Honey Lemon Chicken Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Asparagus Stir Fry is a quick and vibrant dish that combines tender chicken with fresh asparagus in a tangy, honey-lemon sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s both healthy and full of bright, satisfying flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
• Zest and juice of 1 large lemon (1 teaspoon zest & 2 tablespoons juice)
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into thin strips
• 1 pound fresh asparagus, woody ends discarded and cut into 1-inch pieces
• ½ tablespoon oil with a high smoking point (such as avocado, canola, or peanut oil)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the chicken in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to firm up, making it easier to slice. Remove and cut the chicken against the grain into strips no thicker than ¼-inch.
2. Step 2: Prepare the asparagus by snapping off the woody ends. Use one piece as a guide to cut the remaining stalks into 1-inch pieces.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, lemon zest, lemon juice, and cornstarch until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
4. Step 4: Heat the oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until it shimmers. Add the chicken strips and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked.
5. Step 5: Give the stir-fry sauce a quick stir, then add it to the skillet along with the asparagus pieces.
6. Step 6: Continue stir-frying everything together for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens. Serve immediately, ideally over steamed rice.

Tips & Variations

• For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch.
• Try adding sliced bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
• Marinate the chicken briefly in the sauce before cooking for more intense flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. For best texture, avoid microwaving to prevent asparagus from becoming mushy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen asparagus for this stir fry?

Fresh asparagus is best to maintain its crisp texture, but if using frozen, thaw and drain well before adding to the stir fry. Cook briefly to avoid sogginess.

What cuts of chicken work best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well. Thighs tend to stay juicier, while breasts are leaner. Be sure to slice thinly and evenly for quick, uniform cooking.

Honey Lemon Chicken Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 188 reviews

• Author: lina
• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A vibrant and healthy Chicken Asparagus Stir Fry featuring tender chicken strips and crisp asparagus tossed in a tangy honey lemon soy sauce. This quick and easy recipe delivers a delicious balance of sweet, savory, and citrus flavors, perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Stir-Fry Sauce

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
• Zest of 1 large lemon (approx. 1 teaspoon)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into thin ¼-inch strips
• 1 pound fresh asparagus, woody ends discarded and cut into 1-inch pieces
• ½ tablespoon oil with a high smoking point (such as avocado, canola, or peanut oil)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to firm up. This makes slicing easier. Remove and cut chicken against the grain into thin strips, about ¼-inch thick.
2. Prepare the Asparagus: Snap off the woody ends of 1 pound fresh asparagus by bending a stalk until it naturally breaks. Use this as a guide to cut the rest of the asparagus into 1-inch chunks, discarding the ends.
3. Make the Stir-Fry Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce, lemon zest, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 2 teaspoons cornstarch until the cornstarch dissolves completely.
4. Heat the Oil: Place ½ tablespoon of high smoke point oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until it glistens.
5. Cook the Chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the hot skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is browned on all sides but not fully cooked through.
6. Add Sauce and Asparagus: Give the stir-fry sauce a quick stir and pour it into the skillet along with the prepared asparagus pieces.
7. Finish Stir-Frying: Continue to stir-fry the chicken, asparagus, and sauce together for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens, coating the ingredients evenly.
8. Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately, optionally over steamed rice for a complete meal.

Notes

• Freezing the chicken briefly makes it much easier to slice thinly and evenly.
• Using a high-smoke point oil prevents burning during high-heat cooking.
• Adjust the sweetness or saltiness by modifying honey or soy sauce according to taste.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
• Be sure to zest the lemon before juicing to capture all the citrus flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian

Keywords: Chicken Stir Fry, Asparagus Stir Fry, Healthy Chicken Dinner, Quick Stir Fry Recipe, Honey Lemon Chicken