Description
Mediterranean-inspired golden citrus-infused chicken delight transports palates through zesty layers of flavor. Fresh herbs and tangy lemon create a delectable dance on your plate, promising a culinary journey that delights senses with each succulent bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce Base and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (approximately 2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Lemon zest from 1/2 lemon
Coating and Thickening Agents:
- 1 medium egg
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Green onion
Instructions
- Combine soy sauce, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, then submerge chicken pieces to marinate for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Create a smooth batter by whisking egg and cornstarch together until fully integrated and free of lumps.
- Thoroughly coat each marinated chicken piece in the prepared batter, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Warm oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, indicating optimal frying temperature.
- Carefully lower battered chicken into hot oil, frying until exterior turns crisp and golden brown, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
- Remove fried chicken and set aside on a wire rack to maintain crispiness.
- In the same pan, pour chicken stock, freshly squeezed lemon juice, sugar, honey, and grated lemon zest, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then gradually incorporate into the simmering sauce to achieve desired thickness.
- Reintroduce crispy chicken pieces into the citrus-infused sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete and uniform coating.
- Transfer to serving plate and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions for added texture and visual appeal.
Notes
- Choose chicken thighs or breasts with consistent thickness to ensure even cooking and crispy texture.
- Pat chicken dry before marinating to help batter adhere perfectly and create crunchier coating.
- For gluten-free version, replace cornstarch with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Use fresh citrus zest and juice for more vibrant, authentic flavor profile instead of bottled alternatives.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg