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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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!
Serving size | (802.8g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 1826.9 |
Total Fat 112.9g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 23.2g | 0% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 31.1g | |
Cholesterol 625mg | 0% |
Sodium 2785.3mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 69.3g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 3.4g | 0% |
Total Sugars 36.6g | |
Protein 135.9g | 0% |
Vitamin D 35IU | 0% |
Calcium 212.1mg | 0% |
Iron 7.4mg | 0% |
Potassium 1543.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories