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Test Kitchen Approved

Healthy Lemon Chicken

ChickenDinnerStove-Top

Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

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About

Whether you're seeking a healthier diet or just want a refreshing light main course, Healthy Lemon Chicken has you covered. Seared to a golden brown and covered in a sweet, bright, and tangy sauce, Healthy Lemon Chicken is juicy, savory, and tangy—so even though it's healthy, it's still got a taste that will blow you away! Low-fat and high-flavored, this dish is perfect when served alongside brown rice or mixed greens!

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Ingredients

  • For the chicken:
  • 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • For the sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest, grated
  • 2 tablespoons liquid honey
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 2 teaspoons white sesame seeds, optional, for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon green onions, optional, finely chopped, for garnish
  • 1/2 lemon, optional, thinly sliced, for garnish

Directions

Step 1 -In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chicken, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, the cooking wine, cider vinegar, and cornstarch, mixing until the chicken is fully coated.

Step 2 -Place the chicken and the marinade in a resealable plastic bag, squeezing out all of the air and sealing.

Step 3 -Place the bag in the refrigerator and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour.

Step 4 -Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick frying pan or wok over medium-high heat until the oil begins to sizzle and shimmer, about 2 minutes.

Step 5 -Add the chicken to the hot oil and stir fry continuously until the chicken is no longer pink inside, for about 7-10 minutes.

Step 6 -Add the sugar and stir to coat the chicken, cooking until it caramelizes on the chicken, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 7 -Add in the lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, and the teaspoon soy sauce, stirring well to combine and coat the chicken.

Step 8 -In a small bowl, whisk the water and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch together to create a slurry.

Step 9 -Pour the slurry into the frying pan, stirring well until a thick, smooth sauce forms and evenly coats the chicken.

Step 10 -Garnish the chicken with sesame seeds, green onions, and lemon slices and serve.

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