Ground Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

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Healthy, satisfying, and ready in 20 minutes or less, this Honey Lemon Chicken is the quick and easy fake-out take-out recipe you’ve been looking for. Featuring tender ground chicken stir fried with sticky, sweet and tart lemon sauce, this flexible family-friendly dinner is sublimely delicious and nutritious!

Update: This recipe was originally published in May 2018. I made updates to the article below to include more information about making this lemon chicken with honey at home

Hi, friends! Now that the weather has turned warmer I feel like everyone is looking for super easy and healthy weeknight dinners that they can whip up in a flash. Well, today I have you covered with a sticky, sweet, savory and mouthwateringly delicious honey lemon chicken dish!

About this lemon honey chicken recipe

If you’re tired of the same boring bowl food, get ready for your belly to do a happy dance with this stir fry with ground chicken. Healthy, yet hearty with plenty of tart lemon flavor, this lemony stir fry is easy lunch and dinner GOALS, my friends.

Let me break down what’s happening up in here –

Tender crumbles of savory ground chicken is sautéed with mild shallots, pungent ginger, aromatic garlic, and tossed with a tart, sticky, sweet and sour lemon and honey sauce. All that savory, sweet honey lemon chicken goodness gets piled high on a bed of chewy quinoa. Top it all of with crisp, delicate strands of zucchini and squash; then sprinkle with fresh sliced scallions and nutty sesame seeds for a dinner that pull double duty as healthy and delicious.

This lemony chicken stir fry is light, fresh, and fabulous dinner you’ve been missing!

If you love quick and easy stir fries, try these fan-favorite recipes next: orange beef stir fry, spicy chicken and veggie stir fry, Chinese beef stir fry, and pork stir fry noodles.

Why you will love this stir-fry

• Minimal prep! This stir-fry lemon chicken requires little to no chopping and just 10 minutes of hands on preparation.
• Easy to find ingredients! You only need six simple ingredients as well as a few pantry staples for this lemony stir fry with ground chicken.
• Simple and fast to make! This honey lemon chicken recipe is totally fool-proof and ridiculously easy to make. You can have this dish ready and on the table in approximately 20 minutes.
• Amazing flavor! This lemon chicken stir-fry is bursting with fresh, bright lemon and sweet honey flavor.
• Customizable! You can easily customize the ingredient list and get creative in the kitchen.
• Versatile! This sticky lemon honey chicken is incredibly versatile. Try serving it over rice, quinoa, Asian noodles, vegetable noodles and more.

Ingredients for honey lemon chicken

This healthy ground chicken stir-fry is recipe is made with easy-to find ingredients and bursting with bright, lemony flavor! The ingredient list is totally flexible and customizable, so feel free to add in your favorite seasonal vegetables or whatever mix-ins your family loves.

What you need

• Oil: I recommend using a neutral oil, such as vegetable or canola for stir-frying.
• Shallot: One large shallot adds a touch of delicate, mild onion flavor.
• Chicken: To keep the prep to the absolute minimum, I like to use ground chicken; however, you can use chicken breasts or chicken thighs and cube them or learn how to grind meat at home.
• Garlic: Two cloves of fresh garlic provide a distinctive, punchy taste. Make sure you use fresh garlic, not the minced variety sold in a jar.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a subtle zesty, slightly warming flavor. (Learn how to prepare ginger root.)
• Seasonings: A combination of kosher salt, pepper and red pepper flakes all provide flavor.
• Stock: Chicken stock or broth creates the base of the stir-fry sauce. I recommend using no-sodium or low-sodium stock or broth so you can control the saltiness of the sauce.
• Lemon: You will need both the zest and juice of fresh lemons for the best lemony flavor.
• Honey: 1/3 cup of honey adds the perfect amount of sweetness as well as a touch of floral flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds a depth of umami flavor! I recommend using reduced-sodium soy sauce.
• Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a touch of acidity which balances out all the flavors and brings the sauce to life.
• Cornstarch: You need just 1 tablespoon of cornstarch which serves as the thickening agent and creates a glossy, sticky, beautifully lemony sauce.

Recipe variations

This lemon honey chicken recipe is straightforward and incredibly flexible. I recommend using this recipe as a guide versus a strict recipe. You can absolutely add whatever ingredients you love to create the best lemon chicken of your life!

• Bell Peppers: Bell peppers are my go-to if I’m looking to add a little more bulk to this recipe! Both red and mini bell peppers add a beautiful touch of savory sweetness.
• Broccoli: Crunchy broccoli is another go-to as it’s always easy to find fresh at the store and pairs great with chicken lemon stir fry.
• Asparagus: Tender, crisp asparagus is a wonderful addition if you can find it fresh and in season.
• Artichokes: A can of artichoke hearts will add a delicious earthy, herbaceous flavor that pairs perfectly with a lemon stir fry with chicken.
• Water Chestnuts: I typically add a can of water chestnuts to this chicken stir-fry if I’m looking for an easy addition.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds are a pretty finishing touch and add a mild nutty flavor.
• Nuts: I love adding salty, crunchy element to my honey chicken stir-fries. Cashews, peanuts and almonds are all a delicious addition.
• Fruit: Pineapple and mango are the perfect way to add a tropical flare to your stir-fry.

