The Zesty Chicken Dish You've Been Craving
When life gives you lemons, you make Crispy Lemon Chicken! This mouthwatering dish combines tender, juicy chicken pieces with a tangy lemon sauce that will leave you wanting more. With a crispy coating and a burst of citrus flavor, this recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. So, let's get cooking!
Ingredients: The Perfect Combination
This Crispy Lemon Chicken recipe yields 4 servings, with each serving size being approximately 150 grams.
For the Chicken:
- 450g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp ginger
- Pinch of black pepper, to taste
- 1½ tsp soy sauce
- 1½ tsp Shaoxing cooking wine
- Cornflour to coat the chicken pieces
- 1 egg
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp honey
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
- 3½ tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp chilli sauce (optional)
- 3 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 3½ tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
Step-by-Step Guide to Crispy Lemon Chicken
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Marinate the Chicken First, marinate the chicken pieces in garlic, ginger, soy sauce, cooking wine, and black pepper. Set aside for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Prepare the Zesty Lemon Sauce In a bowl, whisk together honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, chilli sauce (if using), water, cornstarch, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Set aside.
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Coat the Chicken Cover the marinated chicken pieces with cornflour, ensuring each piece is well coated.
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Add Some Egg-citement Whisk one egg in a separate bowl. Dip the cornflour-coated chicken pieces into the egg mixture.
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Double-Coat the Chicken Once again, coat the chicken pieces in cornflour for extra crispiness.
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Fry Up Some Deliciousness In a wok or large frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Shallow fry the chicken pieces until crispy and golden brown. Drain and set aside.
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Bring the Sauce to Life Wipe the wok clean and pour in the prepared sauce. Cook over medium heat until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
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Coat the Chicken in Zesty Goodness Toss the crispy chicken pieces into the wok, ensuring they are evenly coated with the sauce.
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Garnish and Serve Serve the Crispy Lemon Chicken with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, a side of steamed rice, and lemon wedges for added zest.
Cooking Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Chinese Style Crispy Lemon Chicken
- Ensure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or even overnight to ensure you have a tasty chicken pieces.
- Cut the chicken pieces before marinating to ensure the marinade goes to as much chicken meat as possible.
- Be sure to coat the chicken pieces in enough cornstarch so that they don't stick together.
- When shallow frying, be sure to have the oil at 400 F or 200 C to ensure the chicken pieces get a nice crunchy texture. This ensure the oil temperature does not go down as much.
- Do not overcrowd the chicken pieces while shallow frying to allow the excess moisture in the pan to evaporate.
- According to Mandy, you can batch fry the chicken pieces then freeze them. Defrost and then reheat them in the oven until crunchy.
- Be sure to use cornflour and not flour to ensure you will get a crispy batter. Using regular flour will end up in more of a soft batter.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of chilli sauce or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- To enhance the lemon flavor, add more lemon zest or a few drops of lemon extract.
Ingredient Substitutes
- If you don't have Shaoxing wine, you can substitute it with dry sherry or mirin.
- For a lighter version, use a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit in place of brown sugar.
Nutritional Information
Based on the ingredients provided, each serving of Crispy Lemon Chicken (150g per serving) contains the following approximate nutritional information:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 960mg Please note that these values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredient brands or preparation methods.
What Can I Serve with this Dish?
- The simplest is to serve this dish white rice
- You can also serve this dish with fried Rice, garlic fried rice or egg fried rice
- For a healthier option, serve this dish with some boiled broccoli, cauliflower and carrots.
- You can also serve this dish with some Asian noodles like egg noodles, udon noodles or whatever noodles you prefer. The dish has its own sauce which will also coat the noodles.
Crispy Lemon Chicken FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and can provide a juicier and more tender result. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken thighs may require slightly longer cooking time.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make this dish healthier, you can try using an air fryer to cook the chicken pieces, reducing the amount of oil used. Additionally, consider using a sugar substitute and low-sodium soy sauce to cut down on sugar and sodium content.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld even more, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
What other dishes pair well with Crispy Lemon Chicken?
Crispy Lemon Chicken goes well with a variety of side dishes, such as steamed or stir-fried vegetables, fried rice, or noodles. Consider pairing it with a light salad or a refreshing cucumber dish for a balanced meal.
Can I freeze leftovers for later use?
Yes, you can freeze leftover Crispy Lemon Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Final Thoughts on Crispy Lemon Chicken
This Crispy Lemon Chicken recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish that will surely impress your taste buds. With its zesty flavors, crispy texture, and easy preparation, it's a must-try for any home cook. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to cook up a storm with this delectable recipe!