Craving a vibrant and flavorful weeknight dinner that's both healthy and surprisingly simple? Look no further than this juicy Lemon Scallion Chicken recipe! This dish elevates the humble chicken breast to new heights with a zesty lemon-garlic marinade and a generous sprinkle of fresh scallions, creating a dish that's bursting with bright, fresh flavors. Forget dry, boring chicken; this recipe guarantees tender, succulent meat with a delightful balance of tangy and savory notes. It's the perfect centerpiece for a light and healthy meal, easily adaptable to your favorite sides.
This recipe is incredibly versatile; you can serve it with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or even a simple salad. Ready to transform your chicken dinner routine? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and create this delicious Lemon Scallion Chicken together!
Tools Needed
- Fork
- Knife
- Bowl
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- Chicken breast: 350g
- Ground pork
- Mayonnaise
- Sugar
- Grated garlic
- Sake
- Salt
- Pepper
- Potato starch
- Salad oil
- Green onions
- Lemon juice
- Chicken stock
- Water
- Sesame oil
- White sesame seeds
- Black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Chicken and Marinade
- Poke holes all over the chicken breast with a fork to allow flavor penetration and make the meat tender.
- Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, cutting across the fibers. It's easier if you separate the fibers first.
- Sprinkle sugar on the chicken and rub it thoroughly to hydrate the meat.
- Add mayonnaise, grated garlic, sake, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
- Finely chop the green onions.
Step 2. Make the Lemon Sauce
- Combine green onions, lemon juice, water, sugar, salt, chicken stock, sesame oil, potato starch, and white sesame seeds. Mix well until the sugar dissolves.
Step 3. Cook the Chicken
- Coat the chicken pieces in potato starch.
- Heat salad oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the chicken, skin-side down if applicable, and cook until browned (about 2.5 minutes).
- Flip the chicken, cover the pan, reduce heat to low, and steam for 3 minutes.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Pour the lemon sauce over the chicken and cook for about 1 minute, stirring to thicken the sauce.
- Serve and garnish with black pepper (optional).
Read more: Steamed Meat-Topped Tofu with Sesame Sauce: A Delicious Japanese Recipe
Tips
- Cutting across the fibers makes the chicken easier to cut and results in a softer texture.
- Mayonnaise helps keep the chicken moist.
- Rub the sugar into the chicken before other seasonings to ensure proper penetration.
- Steaming the chicken halfway through ensures it's cooked thoroughly.
Nutrition
- Calories: Dependent on specific ingredient amounts
- Fat: Dependent on specific ingredient amountsg
- Carbs: Dependent on specific ingredient amountsg
- Protein: Dependent on specific ingredient amountsg
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in chicken breasts instead of boneless?
Yes, but adjust cooking time accordingly. Bone-in chicken will take longer to cook through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
2. What can I serve with this Lemon Scallion Chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or a simple green salad. It's also delicious in tacos or bowls!
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor. You can cook it ahead and reheat it gently before serving.
This Lemon Scallion Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a burst of fresh flavor in every bite. Its ease of preparation and healthy ingredients make it a perfect weeknight meal solution. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying dish!