Chicken Sauce
A tangy and savory chicken dish featuring a rich lemon soy sauce, perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors with a hint of ginger. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful weekend meal, this sauce tenderizes the chicken while adding a delicious glaze.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix soy sauce, lemon juice, ginger, salt, water, sugar, and cornstarch together and heat until thick.
- Put chicken in the oven and bake for 15 minutes at 400°F.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and pour the prepared sauce over it.
- Bake the chicken in the oven for an additional one hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, consider adding more cornstarch or reducing the water slightly. If you don’t have soy sauce, tamari or coconut aminos can work as substitutes. Fresh ginger can enhance the flavor, but ground ginger is a good alternative. For a bit of heat, add some chili flakes. This sauce also goes well with stir-fried vegetables, making it a great addition to Chinese recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken sauce over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad. For a varied dinner, consider serving alongside dishes like Szechuan Noodle Toss or Teriyaki Steak to create a flavorful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken and sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through, adding a splash of water to the sauce to prevent it from thickening too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Sauce contains roughly 147 calories, with 1g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1974mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat it gently before pouring over the chicken. This allows the flavors to meld nicely and can save time on busy nights.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for even cooking and easy saucing. You can also use chicken drumsticks or wings for a more rustic approach, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative such as tamari or coconut aminos. The rest of the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy a delicious dish without worry.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).