Stir-fried Chicken with Lemon, Capers, and Basil is a delightful dish that combines vibrant flavors in a quick and easy stir-fry method. This recipe is perfect for those looking to create a savory, Asian-inspired meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners with friends and family.
Recipe Overview
- Name: Stir-fried Chicken with Lemon, Capers, and Basil
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Recipe Category: Chicken
- Keywords: Poultry, Vegetable, Meat, Thai, Asian, Spring, Summer, Spicy, < 30 Mins, Stove Top, Stir Fry, Easy
- Servings: 4
- Aggregated Rating: 4.5 (based on 2 reviews)
- Calories: 328.7 per serving
- Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Fat: 14.7g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 141.4mg
- Sodium: 405.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 4.5g
- Fiber: 0.7g
- Sugar: 1.8g
- Protein: 43.1g
Ingredients
- 20 ml olive oil
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 25 g butter
- 800 g skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- Zest (rind) of 1 fresh lemon
- 2 tbsp capers, drained
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Prepare the Wok: Heat a wok over medium-high heat until hot. Add half of the olive oil and swirl to coat the wok.
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Stir-fry Onion: Add the sliced red onion to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until softened. Remove the onion from the wok and set aside.
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Cook Chicken in Batches: Reheat the wok, adding another teaspoon of olive oil and half of the butter. Stir-fry the chicken in two batches for 3-5 minutes per batch, or until browned and cooked through. Add the remaining oil and butter between batches.
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Combine Ingredients: Return all the cooked chicken to the wok with the reserved onion. Stir in the lemon zest (rind), capers, and lemon juice. Toss well to combine and cook until heated through.
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Add Basil and Seasoning: Finally, add the fresh basil leaves to the wok and toss everything together. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
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Serve: Transfer the stir-fried chicken with lemon, capers, and basil to a serving dish and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with extra basil leaves or lemon wedges for a fresh, citrusy touch.
Recipe Notes
- Variations: Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness by adding chili flakes or fresh chili peppers during cooking.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles. For a lighter option, serve over a bed of mixed greens or with quinoa.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Conclusion
Stir-fried Chicken with Lemon, Capers, and Basil is a versatile recipe that brings together the tanginess of lemon, the brininess of capers, and the freshness of basil in a savory stir-fry. With its quick preparation and flavorful ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen, whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and ease of this dish, perfect for any season or occasion!
