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    Foody Schmoody Blog Recipes For Everyone » Main Course / Meals » Chicken

    Published: Jul 21, 2014 · Modified: Jan 21, 2021 by foodyschmoody ·

    Flavoring with Lemon Instead of Salt (Lemony Sweet and Spicy Chicken)

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    Thank you to Sunkist for sponsoring this post.

    Flavoring with Lemon Instead of Salt #TabletheSalt

    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?! 

    Flavoring with Lemon Instead of Salt #TabletheSalt

    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)

    Flavoring with Lemon Instead of Salt #TabletheSalt

    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.

    Flavoring with Lemon Instead of Salt #TabletheSalt

    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!

    #TabletheSalt

    Lemony Sweet and Spicy Chicken

    foodyschmoody
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe

    Ingredients
      

    For the Chicken

    • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
    • ¼ C flour all purpose
    • 1 egg beaten
    • 1 C breadcrumbs dry
    • 1 T parsley dry
    • Zest of 1 lemon
    • ⅓ C olive oil

    For the Sauce

    • 1 T cornstarch
    • ⅓ C freshly squeezed lemon juice
    • Zest of 1 lemon
    • 1 C chicken stock
    • 1 teaspoon ginger paste
    • 2 T brown sugar
    • ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes more or less to your preference

    Instructions
     

    • Create a breading station:
    • Place flour in a shallow bowl/plate.
    • Place beaten egg in a shallow bowl .
    • Combine breadcrumbs, parsley and lemon zest in a third shallow bowl/plate.
    • Dip chicken pieces first in the flour, then egg, and lastly rolling around in the breadcrumb mixture to coat. Set aside and repeat with all chicken pieces.
    • Heat oil in a large non stick skillet. Add chicken pieces, 4-5 at a time (do not crowd the pan). Cook a few minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through (about 8-10 min total). Set aside. Repeat with remaining chicken.
    • While chicken is cooking, prepare sauce:
    • In a small saucepan, over medium heat, whisk together cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, chicken stock, ginger paste, brown sugar and pepper flakes.
    • Bring up to a boil for 1-2 minutes. Place in refrigerator to cool until ready to use.
    • Serve chicken along side dipping sauce or drizzle sauce directly over cooked chicken.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    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.

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    Many thanks to Sunkist for sponsoring this post and encouraging me to use lemon as a delicious and healthy alternative to salt.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Susie Gall says

      July 21, 2014 at 10:14 am

      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!!

      Reply
    2. Rebecca {foodie with family} says

      July 21, 2014 at 12:17 pm

      What a clever idea! I love lemon with chicken!

      Reply
    3. Julie says

      July 21, 2014 at 12:35 pm

      I hadn't thought of using lemon to replace some of the salt and flavor, but it totally makes sense! Thanks for the info!

      Reply
    4. Pure Grace Farms says

      July 21, 2014 at 12:59 pm

      I love lemons and using them for a substitute for salt is a wonderful idea. Sunkist has the best lemons!
      Blessings,
      Share

      Reply
    5. Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says

      July 21, 2014 at 2:31 pm

      This is a great idea!! I try not to use too much salt but hate to sacrifice flavor! Definitely trying this!

      Reply
    6. Brenda@SugarFreeMom says

      July 21, 2014 at 3:05 pm

      I love lemons, this is a great idea to reduce our salt intake!

      Reply
    7. Amanda @The Kitcheneer says

      July 21, 2014 at 3:11 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • foodyschmoody says

        July 21, 2014 at 3:47 pm

        Great! Thanks Amanda. Enjoy!

        Reply
    8. angela says

      July 21, 2014 at 4:05 pm

      I LOVE this!!! I already love lemon so making the effort to use less salt and more lemon sounds great to me!

      Reply
    9. Crystal Barrett says

      July 21, 2014 at 4:33 pm

      I love cooking with lemons! This is a fantastic chicken recipe idea! Can't wait to try it!

      Reply
    10. Sandra - The Foodie Affair says

      July 21, 2014 at 4:55 pm

      Such a great alternative to using salt, especially if you love lemon like I do! Your chicken looks delicious!!

      Reply
      • foodyschmoody says

        July 21, 2014 at 8:50 pm

        Thanks so much Sandra!

        Reply
    11. Stephanie @ Back For Seconds says

      July 21, 2014 at 7:23 pm

      So smart! And I love lemons!!

      Reply
    12. valmg @ From Val's Kitchen says

      July 21, 2014 at 9:49 pm

      Great idea! Not a big fan of ginger with the poultry, would it be a huge deal if I omitted it?

      Reply
    13. Aunt Bee says

      July 22, 2014 at 12:49 am

      I absolutely LOVE lemon with chicken! I can't wait to try this recipe!

      Reply
    14. Jenn @ Deliciously Sprinkled says

      July 22, 2014 at 8:59 am

      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! 🙂

      Reply
    15. Jessica (Savory Experiments) says

      July 22, 2014 at 9:34 am

      I use lemon in nearly everything, but never thought to sub it for salt. I even have my own lemon tree!

      Reply
      • foodyschmoody says

        July 22, 2014 at 11:55 am

        Oh wow, so jealous of the lemon tree!

        Reply
    16. Tara says

      July 22, 2014 at 10:15 am

      I am drooling looking at your chicken, delicious!!

      Reply
    17. Ginny McMeans says

      July 22, 2014 at 10:50 am

      Love your sauce and lemons. Great idea and this will be going down at our house!

      Reply
    18. Melissa from HungryFoodLove.com says

      July 22, 2014 at 12:44 pm

      Great facts to know. Thanks for sharing. I looove lemon!

      Reply
    19. Nicky says

      July 22, 2014 at 3:25 pm

      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

      Reply
    20. Kim (Feed Me, Seymour) says

      July 22, 2014 at 4:49 pm

      I love this! I've been trying to figure out how to cut back on my salt intake lately. This is perfect.

      Reply
    21. Bernadette @Rants From My Crazy Kitchen says

      July 22, 2014 at 9:27 pm

      The chicken sounds delicious!! I love using lemon in recipes normally, and love the idea of replacing salt with lemon.

      Reply
    22. Lauren @ Healthy Delicious says

      July 22, 2014 at 9:38 pm

      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. 😉

      Reply
    23. Paula - bell'alimento says

      July 22, 2014 at 10:05 pm

      Super duper clever.

      Reply
    24. Kellie @ The Suburban Soapbox says

      July 23, 2014 at 7:12 am

      I've been using lemon as a salt replacement for years....I love it on grilled broccoli.

      Reply
      • foodyschmoody says

        July 23, 2014 at 7:44 am

        Yes, I use it on my roasted broccoli too!

        Reply
    25. Linda (Meal Planning Maven) says

      July 23, 2014 at 8:37 am

      I am a lemon addict and was very excited to find your beautiful dish! I must-try very soon!

      Reply
    26. Sophia @ NY Foodgasm says

      July 23, 2014 at 9:59 am

      LOVE this idea for a post!

      Reply
    27. Simply called food says

      July 23, 2014 at 10:09 am

      It's such a a great alternative, and using the zest adds to the flavour!

      Reply
    28. Platter Talk says

      July 23, 2014 at 12:51 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • foodyschmoody says

        July 23, 2014 at 4:55 pm

        Wow! Thank you so much for that great compliment. Really, I appreciate that comment immensely.

        Reply
    29. Samantha says

      July 24, 2014 at 7:32 pm

      I would never have thought to use lemon in place of salt. Thanks for the great tip!!

      Reply

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