Orange Lemon Chicken

This is a light version of the battered and fried "lemon chicken" found on many Chinese take out menus. Adding the citrus segments at the end of the cooking helps keep the flavors fresh!!
(serves 4)

1 lb. boned, skinned chicken breast
1 T. Ponzu Citrus Sauce* or low sodium* soy sauce
2 t. cornstarch
1/2 t. white pepper, divided
1 large orange
1 large lemon
2 t. light brown sugar
1 t. toasted sesame oil
2 T. veg. oil
1/2 small sweet* onion, thinly sliced
1&1/2" piece fresh ginger, peeled and coarsely shredded
1 celery stalk, thinly sliced on the diagonal
1 green onion, cut into 2" slivers
4 cup steamed rice or orzo*

Cut chicken breast crosswise into 1/2" thick slices, then cut each slice in half lengthwise so you end up with finger-size pieces. Combine chicken, Ponzu, cornstarch, and 1/4 t. pepper in a small bowl and toss to coat evenly. Set aside. Zest orange into a small bowl. Segment orange: with a sharp knife, trim off ends and set a cut side down on the cutting board. Following the curve of the fruit, trim off peel and white pith. Set a strainer in a separate bow and, working over bowl, slice segments free of membranes. Squeeze juice from membranes into strainer. Measure 3 T. juice and add to bowl with zest. Set orange segments aside. Cut lemon in half and set one half aside. Zest and juice the other half into bowl with orange juice and zest, then add brown sugar, sesame oil, and remaining 1/4 t. pepper. Set sauce aside. Heat veg. oil in a large nonstick pan over med.-high heat. Add onion and ginger and cook until just beginning to brown, about 2 mins. Push onion and ginger to one side of pan, and add chicken in a single layer. Let sear, undisturbed, 2 mins. Add celery and citrus sauce and cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through, about 2 mins. more. Remove from heat and stir in reserved orange segments. Pour into serving bowl or onto a platter. Squeeze juice from reserved lemon half over chicken and shower with slivered green onion. Serve with rice or orzo.

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Love,

MM