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.

Cooking 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 Facts

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

More recipes

Creamy whole-wheat fettuccine alfredo

A lighter, creamy whole-wheat fettuccine alfredo with lemon and parsley.

07 Feb 2026

Spaghetti with capsicum, tomato and ricotta

A flavourful spaghetti dish with roasted capsicum, tomatoes, and ricotta.

02 Jan 2026

Chicken pitas

Italian-style chicken pitas with sun-dried tomatoes and kale.

08 Feb 2026

Pappardelle with squash, mushrooms and spinach

A comforting pappardelle dish with squash, mushrooms, and spinach.

28 Feb 2026

Sauteed ground beef and veggies

Quick sautéed ground beef with veggies for a nutritious meal.

08 Feb 2026

Lemon rosemary chicken with crispy smashed potatoes

Juicy lemon rosemary chicken with crispy smashed potatoes.

11 Nov 2025

Pressure cooked babotie - south african mince meat

Enjoy this quick and flavorful pressure cooked bobotie recipe.

05 Dec 2025

Steaks with ratatouille

Juicy steaks served with vibrant ratatouille of mixed vegetables.

10 Dec 2025

Posts