Description
Zesty lemon chicken brings Mediterranean-inspired flavors to classic Chinese cuisine, creating a light protein dish that balances tangy citrus with delicate poultry. Crisp coating and fresh ingredients make this meal perfect for quick weeknight dinners while satisfying your craving for bright, clean flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce and Seasoning:
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about ½ lemons)
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium chicken broth or water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Coating and Garnish:
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Lemon slices, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by blending soy sauce and cornstarch in a mixing vessel, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Allow the mixture to rest and absorb flavors for a brief period.
- Craft the zesty sauce by whisking together tangy lemon juice, bright lemon zest, golden honey, umami-rich soy sauce, aromatic ginger, pungent garlic, and savory chicken broth in a separate container.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over robust heat, creating an ideal searing environment for the chicken pieces.
- Carefully introduce the marinated chicken to the hot surface, cooking until a beautiful golden crust forms and the interior reaches complete doneness. Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken to a waiting plate.
- Utilize the same skillet to transform the prepared sauce, gently bringing it to a gentle bubbling state. Integrate a cornstarch mixture to create a luxurious, silky consistency.
- Reunite the chicken with the vibrant sauce, delicately coating each piece to ensure maximum flavor absorption.
- Elevate the dish’s presentation by scattering fresh green onions, sprinkling toasted sesame seeds, and adorning with delicate lemon slices. Serve immediately atop fluffy rice or alongside crisp steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Enhance the chicken’s tenderness by piercing it with a fork before marinating, allowing the soy sauce to penetrate deeper into the meat.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, which provide similar umami flavor without wheat.
- Boost nutritional value by adding colorful vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during the final tossing stage, creating a more balanced one-pan meal.
- Reduce sugar content by using a sugar-free honey alternative or monk fruit sweetener, maintaining the sauce’s brightness while keeping the dish lighter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg