Lemon-Glazed Chicken Stir-Fry
Indulge in the bright and zesty flavors of our Lemon-Glazed Chicken Stir-Fry, a delectable recipe inspired by Rachael Ray's 30 Minute Meals. This dish combines tender chicken pieces coated in a light flour dusting, swiftly stir-fried to golden perfection, and bathed in a tangy lemon curd sauce enriched with chicken broth. Finished with fresh scallions or chives and a burst of lemon zest, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that can be made in just 30 minutes. Serve it over fluffy rice for a quick and satisfying dinner that’s sure to please the entire family.
4
Servings
180
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken breasts or chicken tenders
1.5 lbs (cut into chunks)
Unbleached all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (for coating)
Coarse salt
to taste
Wok oil or vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (preferred brand House of Tsang)
White vinegar or rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon (a splash)
Chicken broth or stock
1/2 cup
Prepared lemon curd
8 ounces (1 cup)
Hot water
1/4 cup
Lemon
1 (zest only)
Scallions or fresh chives
2 (thinly sliced or finely chopped)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by coating the chunked chicken lightly with flour mixed with a pinch of coarse salt, ensuring even coverage.
2
2. Heat a large skillet or nonstick wok over high heat, adding the oil once hot.
3
3. Add the floured chicken pieces to the pan and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown.
4
4. Once cooked, remove chicken from the pan and set aside. Return the pan to the heat, adjusting to medium.
5
5. Pour a splash of vinegar into the pan, allowing it to evaporate for a few moments, concentrating the flavor.
6
6. Slowly pour in the chicken broth or stock, using a whisk to scrape up any flavorful drippings stuck to the pan.
7
7. In a separate bowl, whisk together hot water and the prepared lemon curd until smooth and combined.
8
8. Pour the lemon curd mixture into the pan with the broth, whisking to create a glossy sauce.
9
9. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, allowing it to simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked through.
10
10. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the fresh scallions (or chives) and the zest of the lemon, tossing everything to ensure the flavors are well combined.
11
11. Serve the lemon-glazed chicken over cooked rice for a complete meal, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
5.5g
Fat
16.25g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of Lemon-Glazed Chicken Stir-Fry?
The dish features bright, tangy, and zesty flavors from a combination of lemon curd, fresh lemon zest, and a splash of vinegar.
How long does it take to prepare this meal?
This recipe is designed to be completed in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner.
Who inspired this specific chicken stir-fry recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the culinary style of Rachael Ray's 30 Minute Meals.
What type of chicken is best for this stir-fry?
You can use either chicken breasts or chicken tenders, cut into chunks for even cooking.
How is the chicken prepared before cooking?
The chicken pieces are lightly coated in a mixture of unbleached all-purpose flour and coarse salt.
What is the secret ingredient for the glossy glaze?
The secret ingredient is 8 ounces of prepared lemon curd, which is whisked with hot water and chicken broth.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 180 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 12.5 grams of protein per serving in this dish.
How much fat does this recipe contain?
This recipe contains 5.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is calculated to serve 4 people.
What kind of oil should I use for stir-frying?
Wok oil or vegetable oil is recommended; the recipe suggests House of Tsang brand as a preference.
Which vinegars are suitable for this dish?
You can use either white vinegar or rice wine vinegar.
How much chicken broth is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chicken broth or stock.
Do I use the juice of the lemon or the zest?
The recipe uses the zest of one lemon, added at the very end to preserve its fresh aroma.
What garnish provides the final touch?
Thinly sliced scallions or finely chopped fresh chives are used as a finishing garnish.
How long should the chicken be stir-fried initially?
The floured chicken pieces should be stir-fried for 3 to 4 minutes until they are golden brown.
What temperature should the pan be for the chicken?
A large skillet or nonstick wok should be heated over high heat before adding the oil and chicken.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
The dish contains 16.25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How do you incorporate the lemon curd into the sauce?
Whisk the lemon curd with 1/4 cup of hot water in a separate bowl until smooth before adding it to the skillet.
Should the sauce be thickened?
Yes, once the chicken is returned to the pan with the lemon mixture, it should simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
What should I serve with the lemon chicken?
It is best served over a bed of fluffy rice to complete the meal.
Why is the vinegar added to the pan separately?
The vinegar is allowed to evaporate briefly to concentrate its flavor before adding the broth.
What is the best way to get flavorful drippings into the sauce?
Use a whisk to scrape up any flavorful drippings from the bottom of the pan after adding the chicken broth.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 10 main ingredients required for this recipe.
Is this dish considered a family meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a family meal and is designed to be pleasing for both adults and children.
Can I use chicken stock instead of broth?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either chicken broth or chicken stock.
When do I remove the chicken from the heat?
Remove the pan from the heat after the sauce has thickened and the chicken is fully cooked, just before stirring in the herbs and zest.
Is the salt measurement specific?
The recipe suggests adding coarse salt 'to taste' when mixing it with the flour.
Is this stir-fry spicy?
No, this recipe focuses on citrus and savory notes rather than heat or spice.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
While best served fresh, the quick 30-minute preparation time makes it perfect for last-minute cooking.