Expert tip: You can add whatever vegetables you love to this recipe for lemon stir fried chicken, just  make sure you cut your vegetables into bite-size pieces so everything cooks evenly and is easier to eat!

How to make stir fry with ground chicken?

This nutritious sticky honey lemon chicken stir fry is incredibly easy to make! In just three quick steps, this chicken can be ready and on the table in 30 minutes or less!

1. Prepare the honey lemon sauce.  Whisk together chicken stock, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, soy sauce, cider vinegar and cornstarch together in a small bowl. Set aside.
2. Make the stir-fry chicken.  In a skillet over medium-high heat, stir fry diced shallots and add in ground chicken. Cook until the chicken is golden. Season with garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant. Add in the sauce and simmer the sauce is thickened and the chicken is coated.
3. Serve.  Divide the chicken into bowls with quinoa and shredded zucchini. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Enjoy!

Crazy easy, right?!

Expert tips for the best success!

1. Chicken: While the recipe of honey lemon chicken below calls for ground chicken, you can absolutely substitute chicken breasts or thighs cut into bite-size pieces instead. Or, you can use ground turkey. To keep things extremely healthy and light, I used lean, all white meat ground chicken. With that said, the combination of white and dark meat ground chicken will pack the most flavor and produce moister chicken stir-fry. The recipe below is extremely flexible, and you should use whatever variety of chicken (or turkey) you like!
2. Lemon: I highly encourage you to squeeze fresh lemons for the juice required in the sauce. Lemon juice from a bottle does not taste as bright and lemony as fresh lemon juice. As well, if a strong lemon flavor is desired, increase the amount of lemon zest in the recipe from 1 lemon to 1 ½ -2 lemons.
3. Use a large skillet or wok: Make sure you use the largest skillet (or a wok) that you have! It’s much easier to evenly cook the chicken and it prevents the chicken from steaming (versus stir-frying).
4. Vegetables: You can absolutely add vegetables to this chicken lemon stir-fry. Just make sure you cut the vegetables into uniform bite-size pieces!.
5. Healthy serving idea: While I typically serve this honey stir fry chicken over quinoa with lots of vegetables, this stir-fry chicken is also delicious served as a lettuce wrap. Simply pile the chicken into your favorite large leafy green, such as Bibb, iceberg or romaine lettuce.

Step-by-step photos: making this recipe at home

FAQ: frequently asked questions

What does lemon do to chicken meat?

Lemon adds flavor and acidity to chicken and tenderizes chicken, which is especially good when using leaner cuts of chicken, such as chicken breast (whole or ground). 

The tenderization from freshly squeezed lemon juice will produce juicy and moist chicken every time.

How do I cook ground chicken without drying it out?

Cook the ground chicken at medium to medium-high heat, but nothing higher than this to prevent the meat from drying out. 

Moisture is key to ensuring that the ground chicken doesn’t dry out. You can add ingredients to your ground chicken stir fry, such as broth, honey, lemon juice, white wine, dairy, or a cooking sauce to add extra moisture while the ground chicken cooks. 

Lastly, opt for regular ground chicken instead of lean ground chicken if you want moister results!

Does ground chicken cook the same as ground beef?

The cooking techniques for ground chicken and ground beef are similar. That said, chicken must always be cooked at an internal temperature of 165F, while ground beef can be cooked at an internal temperature of 160F. 

Ground chicken tends to cook faster than ground beef due to it being a leaner meat. 

You may also notice that ground beef holds shape better than ground chicken, which can crumble and fall apart since ground chicken holds less moisture. 

Browning ground chicken can require some extra oil in the heated pan compared to ground beef, which renders out its own fat while cooking. If you pan seems dry when making your chicken lemon stir fry, simply add a small amount of oil. 

How long should I cook ground chicken?

Ground chicken usually requires 5-7 minutes in a medium-high heated skillet or pan. Use a large enough skillet or pan so that the chicken browns and cooks evenly instead of steaming. 

How do you keep ground chicken tender?

There’s a few different ways you can keep the ground chicken in stir fries tender and delicious:

• Add moisture to the ground chicken, such as broth, sauce, or dairy;
• NEVER overcook ground chicken as it has a tendency to dry out.
• When selecting ground chicken at the store, reach for regular ground chicken versus lean ground chicken.
• Use a fat, such as oil, when cooking to help brown the chicken and prevent it from drying out.  

Can you overcook ground chicken?

Absolutely! It’s easy to overcook ground chicken since it cooks faster than other ground meat, such as beef and pork. Stick to the cooking times listed in the recipe of honey lemon chicken. And keep a close watch on the ground chicken, stirring it to ensure even browning and cooking. 

What is lemon honey stir-fry sauce?

The honey lemon sauce for this healthy chicken stir fry is super simple to prepare and only requires seven pantry staple ingredients. A combination of fresh lemon (juice and zest), honey, soy sauce, vinegar, chicken or vegetable stock,  cornstarch and a pinch of red pepper flakes creates a sauce that is beautifully tart, sweet and savory.

Using fresh lemons to make the sauce is highly recommended! Since lemon is main component of the stir fry sauce, using fresh ones (versus the stuff in a bottle) will produce the brightest, most flavorful sauce.

Also, if you are a huge fan of lemon, I highly suggest you increase the lemon zest in the recipe from the zest of 1 lemon to the zest of 1 ½ – 2 lemons. Lemon zest holds the essential oils of the lemon and therefore, it is filled with pure lemon flavor.

If you love chicken with honey and lemon, be sure to try these fan-favorites next: Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta, Grilled Honey Lemon Chicken Skewers recipe, Rosemary Chicken Skewers (with Lemon Aioli).

Serving honey stir fry chicken

• Grains: Any grain you love will work with this honey lemon chicken stir-fry. Quinoa, brown rice, cauliflower rice and zucchini rice are great if you want to keep your meal healthy. Or, Mediterranean lemon rice, jasmine rice, wild rice and pilaf work, too.
• Vegetables Noodles: Veggie noodles are a delicious way to keep things low carb! I love zucchini, squash and carrot noodles with this lemon chicken.
• Asian Noodles: Soba noodles, rice noodles, ramen or even fettuccine and linguine are all delicious if you are looking for a slurp-able stir-fry experience.
• Stir-fried vegetables: If you don’t want to add vegetables to your stir-fry you can always serve them on the side. Anything from zucchini, carrots, green beans, summer squash, and stir fry cabbage work perfectly.
• Sautéed greens: If you are looking to add more greens to your diet, spinach, kale and Swiss chard make wonderful sides.
• Salad: A simple bed of peppery arugula or an Asian salad is a great option if you are looking to keep things ultra-healthy.
• Lemon-themed dinner party: Throw party infused with cheery lemons. Immerse your guests in a citrus experience with any of the following recipes:
  • Pink Lemonade Vodka Cocktail
  • Lemony Couscous Salad
  • Baked Lemon Salmon with Asparagus
  • Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta (One Pot Recipe!)
  • Lemon Yogurt Muffins
  • Blueberry Lemon Crumb Bars
  • Lemon Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies

Storing leftovers

This recipe makes enough for four people, so depending upon the size (and appetite) of your family, you won’t likely have any leftovers! However, if you do, chicken stir fry stores beautifully and is perfect for grab-and-go lunches.

To store leftovers, first allow the stir fry to cool completely to room temperature; however, do not leave the chicken out on the counter for more than 1 hour to ensure safety and prevent growth of bacteria! Once cool, transfer leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Freezing instructions

You can freeze leftover chicken stir-fry, but for the best results, I recommend freezing them without any vegetables. Fresh vegetables tend to lose their crispness during thawing. You can add a few handfuls of your favorite vegetable, such as cabbage or coleslaw when reheating the stir fry.

To freeze, allow the chicken to cool completely to room temperature before transferring to an airtight, freezer-safe container. Chicken stir fry will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, allow the stir-fry to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating using the stovetop method described above!

Reheating instructions

Reheating stir-fry is incredibly quick and easy! For the best results, I recommend reheating leftover chicken stir fry on the stove.

• Stovetop: Transfer the stir fry to a medium skillet. Place the skillet over medium-low heat and add a splash or two of fresh lemon juice. Reheat, stirring occasionally, until warm throughout.
• Microwave: Add an individual portion of leftover stir-fry to a microwave-safe container. Add a splash or two of fresh lemon juice. Place a lid on the container, leaving the lid slightly cracked at the side to form a vent. Reheat for 45-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chicken is warm throughout.

This healthy honey lemon chicken quinoa bowl is fresh, fabulous and needs to happen in your kitchen! And since these bowls can be ready, and on the table in 30 minutes or less, you really have no excuse. 😉

Until next week, friends, cheers – to healthy bowl goals FOR LIFE.

Cheyanne

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Recipe testimonials – What people are saying about this recipe

See below to find out what readers are saying about this tried and true pea pasta salad recipe!

• “My boyfriend loved it!” – Ariana
• “Delish! I made a kale quinoa dish to go with it! Kids ate it!” – Kathy
• “It was great – made it today. Shared the recipe with my sister and daughter. I made quinoa to go with it. Great taste!” – Sheila

More chicken stir fries!

• Chinese Chicken with Stir Fry Vegetables
• Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe
• Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken
• Chicken and Apricots Stir Fry

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