Lemon Chicken Asparagus Stir-Fry

Featured in: Center of the plate recipes

This lemon chicken and asparagus stir-fry brings together tender chicken slices, crisp asparagus, and aromatic garlic. The bright flavor of lemon zest and juice infuses the dish, while a splash of soy sauce adds savory depth. Everything cooks quickly in one pan, creating a vibrant meal that's both quick and satisfying. Enjoy the stir-fry over warm rice for a wholesome dinner with citrus freshness and rich umami notes.

A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Wed, 01 Oct 2025 19:07:25 GMT
A plate of Lemon Chicken and Asparagus Stir-Fry. Pin it
A plate of Lemon Chicken and Asparagus Stir-Fry. | myhomemaderecipe.com

This bright and zesty Lemon Chicken and Asparagus Stir-Fry is perfect for busy weeknights and has quickly become one of my go-to dishes for spring. The lemon brings out such a fresh flavor in the chicken while the asparagus offers a vibrant crunch that really feels like a celebration of seasonal produce. The whole meal comes together quickly and feels both healthy and comforting served over steamy rice.

Every time I make this dish I am amazed at how the lemon lifts up the simple flavors and my whole family lights up when they smell it on the stove. It started as a last minute dinner and now it is on regular rotation in our kitchen.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil: provides a delicious base and helps prevent sticking so use a fresh bottle for best flavor
  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: keep the dish tender and juicy choose firm pink pieces without excess moisture
  • Kosher salt: adds depth and seasoning throughout the dish flaky salt works best for even seasoning
  • Freshly ground black pepper: offers mild heat and aroma grind it just before using for a burst of flavor
  • Minced garlic: gives a sweet punch go for fresh cloves for the most vibrant taste
  • Asparagus: adds crunch and bright green color select thin stalks for faster cooking and better tenderness
  • Lemon zest and juice: bring tanginess and a perfume of citrus use unwaxed lemons with bright skins
  • Soy sauce: creates the savory accent look for low sodium if watching salt intake
  • Cooked rice: turns this into a hearty meal I love fluffy jasmine or basmati for extra fragrance

Instructions

Season the Chicken
Sprinkle freshly cut chicken breasts evenly with kosher salt and pepper on both sides pressing gently so the seasoning sticks this gives a base of flavor in every bite
Heat the Pan
Pour the olive oil into a large nonstick skillet or wok and heat over medium-high until shimmering swirl to coat the entire surface so the chicken browns nicely
Stir-Fry the Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer and let them sear for about four minutes letting them turn opaque on the outside stir only occasionally so they get some color
Add Garlic
Toss in the minced garlic and continue cooking for about four more minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through stirring often to prevent garlic from burning and sticking
Introduce Asparagus Lemon Zest and Juice
Add trimmed asparagus lemon zest and lemon juice to the pan tossing everything together well the steam helps the asparagus stay vivid and slightly crisp let it cook for about two minutes
Finish with Soy Sauce
Drizzle the soy sauce around the edges of the pan so it sizzles and toss everything together to coat the chicken and veggies the soy brings the other flavors together
Serve
Spoon the stir-fry over freshly cooked rice and scatter extra lemon zest over the top for an extra citrusy aroma serve right away for best texture
A plate of chicken with lemon and asparagus. Pin it
A plate of chicken with lemon and asparagus. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Every time I use fresh spring asparagus in this stir-fry I am brought back to picking the first bundles from the market and planning dinner around them. My kids love helping zest the lemon and they always get excited for the bright colors at the table.

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well for up to three days in an airtight container in the fridge. Let the stir-fry cool completely before sealing. When reheating use a skillet over medium so the asparagus stays crisp instead of turning too soft in the microwave.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can switch in boneless chicken thighs for richer flavor or tofu cubes for a vegetarian version. Try snap peas or green beans if asparagus is out of season. Tamari or coconut aminos work well if you need a soy free option. For extra zest swap half the lemon juice with lime.

Serving Suggestions

This stir-fry is wonderful on steamed white or brown rice but also pairs with cauliflower rice for a lighter option. I sometimes serve it with a fried egg on top or a scattered handful of toasted sesame seeds for crunch.

Cultural and Seasonal Notes

Stir-fry is a technique rooted in Chinese cooking that brings out the vibrant textures in vegetables and proteins while keeping things quick. Lemon and asparagus are classic spring duo ingredients in European cooking and they find a happy home here in this modern take.

A plate of chicken with rice and asparagus, served with a lemon wedge. Pin it
A plate of chicken with rice and asparagus, served with a lemon wedge. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Once spring hits and lemons are cheap I find myself making this recipe at least once a week. Stir-fries like this save dinner when I need something fresh fast and full of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I keep the chicken juicy?

Slice the chicken evenly and avoid overcooking. Stir-frying over medium-high heat locks in moisture.

→ Can I use a different vegetable?

Broccoli, snap peas, or green beans work well and keep the dish fresh and crisp.

→ What type of rice pairs best?

Steamed jasmine or basmati rice absorbs the flavors and makes for a perfect base.

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce as a substitute.

→ How to add extra flavor?

Include fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, and garnish with extra lemon zest.

Lemon Chicken Asparagus Stir-Fry

Juicy chicken and asparagus sautéed with lemon and garlic, finished with soy sauce and served over rice.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
12 Minutes
Total Time
22 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Yield: 3 Servings (Serves 3)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 7 mL olive oil
02 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
03 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 1 tablespoon minced garlic
06 100 grams asparagus, trimmed
07 Zest of 0.5 lemon, plus extra for garnish
08 Juice of 0.5 lemon
09 45 mL soy sauce

→ To Serve

10 Steamed rice

Instructions

Step 01

Sprinkle sliced chicken breasts with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage.

Step 02

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and stir-fry until the surface is no longer pink, approximately 4 minutes.

Step 03

Incorporate minced garlic into the pan and continue stir-frying until chicken is fully cooked, about 4 minutes more.

Step 04

Add asparagus, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the pan. Toss to combine and cook until asparagus is just tender, approximately 2 minutes.

Step 05

Pour in soy sauce and stir well to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 06

Serve chicken and asparagus stir-fry over steamed rice. Garnish with additional lemon zest to taste.

Notes

  1. For optimal texture, avoid overcooking the asparagus to preserve its crispness.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large nonstick pan
  • Sharp chef’s knife

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains soy (from soy sauce)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 295
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: 38 g