Zesty Citrus-Glazed Chicken Recipe: Bright & Juicy Dinner Magic

Crafting a mouthwatering zesty citrus-glazed chicken recipe sparks pure culinary excitement for home cooks seeking bold flavors.

Bright oranges and lemons dance through this vibrant dish, creating an irresistible aroma.

Tender chicken becomes a canvas for zinging citrus notes that wake up every taste bud.

Subtle hints of herbs complement the tangy glaze, turning an ordinary meal into something spectacular.

Simple ingredients merge into a surprisingly elegant dining experience that impresses without complicated techniques.

Confident home chefs can easily master this delectable creation in under an hour.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this game-changing recipe.

Zesty Citrus-Glazed Chicken And What Makes It Shine

• Speed Up Weeknight Cooking: This zesty chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor without complicated techniques, perfect for busy home cooks wanting delicious meals fast.
• Customize Your Flavor Profile: Easily adjust lemon intensity or swap ingredients to match your taste preferences, making it a versatile dish for different palates.
• Transform Ordinary Chicken: Elevate simple chicken breasts into a gourmet experience with a bright, tangy citrus glaze that adds excitement to your dinner routine.
• Family-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Kids and adults will love the crispy texture and balanced sweet-sour sauce, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their meal.

Zesty Citrus-Glazed Chicken Ingredient List

• Chicken Breasts: A tender and lean protein that serves as the base for this zesty citrus-glazed dish.

• Light Soy Sauce, Egg White, Chinese Shaoxing Wine: A flavor-enhancing blend that tenderizes and adds depth to the chicken.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a crispy golden exterior for the chicken.

• Chicken Stock, Soy Sauce, Sugar, Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: A tangy and sweet sauce that provides a bright citrus flavor to the dish.

• Garlic, Ginger: Adds a robust and fragrant base to the sauce.

• Cornstarch, Water: Helps to create a smooth and glossy sauce consistency.

• Sesame Seeds, Spring Onion: Provides a fresh and nutty finish to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for frying the chicken to achieve a golden and crispy texture.

Cooking Zesty Citrus-Glazed Chicken Made Simple

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Marinade

Combine soy sauce, egg white, and Shaoxing wine in a bowl. Submerge chicken breasts completely in the marinade and let sit for 20 minutes to absorb flavors.

Step 2: Create Lemon Sauce

• Chicken stock
• Soy sauce
• Sugar
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice

Set the sauce mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Coat Chicken

Remove chicken from marinade and generously dust with flour, ensuring even coverage.

Step 4: Fry Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet. Carefully place coated chicken and fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides.

Transfer to a plate.

Step 5: Build Sauce Base

In a hot wok, sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant.

Pour in prepared lemon sauce and simmer, allowing flavors to develop.

Step 6: Thicken Sauce

Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.

Slowly add to the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until sauce reaches desired consistency.

Step 7: Combine and Finish

Add fried chicken to the sauce, gently coating each piece.

Ensure chicken is heated through.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Transfer chicken to serving plate.

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions for added flavor and visual appeal.

Helpful Pointers For Zesty Citrus-Glazed Chicken

• Marinate chicken for at least 20 minutes to ensure deep flavor penetration and tender meat texture.
• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for brighter, more vibrant citrus notes compared to bottled alternatives.
• Pat chicken dry before coating with flour to achieve extra crispy golden-brown exterior without excess moisture.
• Adjust sauce consistency by adding cornstarch gradually, preventing sudden thickening and potential lumps.
• Control heat when simmering sauce to maintain smooth texture and prevent burning delicate lemon flavors.

Try Something New With Zesty Citrus-Glazed Chicken

• Tangy Orange Chicken: Replace lemon with orange zest and juice for a sweeter, brighter flavor profile that complements the savory chicken.
• Spicy Chili Citrus Chicken: Add red chili flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for a fiery kick that enhances the citrusy notes.
• Herb-Infused Citrus Chicken: Mix fresh chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary into the marinade for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Coconut Citrus Chicken: Incorporate coconut milk into the sauce and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for a tropical variation with creamy undertones.

Perfect Pairings For Zesty Citrus-Glazed Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the zesty lemon flavors and cuts through the chicken's richness.
• Balance with Jasmine Rice: Serve the citrus-glazed chicken over fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the tangy sauce and provide a neutral, fragrant base for the vibrant dish.
• Add Fresh Asian Slaw: Create a light, crunchy side of shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
• Enhance with Cucumber Salad: Prepare a quick cucumber salad with thin slices, rice vinegar, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to add cooling brightness and texture alongside the zesty main course.

Keep Zesty Citrus-Glazed Chicken Fresh Longer

• Refrigerate: Store leftover citrus-glazed chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze: Wrap individual chicken portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Chicken can be frozen for 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Microwave Reheat: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even warming.
• Oven Reheat: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture.

FAQs For Zesty Citrus-Glazed Chicken Fans

• What makes the marinade special?

The combination of light soy sauce, egg white, and Chinese Shaoxing wine helps tenderize the chicken, adding depth of flavor and ensuring a juicy texture.

• Why use cornstarch in the sauce?

Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, giving the sauce a glossy, smooth consistency and helping it cling perfectly to the crispy chicken.

• Can I use a different type of wine for marinating?

While Shaoxing wine provides a unique flavor, you can substitute with dry sherry or rice wine if unavailable, though the taste profile will slightly change.

• How do I know when the chicken is perfectly fried?

The chicken should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Zesty Citrus-Glazed Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Elevate dinner with this zesty citrus-glazed chicken recipe that blends tangy Mediterranean flavors and succulent herb-infused poultry. Bold citrus notes and aromatic seasonings create a mouthwatering meal that brings Mediterranean culinary magic right to your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts

Marinade:

• 1 egg white
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Chinese Shaoxing wine or dry sherry

Liquid Components:

• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Dry Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking and Thickening Agents:

• Olive oil for frying
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Cornstarch
• Water

Garnish (Optional):

• Sesame seeds
• Spring onion

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Instructions

1. Infuse chicken breasts with a aromatic marinade of soy sauce, egg white, and Shaoxing wine for 20 minutes at room temperature, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
2. Whisk together a vibrant citrus sauce combining chicken stock, soy sauce, sugar, fragrant lemon zest, and tangy lemon juice, setting it aside for later use.
3. Gently dredge marinated chicken pieces in a light flour coating, ensuring even coverage for a crisp exterior.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet and fry chicken until achieving a golden, crunchy surface, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
5. Ignite a wok with medium-high heat, quickly sauté minced garlic and ginger until releasing their robust aromatics.
6. Pour prepared citrus sauce into the wok, reducing heat and simmering until liquid begins to thicken and concentrate flavors, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water, then incorporate into the sauce to enhance its glossy, velvety consistency.
8. Reintroduce crispy chicken into the sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete and luxurious coating.
9. Plate the chicken, elegantly garnishing with toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped spring onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by marinating chicken for at least 30 minutes, allowing the soy sauce and Shaoxing wine to deeply penetrate the meat.
• For a gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or almond flour to maintain the crispy exterior while accommodating dietary restrictions.
• Control sauce consistency by gradually adding cornstarch slurry, ensuring a glossy, not overly thick coating that clings perfectly to the chicken.
• Enhance dish brightness by using fresh, high-quality lemons and zesting carefully to capture essential citrus oils without bitter white pith.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg