Chinese Lemon Chicken is a popular dish that combines crispy chicken with a tangy and sweet lemon sauce. It is a delicious option for dinner or any special occasion. The dish features tender, juicy chicken pieces coated in a crispy batter, topped with a refreshing lemon sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sour and sweet. This article will guide you through the step-by-step process of making this dish at home.
Ingredients for Chinese Lemon Chicken
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here is a list of items you’ll need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 500g)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup water (adjust if needed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Lemon Sauce:
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Garnishes:
- Lemon slices
- Chopped green onions (scallions)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Preparing the Chicken
Cut the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform pieces so they cook evenly. You can cut them into strips or small chunks based on your preference.
Make the Batter: In a bowl, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, and baking powder. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and add water to form a smooth batter. The batter should be thick enough to coat the chicken pieces without dripping off easily.
Coat the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the batter and toss them to ensure each piece is well-coated. The batter should be thick and sticky enough to cling to the chicken.
Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough to fry the chicken, but not smoking. You can test the temperature by dropping a small piece of batter into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the battered chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the chicken to stick together and prevent even cooking. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until the chicken pieces are golden brown and crispy. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Making the Lemon Sauce
While the chicken is frying, you can prepare the lemon sauce. The sauce is the key to the dish’s delicious flavor.
Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine fresh lemon juice, chicken broth, sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and mix the ingredients thoroughly. This creates a sweet and tangy base for the sauce.
Add Flavor: Add the grated lemon zest, grated ginger, and garlic powder (if using). The zest will enhance the lemony flavor, while the ginger gives the sauce a slightly spicy kick. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from burning.
Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry. Once the sauce is boiling, slowly add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan while stirring continuously. This will help thicken the sauce to a smooth consistency. Keep stirring until the sauce has thickened to your liking, about 2-3 minutes.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the flavor if needed. If you want more sweetness, add a little more sugar. For extra tanginess, add more lemon juice. Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
Assembling the Dish
Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Once the chicken is fried and the sauce is prepared, it’s time to bring everything together. Place the crispy chicken pieces in a large bowl or serving dish. Pour the prepared lemon sauce over the chicken, making sure all the pieces are well-coated.
Toss Gently: Toss the chicken and sauce together gently, ensuring each piece of chicken is coated with the tangy lemon sauce. Be careful not to break the crispy coating on the chicken. You want the chicken to stay crispy while enjoying the lemon sauce’s flavor.
Garnishing the Chinese Lemon Chicken
Add Lemon Slices: For a fresh, zesty touch, garnish your Chinese Lemon Chicken with lemon slices. Arrange them around the edges of the dish or place them on top for visual appeal.
Sprinkle Green Onions: Chopped green onions (scallions) add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor to the dish. Sprinkle them on top of the chicken for garnish.
Optional Garnishes: For an extra touch, you can sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the chicken. They will add a subtle nutty flavor and a bit of crunch to complement the crispy chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Chinese Lemon Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are a few ideas for serving it:
With Rice: Serve the chicken over steamed white rice or fried rice. The rice will soak up the delicious lemon sauce, making each bite even more flavorful.
With Vegetables: Serve the chicken with a side of sautéed vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas. The crunchiness of the vegetables pairs well with the tender chicken and tangy sauce.
As an Appetizer: If you’re serving this dish as an appetizer, you can serve it in smaller portions with toothpicks or skewers. It’s perfect for parties or gatherings.
Tips for Making the Perfect Chinese Lemon Chicken
Crispiness: The key to achieving crispy chicken is making sure the oil is hot enough before frying. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If the oil is too hot, the batter will burn before the chicken is cooked through.
Double Coat the Chicken: For extra crispy chicken, you can double coat the chicken. First, dip the chicken pieces in the batter, then dredge them in a mixture of cornstarch and flour before frying. This extra layer of coating ensures a crunchier texture.
Adjust the Sauce: If you like a sweeter sauce, add more sugar, or if you prefer a more tangy sauce, increase the amount of lemon juice. Adjusting the sauce to your liking can make the dish more tailored to your taste preferences.
Use Fresh Lemon: For the best flavor, always use fresh lemons for the juice and zest. Bottled lemon juice doesn’t provide the same fresh, zesty flavor that fresh lemons do.
Make Ahead: If you want to prepare this dish in advance, you can fry the chicken ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in a hot oven for a few minutes, then toss with the sauce.
Conclusion
Making Chinese Lemon Chicken at home is easy and rewarding. With a crispy coating and a tangy, sweet lemon sauce, it’s sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy this delicious dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether served over rice, with vegetables, or as an appetizer, Chinese Lemon Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying meal that brings a taste of Chinese cuisine to your table.
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