6. Serve: Spoon the chicken and asparagus stir-fry over a bed of steamed rice. Garnish with extra lemon zest for a fresh touch.

Tips for Serving

For a standout presentation, serve your stir-fry over fluffy steamed rice, which perfectly absorbs the tangy sauce. You might also consider adding sesame seeds for a bit of crunch or serving it with a side of crispy wontons. Pairing the dish with a light cucumber salad can enhance the freshness of the meal.

Best Way to Store Lemon Chicken Asparagus Stir-Fry

Leftovers? No problem! To keep your Lemon Chicken Asparagus Stir-Fry fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for about three days. For longer storage, consider freezing it; just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it on the stovetop until warmed through, ensuring food safety by checking the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Pro Chef Tips

For the best results, make sure not to overcrowd the pan while cooking the chicken—this ensures you’re stir-frying rather than steaming. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic for an extra kick. And remember, fresh lemon juice is key! It elevates the flavors and brings out the best in the dish.

Creative Variations

Want to switch things up? Consider adding a splash of honey for a hint of sweetness or substituting the asparagus with seasonal vegetables like broccoli or bok choy. You can also switch up the protein—shrimp or beef both work beautifully in this dish.

Helpful FAQs

What is the prep time for this recipe?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, with an additional 20 minutes for cooking. In total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes.

Can I use frozen chicken or vegetables?

While fresh is best, you can use frozen chicken; just make sure it’s thawed beforehand. For vegetables, if using frozen, add them towards the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This stir-fry is perfect for meal prepping. Store it in individual containers for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

With this Lemon Chicken Asparagus Stir-Fry recipe, into your repertoire, you’ll find a delightful, healthy meal that’s bursting with flavor—making it a dish you’ll want to return to time and again!

Lemon Chicken Asparagus Stir-Fry

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A quick and delicious stir-fry featuring succulent chicken, bright asparagus, and a refreshing lemon-soy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 7 mL olive oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 100 grams asparagus, trimmed
• Zest of 0.5 lemon, plus extra for garnish
• Juice of 0.5 lemon
• 45 mL soy sauce
• Steamed rice (to serve)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Sprinkle the sliced chicken breast with kosher salt and black pepper.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sauté until it’s no longer pink, about 4 minutes.
3. Add Garlic: Mix in the minced garlic and continue to cook until the chicken is fully cooked through, approximately 4 minutes more.
4. Incorporate Asparagus: Toss in the asparagus, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes, until the asparagus is just tender.
5. Finish with Soy Sauce: Pour in the soy sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
6. Serve: Spoon the chicken and asparagus stir-fry over a bed of steamed rice. Garnish with extra lemon zest.

Notes

This dish is perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze in airtight containers.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: chicken, stir-fry, quick dinner, meal prep, healthy recipe