Introduction
Lemon Chicken is a timeless dish celebrated for its vibrant citrus flavor that harmonizes beautifully with tender, juicy chicken. This recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen, combining savory soy sauce, zesty lemon, and earthy spinach for a balanced, delightful dinner. Whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a family meal, this dish stands out for its simplicity and elegance.
Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Needed Equipment
- Large nonstick skillet
- Medium mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zester
- Knife and cutting board
- Plastic wrap
- Meat mallet
- Whisk
- Serving platter
Tags
- Poultry
- Meat
- Under 30 Minutes
- Easy
Serving Size
- Serves 4
Difficulty Level
- Easy
Allergen Information
- Contains soy (soy sauce)
- Gluten-free if using gluten-free soy sauce
Dietary Preference
- Low-fat
- High-protein
Course
- Main dish
Cuisine
- Fusion (Asian-inspired)
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White rice | 1 cup |
| Boneless, skinless chicken breast halves | 4 |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Fresh ground pepper | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons |
| Soy sauce | 3 tablespoons |
| Chicken broth | 2/3 cup |
| Fresh lemon juice | 1/4 cup |
| Lemon zest | Zest of 1 lemon |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Sesame oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Green onions (thinly sliced) | 2 |
| Ginger (minced) | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Fresh spinach | 2 cups |
| Water | 2 tablespoons |
| Vegetable oil | 3 teaspoons (divided) |
Instructions
1. Prepare the Rice
Cook rice according to package instructions and set aside, keeping it warm for serving.
2. Prepare the Chicken
- Cut chicken breasts into thirds.
- Pound each piece between plastic wrap until approximately ยผ inch thick.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper, then toss in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
3. Cook the Chicken
- Heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Transfer to a serving platter and keep warm.
4. Prepare the Sauce
- Mix the remaining 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce in a small bowl.
- In the same skillet, combine chicken broth, lemon juice, zest, sugar, and sesame oil. Bring to a boil.
- Whisk in the cornstarch mixture and boil for 1 minute to thicken.
- Add cooked chicken to the skillet, coat with sauce, and simmer for 1 minute.
- Return chicken to the platter and sprinkle with green onions.
5. Sautรฉ the Spinach
- Wipe the skillet clean and heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil over high heat.
- Add minced ginger and garlic, cooking for 30 seconds.
- Add spinach and water in batches, tossing until wilted.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of soy sauce and cook for 30 seconds more.
6. Serve
Serve the chicken with spinach and rice, garnished with lemon slices or extra green onions.
Preparation Tips
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Thin chicken ensures even cooking and better sauce absorption.
- Prepping ingredients beforehand makes the cooking process seamless.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450.9 |
| Fat | 8.8g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Cholesterol | 68.4mg |
| Sodium | 1127.7mg |
| Carbohydrates | 55.6g |
| Fiber | 5.1g |
| Sugar | 7.8g |
| Protein | 37.4g |
Tips and Tricks
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and lemon juice for 20 minutes before cooking.
- Swap spinach with kale or bok choy for variation.
- Add red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
Add-Ons
- Top with toasted sesame seeds for crunch.
- Pair with a light cucumber salad for a refreshing side.
Side Dishes
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli or carrots complement the dish.
- A simple miso soup makes a great starter.
Improvements
- Add mushrooms to the spinach for added texture.
- Use honey instead of sugar for a natural sweetener.
Save and Store
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying.
FAQ
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used, but they may require additional cooking time.
2. Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes, substitute regular soy sauce with a gluten-free version.
3. What can I use as a cornstarch substitute?
Arrowroot powder or potato starch are great alternatives.
Conclusion
Lemon Chicken is a quick, versatile, and flavorful dish that suits any occasion. Its refreshing citrus tones combined with savory soy and tender chicken create a meal that’s both healthy and indulgent. Paired with sautรฉed spinach and fluffy rice, it delivers a complete and satisfying dining experience. Add this recipe to your repertoire for an easy weeknight win!
References
- Recipe inspired by traditional Asian fusion cooking methods.
- Nutritional data based on general ingredient values.
