Lemon Chicken
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Additional Time
15 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
258 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American, Asian-American Fusion
Lemon Chicken
Description
This Lemon Chicken recipe starts by marinating diced chicken with egg, cornstarch, and soy sauce, which helps create a light coating and tender texture. Stir-frying the chicken in vegetable oil cooks it quickly until browned and through. A sauce composed of chicken broth, cornstarch, sugar, and fresh lemon juice is then poured in to thicken and glaze the chicken, imparting a sweet and tangy flavor.
The chicken pieces emerge with a tender bite, wrapped in a slightly thickened, glossy lemon sauce. Optional garnishes of sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions add visual appeal and subtle textural contrast. Fresh lemon juice grounds the flavor, but adding lemon zest could intensify the citrus profile.
This dish can be easily paired with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables to complete a meal. Vegetables like asparagus or green beans can be stir-fried separately then added back to the pan with the chicken and sauce for added color and nutrition.
Marinating the chicken briefly and optionally chilling it before cutting aids handling. The chicken can also be dusted and deep-fried for a crispier texture before sauce coating. Using fresh lemon juice is recommended, and adding lemon zest enhances the aromatic lemon flavor in the sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast diced, boneless skinless
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
Sauce
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice fresh
Optional Garnish
- sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onion
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine chicken with egg, cornstarch, and soy sauce. Allow it to marinate in the fridge for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour.
- In a small bowl, mix together the sauce ingredients.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the marinade.
- Add chicken to the pan in batches and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Stir the sauce well to ensure the cornstarch is fully incorporated. Pour it into the pan with the chicken. Let it simmer on low heat until it thickened, about 3-4 minutes
- Garnish with sesame seeds, thinly sliced green onion, and lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- Prepare all ingredients before cooking as this dish comes together quickly.
- Chilling the chicken in the freezer for 15 minutes before cutting can make dicing easier.
- Fresh lemon juice is preferred; adding half a teaspoon of lemon zest to the sauce intensifies lemon aroma.
- Vegetables such as asparagus or green beans can be stir-fried separately and added back to the chicken and sauce for a complete meal.
- For a crispier chicken, marinate, dust in cornstarch, and deep-fry at 350°F (175°C) for 4-5 minutes, then toss with sauce.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 258 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 258 | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 22g | 7% |
| Protein | 27g | 54% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 0.03g | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 114mg | 38% |
| Sodium | 814mg | 34% |
| Potassium | 474mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 0.2g | 1% |
| Sugar | 13g | 26% |
| Vitamin A | 95IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 6mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 16mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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