A luscious, tangy stir-fry that makes two generous portions for very few calories. Extracted from The Fast 800 Easy by Dr Clare Bailey and Justine Pattison. Published by Simon & Schuster Australia, RRP $35. Photography © Smith & Gilmour.

What you need to know before you start

This recipe is prepared and cooked in 20-25 minutes. Timing is essential when making this dish, so have all your ingredients washed, sliced and measured before you turn on the heat. You’ll also need some basic cooking equipment such as a large frypan or a wok, and a rice cooker or saucepan for preparing the side of rice. 

Why is this the best lemon chicken recipe?

This Chinese-style lemon chicken is quick to prepare and low in calories, and makes two portions for a no-fuss dinner. It balances simplicity with bold flavours, delivering a one-pan dish that's easy to make and that heroes affordable and accessible ingredients. 

This recipe is also great to customise based on your taste and what’s available to you. Feel free to add additional vegetables to the pan while cooking the chicken. Think baby spinach, zucchini, sugar snap peas and mushrooms. 

What does lemon juice do to chicken?

The natural acidity of lemon helps to balance the savoury meatiness from the chicken, adding a zesty brightness. It also lightly tenderises the meat, resulting in juicier, succulent chicken. 

What ingredients you’ll need

Cornflour: Cornflour is mixed with lemon juice and soy sauce to help thicken the sauce, creating a smooth, velvety texture that clings to the chicken and vegetables.

Dark soy sauce: Dark soy sauce adds depth, richness and colour, which partners perfectly with the tanginess of the lemon without overpowering the dish. 

Lemon: Lemon juice is used to provide a tangy, fresh citrus flavour that brightens the dish and enhances the chicken's natural taste. Lemon zest is also sprinkled over the completed dish as a garnish. 

Coconut or canola oil: Oil helps to ensure the chicken cooks evenly while contributing a mild, neutral flavour. If you’re using coconut oil, it will add a subtle richness. 

Skinless chicken breast fillet: Chicken is the hero ingredient in this dish. Chicken breast is an excellent lean, healthy protein for those with an eye on their calorie and fat intake.

Capsicum: Feel free to use any colour capsicum you like. It adds a sweet, slightly crunchy texture and vibrant colour. 

Carrot: Carrot contributes natural sweetness and a crisp texture, balancing the acidity of the lemon and adding colour to the dish.

Broccoli: Broccoli complements the rich flavours of the sauce while adding a nutritional bite.

Chicken stock: Stock adds a savoury base to the sauce, enhancing the overall depth of flavour while keeping the dish moist.

Long green shallot: Sliced long green shallot offers a mild, fresh onion-like flavour.

How do you make lemon chicken not bitter?

Balancing your flavours in the sauce is the key to a great lemon chicken. Use fresh lemons for the best results. Zest the lemon before juicing it to capture the aromatic oils in the peel. To avoid bitterness, the key is to make sure to avoid any white pith when zesting. Simply grate the outer yellow layer – as soon as it becomes white, you’re grating the pith, which will give a bitter taste. Don’t forget to taste the dish as you go – you may choose to add a touch more chicken stock to round out the savoury flavours, or an extra splash of soy sauce for saltiness. 

How to store leftover lemon chicken

Store cooled lemon chicken in an airtight container and place in the fridge. It should last roughly 3-4 days. To reheat, add to a pan covered with a lid over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If you find the sauce has thickened too much, you can add additional chicken stock or water to loosen. Chicken can dry out if it’s cooked at high temperatures; cooking it over medium-low heat with a lid will ensure it reheats without drying out, as the lid will keep the moisture in.

How to serve lemon chicken

This Asian-inspired lemon chicken can be served with steamed rice of your choice to create a simple weeknight meal. If you’d prefer to keep your carbs and calories low, simply serve with more steamed vegetables for added nutrition. Feel free to add a sprinkling of sesame seeds and lemon wedges to garnish. Complete your Chinese feast with a side of favourites like green beans, hot & sour soup and dumplings. 

Drink pairings with lemon chicken

When choosing the perfect drink to serve alongside your lemon chicken, opt for something that will balance the tangy, savoury and slightly sweet flavours of the dish. Our top picks include a green or jasmine tea, or for something alcoholic, try white wines such as a dry riesling or a sauvignon blanc, or a crisp pilsner or a refreshing gin and tonic. 

If you love our lemon chicken recipe, try this 

For more speedy dinners ready in under 30 minutes, look to these no-fuss recipes:

• Sesame-crusted pork cutlets with quick tonkatsu sauce
• Cheat’s puttanesca with mussels and orecchiette
• 15-minute garlic and prawn linguine