When it comes to brightening up your dining experience, few dishes do it quite like Lemon Chicken. This delightful recipe combines tender, crispy chicken with a vibrant, tangy sauce that delivers a punch of flavor to your palate. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself during a weeknight meal, Lemon Chicken is a fantastic choice that never disappoints. Its beautiful balance of sweetness and acidity makes it a favorite among many, and it’s surprisingly simple to prepare at home.
Why We Love This LEMON CHICKEN Recipe
One of the greatest things about Lemon Chicken is its versatility. You can customize it based on your preferences, from adjusting the sweetness to altering the amount of garlic to suit your taste. Moreover, this recipe features wholesome ingredients that come together to create a balanced dish loaded with protein and flavor. It’s quick to whip up, making it ideal for busy evenings or last-minute gatherings. This dish is not only delicious; it also comes together in just a matter of minutes, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen.
Ingredients about LEMON CHICKEN
To make the perfect Lemon Chicken, you will need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll require:
- 600g boneless chicken thigh or breast
- 1/2 cup cornflour (1st measurement)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 75ml fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons garlic, crushed
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon cornflour (2nd measurement)
- 50ml water
- 1 spring onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Steamed greens and rice to serve
How to Make LEMON CHICKEN Directions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this delightful dish!
Prepare the Chicken: Begin by cutting the boneless chicken thighs or breasts into bite-size pieces. This allows for even cooking and gives each piece a crispy exterior.
Coat the Chicken: Take a large bowl and add the cut chicken pieces. Sprinkle in the first measurement of cornflour and mix well. The cornflour will help create a crispy texture when frying. Once coated, crack the egg into the bowl and mix everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it sit while you prepare the lemon sauce.
Make the Lemon Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice, brown sugar, honey, crushed garlic, soy sauce, and chicken stock. Whisk these ingredients together until the sugar is dissolved. This sauce is what will elevate the flavor profile of your dish.
Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown on both sides. After frying, remove the pieces from the pan and set them aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Create the Sauce: After frying, wipe out the excess oil from the pan with a paper towel. Add the lemon sauce mixture to the pan and bring it to a simmer for about 2 minutes. This will help intensify the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the second measurement of cornflour with 50ml of water until it dissolves. Pour this mixture into the simmering sauce and stir well. Allow it to cook for a minute or two until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the crispy chicken to the pan, tossing to coat each piece in the luscious lemon sauce. Allow it to simmer for another minute so that the chicken can absorb some sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Finally, sprinkle sliced spring onions and sesame seeds over your flavorful Lemon Chicken. Serve it hot alongside steamed greens and fluffy rice for a hearty meal that’s sure to impress.
How to Serve LEMON CHICKEN
When it comes to serving Lemon Chicken, presentation is key! You can plate the chicken over a bed of cooked rice to catch all that delicious sauce. Arrange steamed greens like broccoli or bok choy alongside for a vibrant touch and a nutritional boost. A sprinkle of sliced spring onions and sesame seeds adds a touch of color and texture, making your dish look as great as it tastes. Not only does this meal provide the satisfaction of a comforting dish, but it also brings a sense of freshness to the table, perfect for any occasion from casual family dinners to festive gatherings.
Expert Tips: LEMON CHICKEN
Choosing the Right Chicken: Opt for boneless thighs if you enjoy a juicier cut. Breasts are leaner but can dry out if overcooked.
Marinating Option: For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes in the lemon sauce before cooking. This can deepen the flavors and make the dish even more vibrant.
Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a tangier dish, feel free to reduce the amount of honey and brown sugar in the sauce. A bit of extra lemon juice can also enhance the sour notes.
Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add an extra tablespoon of cornflour mixed with water. Just be sure to stir continuously to avoid lumps.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh garlic. They significantly improve the overall flavor of the dish, providing a brightness that bottled products can’t replicate.
Experiment with Greens: While steamed broccoli and bok choy pair wonderfully with Lemon Chicken, consider trying snap peas, asparagus, or sugar snap peas for a delightful crunch and additional color on your plate.
How to Store LEMON CHICKEN
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, storing Lemon Chicken is simple. Place the cooled chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, potentially adding a splash of water to help moisten it. You can also microwave it for a quick lunch; just ensure it’s heated thoroughly. Remember that the sauce may thicken upon refrigeration, so you might want to add a touch of water while reheating to restore the desired consistency.
Variation of LEMON CHICKEN
Lemon Chicken is incredibly versatile and lends itself to many variations. Here are a few ideas you can try:
Lemon and Avocado Chicken: After cooking the Lemon Chicken, mix in some diced avocado for a creamy texture that complements the zesty sauce.
Spicy Lemon Chicken: If you love a kick of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy version of Lemon Chicken that balances well with the sweetness.
Lemon Chicken Stir-Fry: For a twist, stir fry a mix of colorful bell peppers, snap peas, and baby corn alongside the chicken for added veggies and crunch.
Herbed Lemon Chicken: Incorporate fresh herbs such as basil, cilantro, or parsley to give a lovely aromatic quality to your dish. Stir them in at the end right before serving for a fresh taste.
Citrus Variants: Use different citrus fruit juices, such as lime or orange, for a delightful twist on the traditional flavor profile without losing the brightness Lemon Chicken is known for.
FAQ Section
What goes well with Lemon Chicken?
Lemon Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed rice and a variety of greens. You can also serve it with a refreshing green salad or a side of roasted vegetables to create a well-rounded meal.
How do I make Lemon Chicken healthier?
To make your Lemon Chicken healthier, consider using skinless chicken breast, a lower-sugar sweetener, and increasing the quantity of steamed vegetables served on the side. You can also lighten your sauce by reducing the amount of honey and brown sugar.
Can I use frozen chicken for Lemon Chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thawing ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and retains its moisture.
Is Lemon Chicken suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Lemon Chicken can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for easy meal prep. Divide it into portions with your favorite sides for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
How to prevent the chicken from becoming dry when making Lemon Chicken?
To prevent dry chicken, avoid overcooking. Ensure that your frying oil is hot before adding the chicken, and avoid crowding the pan. Cooking the chicken in batches helps maintain the temperature and yields crispy, juicy pieces.
Lemon Chicken
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Frying Pan
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 600 g boneless chicken thigh or breast
- ½ cup cornflour for coating
- 1 large egg
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil for frying
- 75 ml fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp. honey
- 2 tsp. garlic crushed
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 1 Tbsp. cornflour for thickening
- 50 ml water
- 1 spring onion sliced
- 1 tsp. sesame seeds for garnish
- Steamed greens and rice to serve
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and coat with the cornflour.
- Mix the egg with the chicken until well coated. Let sit while you prepare the sauce.
- In a separate bowl, combine lemon juice, brown sugar, honey, garlic, soy sauce, and chicken stock. Whisk until sugar is dissolved.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Wipe excess oil from the pan and add the lemon sauce mixture. Simmer for about 2 minutes.
- Mix the second measurement of cornflour with water and add to the sauce. Stir until thickened.
- Add the crispy chicken back to the pan, tossing to coat in the sauce. Simmer for another minute.
- Garnish with spring onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed greens and rice.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!