Name: Quick Wok-Hei Chicken with Lemon-Herb Pan Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each); 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp neutral oil (like grapeseed or canola); 1 small shallot, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 lemon, zested and juiced; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme (optional); 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp honey; 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for richness)

Quick Wok-Hei Chicken with Lemon-Herb Pan Sauce

RusticNoodle9785

This quick chicken recipe delivers bold flavor in under 20 minutes by using high heat and classic pan techniques inspired by 'wok hei.' The chicken is lightly coated in cornstarch for tenderness, then seared until golden and tossed with a bright lemon-herb pan sauce. Aromatics like shallot and garlic build layers of flavor, while a finishing touch of butter and fresh herbs adds restaurant-worthy richness. Versatile and weeknight-friendly, it’s perfect over rice or salad, delivering juicy, zesty chicken with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Instructions

Pat chicken breasts dry and slice into 1/2-inch thick strips. Toss with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Preheat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until just smoking. Add 1 tbsp oil and swirl to coat.
Add chicken strips in a single layer (cook in batches if needed to avoid crowding) and sear undisturbed for 90 seconds, then stir-fry with a forward scooping motion until golden and just cooked through, 2-3 minutes total. Transfer to a plate.
Add remaining 1 tbsp oil to pan. Add shallot and garlic, stir-frying until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Deglaze pan with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon, and honey. Simmer for 1 minute to reduce slightly.
Return chicken to pan with any juices. Toss to coat in sauce and heat through, about 1 minute.
Remove from heat. Stir in parsley, thyme (if using), and butter (if using) for a glossy finish. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve chicken and sauce over rice, salad greens, or roasted veggies.