Description
Lemon Chicken Asparagus Stir-Fry is a bright, zesty weeknight winner. This 20-minute, one-pan dish pairs tender chicken with crisp asparagus in a garlicky lemon sauce that’s light yet satisfying. Quick, healthy meal prep with simple ingredients, it brightens the skillet with lemon juice and zest while paprika adds warmth and optional red pepper flakes bring gentle heat. Garnish with parsley and serve with rice or quinoa for easy leftovers. It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and asparagus. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir well.
- Add the cornstarch mixture and simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and coats everything evenly.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute chicken thighs for juicier results.
- To keep it gluten-free, use gluten-free chicken broth if needed.
- Serve with rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
- Leftovers refrigerate well for 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Lemon chicken asparagus stir-fry, lemon chicken recipe, quick weeknight dinner, asparagus stir fry, garlicky lemon sauce, healthy chicken dish, citrus chicken, 20-minute dinner