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+ servings
Chinese Lemon Chicken

Healthy Chinese Lemon Chicken: Crispy, Zesty, and Guilt-Free

Enjoy this Healthy Chinese Lemon Chicken, a crispy, zesty delight that's healthier and gluten-free, perfect for dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 3 minutes
Total Time 38 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 14 oz Chicken Breast Substitute with chicken thighs for richer flavor.
  • 1/3 cup Vegetable Oil Ideal for stir-frying.
  • 1/2 + 1 cup Cornstarch Essential for a crispy coating.
  • 1 Egg Helps the cornstarch adhere to the chicken.
For the Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Chicken Broth Opt for low-sodium if desired.
  • 1/4 cup Lemon Juice Fresh juice recommended.
  • 1 tsp Lemon Zest Add more if you love lemon.
  • 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar Apple cider vinegar can substitute.
  • 1 tsp Shaoxing Wine Optional for complexity.
  • 4 tbsp Sugar Adjust to taste.
  • 1/2 + 1/2 tsp Salt Enhances flavors.
  • 2 tsp Minced Ginger Infuses warmth into the sauce.
For the Garnish
  • 2 Green Onions Use white parts for cooking, greens for garnish.

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Medium bowl
  • small bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine chicken broth, lemon juice, rice vinegar, Shaoxing wine (if using), sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, and salt until fully mixed. Set aside.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Mix with vegetable oil and 1/2 tsp salt, ensuring all pieces are coated. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Beat one egg in a small bowl, add to chicken, and mix to coat. Sprinkle cornstarch over chicken and toss to coat well.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1/3 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add coated chicken in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  5. Cool the Chicken: Transfer chicken to a plate, allowing to cool for 2-3 minutes to maintain crispiness.
  6. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add white parts of green onions and minced ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  7. Thicken the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with aromatics. Increase heat and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens.
  8. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add crispy chicken back to the skillet and toss in the thickened sauce. Cook for an additional minute.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 28gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 8mg

Notes

Customize flavor using fresh ingredients and adjust sweetness to your taste. Perfect for meal prepping.

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