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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Gently dredge marinated chicken pieces in a light flour coating, ensuring even coverage for a crisp exterior.
- 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.
- Ignite a wok with medium-high heat, quickly sauté minced garlic and ginger until releasing their robust aromatics.
- Pour prepared citrus sauce into the wok, reducing heat and simmering until liquid begins to thicken and concentrate flavors, about 3-4 minutes.
- Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water, then incorporate into the sauce to enhance its glossy, velvety consistency.
- Reintroduce crispy chicken into the sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete and luxurious coating.
- 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