Lemon chicken is a delicious and tangy dish that is loved by people from all over the globe. Fried chicken with a light coating of batter tossed in a sweet and sour lemon sauce is the star of this recipe. A delightful and revitalizing dish, this one features the zest and juice of lemons, along with a touch of sugar.
One of the most popular takeout dishes in the United States, Lemon Chicken has its roots in Chinese-American cuisine. Its allure stems from the harmony of its components, which include crunchy fried chicken and a bright lemon sauce. The meal is visually beautiful as well as tasty, with the lemon glaze reflecting the golden chicken pieces.
Lemon Chicken is a restaurant favorite, and when you make it at home using fresh, high-quality ingredients, it’s even better. The sauce must be just the proper amount of sour and slightly sweet to complement the food without becoming overbearing. With every mouthful, you’ll savor the crispy chicken and the beautifully contrasting smooth and glossy sauce.
Lemon Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 500 grams boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 egg beaten
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Lemon Sauce:
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice about 2-3 lemons
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water slurry
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
For Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Lemon slices
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce and rice vinegar.
- Add the chicken pieces and mix well. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
- In a shallow dish, mix together cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip the marinated chicken pieces into the beaten egg, then coat them in the flour mixture.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Fry the chicken pieces in batches until they are golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
- Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, chicken broth, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Combine and Cook
- In a large skillet or wok, add the fried chicken pieces.
- Pour the lemon sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and well coated with the sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with sliced green onions, lemon slices, and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Tips and Information
Tips and Information
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used for a more tender and juicy texture.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest are essential for the best flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon juice.
- Crispiness: For extra crispy chicken, double fry the pieces by frying them a second time after they have cooled slightly.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
No matter who you’re cooking for, Lemon Chicken will be a hit. It’s a multipurpose meal that goes nicely with steamed rice and stir-fried veggies, among other sides. Now that we have the recipe, let’s make this delicious and colorful meal!