Oriental Chicken(By Pam Gabriel)
Oriental Chicken offers a flavorful combination of tender chicken coated in a savory sesame dressing, with a tangy lemon twist. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it pairs well with fluffy rice and appeals to those craving Asian-inspired flavors. A simple, satisfying dish ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and cook in a frying pan with lemon juice and water until done.
- Add the two packages of Oriental sesame salad dressing to the cooked chicken and simmer for at least 5 minutes.
- Cook the rice as directed on the package.
- Serve the chicken mixture over the cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and dressing for an hour before cooking. If you're looking for healthier options, substitute the rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to the dish for added nutrition and color. This recipe pairs beautifully with Chinese Egg-Drop Soup for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this flavorful chicken dish over fluffy rice, garnished with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an appealing presentation. For a well-rounded meal, consider pairing it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. This dish also complements other Asian-inspired recipes, such as Kung Pao Chicken or Oriental Chicken And Noodles, creating a delightful dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and rice in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power until warmed through, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oriental Chicken(By Pam Gabriel) contains roughly 451 calories, with 21g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 933mg per serving (41% 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 use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it's best to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking. This ensures even cooking and better absorption of flavors from the lemon juice and dressing. Cooking from frozen may result in uneven cooking times.
What can I substitute for the Oriental sesame salad dressing?
If you don't have Oriental sesame salad dressing, you can make a simple substitute by mixing soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of honey or sugar. This will give you a similar flavor profile. You might also explore other Asian-inspired dressings that you enjoy.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Oriental Chicken is perfect for meal prep. You can cook a larger batch and portion it into containers with rice and vegetables. Just remember to keep the chicken and rice separate until you're ready to eat to maintain the best texture and flavor.
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).