Lemon Sesame Chicken
Zesty, savory, and irresistibly flavorful, Lemon Sesame Chicken is a quick and vibrant dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. Tender, golden-brown chicken thighs are coated in a glossy sauce made with fresh lemon juice, honey, and fragrant sesame oil, delivering the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Elevating the dish even further are toasted sesame seeds and a hint of ginger and garlic, adding depth to every bite. Ready in just 35 minutes and boasting a beautiful garnish of crisp green onions, this recipe is ideal served over fluffy steamed rice or alongside sautéed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. It's a simple yet show-stopping way to bring the bold flavors of an Asian-inspired favorite to your table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
- 2 stalks green onions, finely chopped
- 50 milliliters water
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Let the chicken marinate for 10 minutes.
In a bowl, toss the marinated chicken with the cornstarch until evenly coated.
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and sesame oil, then sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Lower the heat to medium and pour in the lemon juice, lemon zest, remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, honey, and water. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it to coat evenly in the sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the chicken.
Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the chicken and stir gently to combine.
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the chicken with chopped green onions.
Serve the Lemon Sesame Chicken hot over steamed rice or with sautéed vegetables on the side. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1827 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 112.9 g | 145% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.2 g | 116% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 31.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 625 mg | 208% | |
| Sodium | 2785 mg | 121% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 69.3 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.4 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 36.6 g | ||
| Protein | 135.9 g | 272% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.9 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 212 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 7.4 mg | 41% | |
| Potassium | 1544 mg | 33% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
