Cooking lemon chicken Chinese style is a delightful culinary experience that combines the tangy freshness of lemon with the succulence of chicken. This dish is a favorite in many Chinese restaurants and can be easily replicated at home with a few simple steps. Here’s a comprehensive guide to making delicious Chinese lemon chicken.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup plus 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil or canola oil
For the Lemon Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- Optional: sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Zip-top plastic bag
- Large non-stick skillet or wok
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoons
- Slow cooker (optional for a different cooking method)
- Serving platter
Preparation
Prepare the Chicken: In a large zip-top plastic bag, combine 1 cup cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the bag and shake gently until the chicken is evenly coated with the cornstarch mixture. Remove the chicken from the bag and discard the excess cornstarch mixture.
Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are not overcrowded in the pan. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Making the Lemon Sauce
Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, vinegar, lemon juice, lemon zest, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and chicken broth or water. Make sure all the ingredients are well blended.
Cook the Sauce: Pour the sauce into the same skillet or wok used for cooking the chicken. Heat the sauce over medium heat until it begins to bubble and thicken slightly. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1/2 tablespoon of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl and stir it into the sauce. Continue cooking until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Combining Chicken and Sauce
Toss the Chicken: Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked chicken pieces back into the skillet or wok. Toss the chicken gently in the sauce to coat each piece evenly. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serving
Plating: Transfer the lemon chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Accompaniments: Chinese lemon chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice.
You can also serve it with stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.
Alternative Cooking Method: Slow Cooker
For a more hands-off approach, you can use a slow cooker to prepare the lemon chicken.
Prepare the Chicken and Sauce: Follow the same steps for preparing the chicken and making the sauce as outlined above.
Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the coated chicken pieces to the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and flavorful.
If the sauce is too thin, you can mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it into the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken it.
Serve: Serve the slow-cooked lemon chicken as described above, with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Chicken
Marinating: For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and ginger for 30 minutes before coating it with cornstarch and cooking.
Adjusting Sauce: Taste the sauce before adding it to the chicken. Adjust the sweetness, tanginess, and seasoning according to your preference.
Serving Temperature: Serve the lemon chicken hot, as the flavors are most vibrant when the dish is warm.
Conclusion
Chinese lemon chicken is a delightful dish that combines the crispiness of fried chicken with the tangy, refreshing taste of lemon. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily recreate this restaurant-quality dish at home. Whether you choose to cook it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, the result is a flavorful, juicy, and satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables. Enjoy the process of cooking and savor every bite of this delicious Chinese lemon chicken!
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