Honey-lemon chicken stir fry with rice

Honey-lemon chicken stir fry features tender chicken and crisp vegetables tossed in a tangy sauce, served over fluffy white rice. This quick dish is packed with flavor, combining sweet honey and zesty lemon for a satisfying weeknight meal.

23 Jan 2026
Cook time 25 min
Prep time 15 min

Ingredients:

1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp vinegar
1/2 tsp red pepper (spice)
4 chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves
3 carrots
2 red peppers
1/2 lb mushrooms
2 cups broccoli
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 cups white rice
Honey-lemon chicken stir fry with rice

Honey-Lemon Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice is a delicious, quick, and easy meal that combines tender chicken with vibrant vegetables in a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner and pairs excellently with fluffy white rice. The combination of honey, lemon, and soy sauce creates a burst of flavor that transforms simple ingredients into a delectable meal.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, sesame oil, vinegar, and red pepper. Stir well until the honey has dissolved. Set aside.
2. Cook the Rice:
- Cook the white rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and keep warm.
3. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables:
- In a large frying pan or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the julienned carrots, red pepper strips, sliced mushrooms, and broccoli florets. Stir fry for about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the pan. Stir continuously until the sauce has thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Serve:
- Serve the honey-lemon chicken stir fry hot over a bed of cooked white rice.

This Honey-Lemon Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice is a delightful and nutritious meal that will satisfy your taste buds and keep you energized. The harmonious blend of flavors and the variety of vegetables make this dish a perfect balance of taste and health. Enjoy your meal!

Honey-lemon chicken stir fry with rice FAQ:

What is the best cooking time for the chicken in this stir fry?

Cook the sliced chicken breasts in a large frying pan or wok for about 5-7 minutes over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

Can I substitute the white rice with another type of rice or grain?

Yes, you can substitute white rice with brown rice, jasmine rice, or quinoa. However, cooking times may vary: brown rice typically takes longer to cook, about 40-50 minutes, while couscous cooks up in about 5 minutes.

How should I store leftover honey-lemon chicken stir fry?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

What can I use instead of cornstarch for thickening the sauce?

You can use all-purpose flour as an alternative to cornstarch. Mix about 1 tablespoon of flour with equal parts water to create a slurry, and add it to the sauce in the same manner.

How can I tell if the vegetables are cooked properly in the stir fry?

The vegetables should be tender-crisp, meaning they should be bright in color and slightly firm to the bite. Typically, stir-frying for about 5-7 minutes will achieve this texture.

Tips:

- Preparation: Cut all your vegetables and chicken into bite-sized pieces before you start cooking to ensure everything cooks evenly and within a short time.

- Cooking Chicken: Cook the chicken first until it's nearly done, then remove it from the pan. This prevents it from becoming overcooked and dry when you stir-fry it with the vegetables.

- Stir-frying: Stir-fry vegetables on high heat quickly to retain their crispiness and bright colors. Add harder vegetables like carrots and broccoli first, then softer ones like mushrooms and red peppers.

- Sauce Consistency: To thicken the sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in a bit of water before adding it to the stir-fry. Ensure the sauce coats the chicken and vegetables evenly.

- Rice Preparation: Cook the white rice separately according to the package instructions. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving for a light and airy texture.

- Extra Flavor: Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for an added burst of freshness and flavor.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 590kcal
Protein 40g
Carbohydrates 90g
Fiber 7g
Sugar 13g
Fat 15g

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