Stir-Fry Lemon Chicken
A vibrant lemon chicken stir-fry featuring tender cubed chicken, colorful peppers, and fragrant rice, perfect for a quick, flavorful Asian-inspired meal for family or friends.
Ingredients
- 6 large boneless chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind ⓘ
- 3 teaspoons soy sauce ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons dry sherry ⓘ
- 2 cloves chopped garlic ⓘ
- 1 medium chopped onion ⓘ
- 6 tablespoons vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 cup rice ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 red sweet pepper ⓘ
- 2 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut chicken into cubes.
- Mix grated lemon rind, soy sauce, sherry, and 2 teaspoons of cornstarch together to marinate the chicken.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok.
- Add rice, chopped onion, and chopped garlic to the skillet, stirring until the rice is hot.
- Add 2 cups of chicken broth, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Cover and cook for 25 minutes until rice is tender and broth is absorbed.
- Meanwhile, cut the red sweet pepper into strips.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a separate pan.
- Stir in the pepper strips and cook until slightly tender.
- Mix 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch with the remaining 1/2 cup of chicken broth and set aside.
- Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in the skillet used for chicken.
- Stir-fry the marinated chicken until cooked through.
- Add the broth and cornstarch mixture to the chicken and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Combine the cooked rice, peppers, and chicken with sauce, mixing well before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the chicken for a longer period, up to an hour. You can substitute the dry sherry with rice vinegar or omit it if desired. To save time, use pre-cooked rice or even quinoa as a base. If you prefer a bit of heat, adding chili flakes or sliced fresh chili can elevate the dish. Check out more Chinese recipes for additional inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
This stir-fry pairs beautifully with a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas for added crunch and color. Serve it over fluffy jasmine rice or as a filling in lettuce wraps for a lighter option. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with Eggdrop Soup as an appetizer, making it a delightful addition to your dinner table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the dish and warm it gently in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also use a microwave, but ensure to cover it to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stir-Fry Lemon Chicken contains roughly 1017 calories, with 48g protein, 138g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (97% of the Daily Value), iron (32% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile; you can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as shrimp and tofu will cook faster than chicken. Just ensure that any protein you choose is cooked through before adding it to the sauce.
What can I serve with Stir-Fry Lemon Chicken?
In addition to jasmine rice, you might consider pairing this dish with a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. You could also serve it alongside noodles or even in a wrap with fresh vegetables for a fun twist. Browse more chicken recipes for additional side ideas.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately. Just cook the rice fresh when you’re ready to serve. This will keep the rice fluffy and prevent it from becoming soggy. Reheat the chicken and sauce gently before combining everything.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).