Chinese Lemon Chicken is a classic dish found on many Chinese restaurant menus. It is typically a plate of chicken pieces deep-fried in batter and tossed in a sticky lemon glaze. This dish is known for its crispy exterior and refreshing, tangy lemon flavor. Making Chinese Lemon Chicken at home allows you to create a healthier version of fried chicken and a more vibrant, fresher-tasting lemon sauce. Here’s a detailed guide on how to cook Chinese Lemon Chicken.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into small chunks
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons white sugar
- 1 teaspoon Chinese hot mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Lemon Sauce:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large frying pan or wok
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Whisk
- Serving plate
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, soy sauce, lemon juice, rice vinegar, sugar, and Chinese hot mustard (if using).
- Add the chicken chunks to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Sauce
Mix the Sauce Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, lemon juice, honey or sugar, and cornstarch until well combined.
- Set aside until needed.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Remove the Chicken from the Marinade:
- After marinating, remove the chicken chunks from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Discard the marinade or save it for another use (note: it will be quite strong in flavor).
Coat with Cornstarch:
- Place the cornstarch in a large bowl.
- Dredge each chicken chunk in the cornstarch, shaking off any excess. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat the Oil:
- Pour enough vegetable oil into a large frying pan or wok to reach a depth of about 1-2 inches.
- Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) or until a small piece of chicken sizzles and browns quickly when added to the oil.
Fry the Chicken:
- Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully add the coated chicken chunks to the hot oil.
- Fry for about 3-4 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Lemon Sauce
Cook the Sauce:
- While the chicken is frying, pour the prepared lemon sauce mixture into a medium saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional lemon juice, salt, or pepper if needed.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Toss the Chicken in the Sauce:
- Once all the chicken is fried and the sauce is thickened, pour the sauce over the chicken in the bowl.
- Use tongs or a spatula to gently toss the chicken in the sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Step 7: Serve
Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the lemon chicken to a serving plate.
- Garnish with lemon zest (if using) and fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra touch of flavor and color.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice, steamed vegetables, or your favorite side dish.
Tips and Variations
Marinating Time: For even more flavor, you can marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
Adjusting the Sauce: If you prefer a sweeter or tangier sauce, adjust the amount of honey or lemon juice to taste.
Using Chicken Thighs: For a richer flavor and juicier chicken, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Healthy Alternatives: To make a healthier version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated chicken on a baking sheet, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Conclusion
Chinese Lemon Chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the crispy texture of fried chicken with the refreshing tang of lemon. By following this recipe, you can enjoy a homemade version that is healthier and more flavorful than takeout. Whether you serve it with steamed rice, vegetables, or your favorite side dish, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can make Chinese Lemon Chicken at home anytime you want a delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
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