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!
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.
