Chinese Lemon Chicken is a popular dish that combines the tangy flavor of lemon with the savory taste of chicken. It’s a favorite in many Chinese restaurants and can be easily made at home. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making this delicious dish step by step.
Ingredients You Will Need
Before you start cooking, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Lemon: 2 fresh lemons
Cornstarch: 1/2 cup
Egg: 1 large egg
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
Vegetable Oil: For frying
Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons
Sugar: 1/4 cup
Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Ginger: 1 teaspoon, minced
Green Onions: For garnish
Preparing the Chicken
Cut the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This will help the chicken cook evenly and make it easier to eat.
Season the Chicken
In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. This will add flavor to the chicken.
Coat the Chicken
In another bowl, beat the egg. Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten egg, then coat it with cornstarch. Make sure each piece is evenly coated.
Frying the Chicken
Heat the Oil
Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or wok to cover the chicken pieces. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the Chicken
Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry them until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Making the Lemon Sauce
Prepare the Lemon
Zest one lemon to get about 1 tablespoon of lemon zest. Then, juice both lemons to get about 1/4 cup of lemon juice.
Cook the Sauce
In a saucepan, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, soy sauce, sugar, chicken broth, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Slowly add the slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly. The sauce will thicken as it cooks.
Combining the Chicken and Sauce
Toss the Chicken
Place the fried chicken pieces in a large bowl. Pour the thickened lemon sauce over the chicken and toss to coat each piece evenly.
Garnish and Serve
Transfer the coated chicken to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped green onions and additional lemon slices if desired. Serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Chinese Lemon Chicken
Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon juice.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This ensures that each piece cooks evenly and becomes crispy.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add more sugar. For a tangier flavor, add more lemon juice.
Serve with Rice: Chinese Lemon Chicken pairs well with steamed rice. The rice helps balance the tangy and savory flavors of the dish.
Variations of Chinese Lemon Chicken
Baked Lemon Chicken
For a healthier version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Coat the chicken as usual, then place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and crispy.
Spicy Lemon Chicken
If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or chopped chili peppers to the lemon sauce. This will give the dish a spicy kick.
Honey Lemon Chicken
For a sweeter version, replace the sugar with honey. The honey will add a rich, sweet flavor that complements the tangy lemon.
Conclusion
Chinese Lemon Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the zesty flavor of lemon with the savory taste of crispy chicken. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily make this restaurant favorite at home. Whether you fry or bake the chicken, the key to a great lemon chicken is in the sauce. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the flavors to make it your own. Enjoy your homemade Chinese Lemon Chicken with a side of steamed rice and some fresh vegetables for a complete meal.
Related topics:
How to Make Lemon Sauce for Chinese Lemon Chicken
