Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe

Classic Lemon Chicken with crispy battered chicken thighs in a sweet and tangy sauce makes this Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe a treat. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want to impress your guests. With its delightful balance of flavors, this dish will become a family favorite. Skip the delivery and the wait—make it at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 60 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy nights.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet and tangy lemon sauce complements the crispy chicken perfectly.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables for a complete meal.
• Homemade Goodness: Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a delicious Chinese dish right in your kitchen.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the crispy texture and zesty flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To create this amazing Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• frying pan
• mixing bowls
• whisk
• measuring cups
• cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Frying Pan: A good quality frying pan ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect golden-brown color on the chicken.
• Mixing Bowls: Using multiple mixing bowls helps keep your ingredients organized during preparation, making the cooking process easier.
• Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the ideal balance of flavors in your sauce.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe:
– 1 lb chicken thighs (cut into cubes)
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp cornstarch
– 1/3 c lemon juice
– 3 tbsp sugar
– 1/2 c water
– 2 tsp cornstarch
– 1 tsp lemon zest
– 1/4 c flour
– 1/2 c cornstarch
– oil for frying

How to Make Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a mixing bowl, add soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to your chopped chicken.
2. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it marinate for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. While the chicken is marinating, mix together lemon juice, sugar, water, 2 teaspoons of cornstarch, and lemon zest in another bowl. Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

1. Add flour and the remaining cornstarch into the bowl with marinated chicken.
2. Toss well until all pieces are evenly coated.

Step 4: Heat Oil for Frying

1. In a pot, add oil about three inches deep and heat it on medium-high until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

1. Carefully add chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding.
2. Fry until golden brown; transfer cooked pieces to a skillet after they are done.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Once all chicken is fried, turn off the oil heat.
2. In the skillet over medium-high heat, pour in your prepared sauce.
3. Quickly coat the chicken pieces in the sauce and cook just until thickened.

Step 7: Serve Your Dish

Serve immediately with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a delightful meal everyone will love!

How to Serve Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe

Chinese Lemon Chicken is best enjoyed fresh and hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides that enhance its sweet and tangy flavor profile. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.

With Steamed Rice

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice complements the dish perfectly, absorbing the delightful lemon sauce.

Accompanied by Stir-Fried Vegetables

• A mix of colorful bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots adds texture and nutrition to your plate.

On a Bed of Noodles

• Soft egg noodles tossed in sesame oil create a comforting base for the crispy chicken pieces.

Garnished with Green Onions

• Chopped green onions sprinkled on top add freshness and a pop of color to your dish.

Served with a Side Salad

• A light cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar can balance the richness of the chicken.

Paired with Spring Rolls

• Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables provide a crunchy contrast that enhances the meal’s appeal.

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How to Perfect Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe

To ensure your Chinese Lemon Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these essential tips:

• Marinate the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes helps infuse it with flavor and tenderness.
• Use Cornstarch: Coating the chicken in cornstarch creates a crispy texture that holds up well against the sauce.
• Monitor Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at 350 degrees Fahrenheit ensures even cooking without making the chicken greasy.
• Cook in Batches: Frying chicken in small batches prevents overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.
• Thicken Sauce Properly: Ensure that you cook the sauce until thickened for optimal coating on the chicken.
• Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, enjoy this dish right after cooking while it’s still hot and crispy.

Best Side Dishes for Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Chinese Lemon Chicken can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Fried Rice: Flavorful fried rice mixed with peas, carrots, and eggs provides a satisfying complement.
2. Egg Drop Soup: A warm bowl of egg drop soup offers a soothing start to your meal.
3. Sesame Noodles: Cold sesame noodles drizzled with soy sauce make for a refreshing side.
4. Chinese Broccoli: Lightly steamed or stir-fried Chinese broccoli adds nutritious greens to your plate.
5. Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickled vegetables can cut through the richness of the chicken and add zing.
6. Chow Mein: Crispy chow mein noodles bring an enjoyable crunch alongside your tender chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the best Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe, it’s important to steer clear of common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes that can affect your dish.

• Skipping the marination: Marinating the chicken is crucial for flavor and tenderness. Don’t skip this step; let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
• Overcrowding the pot: Adding too much chicken at once can lower the oil temperature, making your chicken greasy. Fry in batches to ensure even cooking.
• Not using enough oil: Insufficient oil can lead to uneven frying and soggy chicken. Ensure you have enough oil, at least three inches deep, for proper frying.
• Ignoring the sauce consistency: The sauce should be thick enough to coat the chicken. If it’s too runny, cook it a bit longer until it thickens up.
• Serving without sides: This dish pairs well with rice and vegetables. Don’t forget to serve it with a side for a complete meal!

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe

• Freeze in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• This dish can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts, stirring occasionally until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat and stir until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delightful dish.

What is the key ingredient in Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe?

The key ingredient is lemon juice, which gives this dish its signature tangy flavor.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner meat option. Just adjust cooking times as necessary.

How spicy is this Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe?

This recipe is not spicy but has a sweet and tangy flavor profile. You can add chili flakes if you desire some heat.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Final Thoughts

This Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe offers an irresistible combination of crispy chicken and a sweet-tangy sauce that will delight your taste buds. It’s versatile; feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or adjust the sweetness level. Try making it tonight for a comforting meal everyone will love!