Thank you to Sunkist for sponsoring this post.
I never really paid much attention to sodium before I had kids. Of course, once I had kids, I became a devout label reader (for them and for myself). Although I didn't know much about sodium, it didn't come as a huge surprise to me, to learn, that almost all Americans consume more sodium that recommended. I don't mean by a little either, on average we consume, 3,400 mg per day and the recommended amount is 1,500-2,300, depending on age, activity, and a few other factors. I know, crazy, right?!
Johnson & Wales even conducted a study about this stuff (who knew). The results show that it is actually possible to reduce the sodium in recipes by enhancing the flavors with Sunkist lemons. Awesome, right?
Still not convinced? That's okay. I'm going to share a recipe with you today that will have you convinced that you can #TabletheSalt by flavoring with lemon instead of salt.
Lemony Sweet & Spicy Chicken
(Flavoring with Lemon Instead of Salt)
I have experimented in the past with adding zest to chicken cutlets so I knew this would work too. First, I set up my breading station: 1 plate flour, 1 shallow bowl of beaten egg and 1 plate of breadcrumbs. Here's where things started to deviate from my usual sodium filled chicken nuggets. Instead of loading my breadcrumbs up with salt, I added the zest of 1 Sunkist lemon and fresh parsley.
While the chicken was cooking, I worked on my dipping sauce. I'll admit, I had the general idea in my head but then I just started tossing things in there, except salt of course! In the end it ended up being a delicious, vibrant, sort of sweet, sort of spicy, thick lemon glaze type sauce (I love when deliciousness is the result of madness). Instead of using it as a dipping sauce, I opted to spoon it right over the chicken. So, as usual, do what you please, heck drizzle it over and then dip it! Go nuts!
Lemony Sweet and Spicy Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken
For the Sauce
Instructions
Check out this Sunkist S'alternative chart below to see how you can reduce the amount of salt in your recipes. And don't forget to visit the Sunkist website to find more recipes and information about sodium and how to reduce sodium in your diet.
Many thanks to Sunkist for sponsoring this post and encouraging me to use lemon as a delicious and healthy alternative to salt.
Susie Gall says
This lemon chicken recipe looks fantastic and I cannot wait to try it. Also, the idea of using lemon as flavoring instead of salt is one of the best ideas I have heard in a long time. I am a big fan of the Mediterranean diet (and lemons). Great post!!
Rebecca {foodie with family} says
What a clever idea! I love lemon with chicken!
Julie says
I hadn't thought of using lemon to replace some of the salt and flavor, but it totally makes sense! Thanks for the info!
Pure Grace Farms says
I love lemons and using them for a substitute for salt is a wonderful idea. Sunkist has the best lemons!
Blessings,
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Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
This is a great idea!! I try not to use too much salt but hate to sacrifice flavor! Definitely trying this!
Brenda@SugarFreeMom says
I love lemons, this is a great idea to reduce our salt intake!
Amanda @The Kitcheneer says
I am certainly adding this to my meal plan next week! Not only does this look delicious but I am always looking for recipes to reduce our sodium intake!
foodyschmoody says
Great! Thanks Amanda. Enjoy!
angela says
I LOVE this!!! I already love lemon so making the effort to use less salt and more lemon sounds great to me!
Crystal Barrett says
I love cooking with lemons! This is a fantastic chicken recipe idea! Can't wait to try it!
Sandra - The Foodie Affair says
Such a great alternative to using salt, especially if you love lemon like I do! Your chicken looks delicious!!
foodyschmoody says
Thanks so much Sandra!
Stephanie @ Back For Seconds says
So smart! And I love lemons!!
valmg @ From Val's Kitchen says
Great idea! Not a big fan of ginger with the poultry, would it be a huge deal if I omitted it?
Aunt Bee says
I absolutely LOVE lemon with chicken! I can't wait to try this recipe!
Jenn @ Deliciously Sprinkled says
I love using lemons, I always make sure to have fresh lemons in our house! Great ideas to use lemon instead of salt, so much healthier! 🙂
Jessica (Savory Experiments) says
I use lemon in nearly everything, but never thought to sub it for salt. I even have my own lemon tree!
foodyschmoody says
Oh wow, so jealous of the lemon tree!
Tara says
I am drooling looking at your chicken, delicious!!
Ginny McMeans says
Love your sauce and lemons. Great idea and this will be going down at our house!
Melissa from HungryFoodLove.com says
Great facts to know. Thanks for sharing. I looove lemon!
Nicky says
This is great info to know. I have to watch the sodium in my cooking. I use herbs, but now will give lemon zest a try. Thanks
Kim (Feed Me, Seymour) says
I love this! I've been trying to figure out how to cut back on my salt intake lately. This is perfect.
Bernadette @Rants From My Crazy Kitchen says
The chicken sounds delicious!! I love using lemon in recipes normally, and love the idea of replacing salt with lemon.
Lauren @ Healthy Delicious says
yes! I always reach for a lemon when I need to brighten up a dish, A little acid goes a long way. Who needs salt. 😉
Paula - bell'alimento says
Super duper clever.
Kellie @ The Suburban Soapbox says
I've been using lemon as a salt replacement for years....I love it on grilled broccoli.
foodyschmoody says
Yes, I use it on my roasted broccoli too!
Linda (Meal Planning Maven) says
I am a lemon addict and was very excited to find your beautiful dish! I must-try very soon!
Sophia @ NY Foodgasm says
LOVE this idea for a post!
Simply called food says
It's such a a great alternative, and using the zest adds to the flavour!
Platter Talk says
Thanks for putting this one together, it is one of the best sponsored posts I've ever seen. The importance of sodium reduction in our diets can not be overstated and this beautiful recipe is a perfect example that healthier eating habits need not come at the expense of losing flavor. Very well done!
foodyschmoody says
Wow! Thank you so much for that great compliment. Really, I appreciate that comment immensely.
Samantha says
I would never have thought to use lemon in place of salt. Thanks for the great tip!!