Zesty Lemon Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry
This Zesty Lemon Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry is a delightful blend of fresh flavors and vibrant colors, making it the perfect quick meal for those looking for a healthy, diabetes-friendly option. The tender chicken, marinated in a tangy lemon and soy sauce mixture, is cooked to perfection and paired with crisp bell peppers for added nutrition and crunch. With just a few simple steps, this dish can be on your table in under 30 minutes, providing a satisfying and wholesome dinner option that the whole family will enjoy.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breast tenders
12 ounces (cut in thirds)
cornstarch
1 teaspoon (for marinating)
low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon (for marinating)
fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
low sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup (for sauce)
fat free chicken broth
1/4 cup
fresh ginger
1 teaspoon (minced)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Splenda sugar substitute
2 teaspoons
cornstarch
1 teaspoon (for thickening sauce)
vegetable oil
2 teaspoons
red bell pepper
1/4 cup (sliced into 2-inch strips)
green bell pepper
1/4 cup (sliced into 2-inch strips)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, mix together 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce. Add the sliced chicken tenders, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate to marinate for 10 minutes.
2
While the chicken marinates, prepare the sauce. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, chicken broth, minced ginger, minced garlic, Splenda, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch until well combined.
3
Heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
4
Add the prepared sauce and sliced bell peppers to the pan. Stir well and continue to cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the peppers are slightly tender but still crisp.
5
Serve immediately over a bed of steamed rice or Asian noodles for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lemon Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry?
It is a healthy, quick, and tangy chicken dish made with fresh lemon juice, ginger, and bell peppers.
Is this recipe suitable for people with diabetes?
Yes, it is designed as a diabetes-friendly option using low-sodium soy sauce and Splenda sugar substitute.
How long does it take to prepare this meal?
The entire dish can be prepared and cooked in under 30 minutes, including a 10-minute marinating time.
Can I use regular soy sauce instead of low-sodium?
You can use regular soy sauce, but it will significantly increase the sodium content of the dish.
What can I substitute for Splenda?
If you do not have dietary restrictions, you can use regular sugar or honey instead of Splenda.
How do I marinate the chicken?
Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce, coat the chicken, and refrigerate for 10 minutes.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of chicken breast tenders cut into thirds.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast tenders?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used, though they may require a slightly longer cooking time.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in the marinade?
Cornstarch helps to tenderize the chicken and allows it to brown better during stir-frying.
How do I make the stir-fry sauce?
Whisk together lemon juice, soy sauce, chicken broth, minced ginger, garlic, Splenda, and cornstarch.
What kind of oil is best for this recipe?
Vegetable oil is recommended due to its high smoke point, which is ideal for stir-frying.
How long should I cook the chicken?
Stir-fry the marinated chicken for 3 to 4 minutes or until it is cooked through and lightly browned.
What vegetables are included in this stir-fry?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup each of red and green bell peppers sliced into 2-inch strips.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Broccoli, snap peas, or carrots would be excellent additions to this stir-fry.
How do I know when the sauce is ready?
The sauce is ready when it has thickened and the peppers are slightly tender but still crisp, usually after 1 to 2 minutes of cooking.
Should the bell peppers be soft or crunchy?
They should be slightly tender but still retain a bit of crunch for the best texture.
What should I serve with this stir-fry?
It is best served over a bed of steamed rice or Asian noodles for a complete meal.
Is this recipe low in fat?
Yes, it uses lean chicken breast and only 2 teaspoons of oil, making it a low-fat meal option.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
How do I prepare the ginger for this recipe?
The fresh ginger should be peeled and finely minced before being added to the sauce.
Is this dish spicy?
No, this dish is tangy and savory. If you want spice, you can add red pepper flakes.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure you use a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
What if I don't have a wok?
A large frying pan works perfectly fine as a substitute for a wok.
How many servings does this recipe make?
Based on the ingredient amounts, this recipe typically serves 2 to 3 people.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can whisk the sauce ingredients together and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this stir-fry?
While you can freeze it, the bell peppers may lose their crispness once thawed and reheated.
What is the role of chicken broth in the sauce?
The chicken broth provides a savory base and helps create enough liquid for the sauce to coat the ingredients.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
Is this a high-protein meal?
Yes, the chicken breast tenders provide a significant amount of lean protein.