Chicken breast with ginger, honey, and lemon

Ginger, Honey and Lemon Chicken Breast Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 2

Discover a captivating recipe, filled with irresistible flavors, that will transform a simple meal into a memorable culinary experience. The ginger, honey, and lemon chicken breast is a perfect combination of the natural sweetness of honey, the spicy aroma of ginger, and the freshness of lemon. It is a simple yet spectacular recipe, ideal for a quick dinner or to impress guests.

The story behind this recipe is based on ancestral culinary traditions, where fresh ingredients and strong flavors were used to bring dishes to life. Ginger, known for its beneficial properties for digestion and the immune system, enriches this dish with a note of freshness. Honey, on the other hand, not only sweetens the dish but also provides a delicious caramelized texture.

Ingredients:
- 400 g chicken breast, skinless
- 1-2 cm fresh ginger
- 1 clove of garlic
- Juice and zest of 1/2 lemon
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredient details:
- Chicken breast: Choose fresh, quality chicken breast for juicy meat. You can use boneless chicken breast to reduce cooking time.
- Ginger: Buy fresh ginger and ensure it is firm and blemish-free. It will add a spicy and aromatic flavor to the dish.
- Lemon: Use a fresh lemon, as its juice and zest will add a pleasant acidity, balancing the sweetness of the honey.
- Honey: Opt for natural honey, without additives, to benefit from all its nutritional properties.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Prepare the meat:
Start by cleaning the chicken breast of skin and cutting it into small, evenly sized pieces. This step will allow for even and quick cooking.

2. Prepare the marinade:
Peel the ginger and grate it finely. Mince the garlic clove. In a bowl, add the grated ginger, minced garlic, lemon juice and zest, as well as the honey. Mix all the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous marinade.

3. Marinate the chicken:
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and pour the marinade over them. Rub the meat well with this mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill for 30 minutes. This step is essential to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

4. Preheat the oven:
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (or gas mark 4). This temperature will help achieve a nicely browned crust on the chicken.

5. Cook the chicken:
Transfer the chicken pieces to a roasting pan or a heat-resistant dish. Drizzle with olive oil to help keep them juicy and add a special flavor. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is well cooked and beautifully browned.

6. Serving:
Once the chicken breast is ready, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute in the meat, keeping it juicy.

Serving suggestion:
Serving this dish alongside boiled basmati rice with a little butter and a sprinkle of seasoning is an excellent choice. The rice will absorb the delicious flavors of the chicken, creating a perfect contrast.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of meat?: Yes, this marinade is also delicious with pork or turkey. Cooking times may vary.
- How can I adapt the recipe to be spicy?: Add some chopped chili pepper to the marinade for an extra kick.
- Is this recipe suitable for diets?: Yes, chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, and ginger and lemon have antioxidant properties.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. Chicken breast is rich in protein, while ginger and lemon contribute essential vitamins and minerals. Honey provides a natural energy boost, being a healthier alternative to sugar.

Possible variations:
You can experiment with different herbs, such as coriander or parsley, adding them to the marinade for an even more complex flavor. Additionally, you can add vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers to the roasting pan to create a complete main dish.

Finish your dinner with a quick dessert, such as a fresh fruit salad, to maintain the healthy theme of the meal. Surely, ginger, honey, and lemon chicken breast will quickly become a family favorite!