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. You can skip the delivery and the wait and make it at home! This dish is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or when you crave something delicious yet easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this dish in under an hour.
• Flavorful Experience: The combination of lemon juice, sugar, and soy sauce creates a delightful sweet and tangy flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for pairing with steamed rice or vegetables, making it a well-rounded meal option.
• Fun to Make: Frying the chicken adds excitement to your cooking routine and results in a crispy texture that everyone loves.
• Healthy Option: Using chicken thighs provides juicy meat while controlling fat levels with light frying.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to have the right tools ready. Preparing your kitchen will ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• A large mixing bowl
• Pot for frying
• Skillet for sauce
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooking thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Mixing Bowl: Allows ample space for marinating the chicken without spilling.
• Pot for Frying: A deep pot is crucial for frying chicken evenly without overcrowding.
• Skillet for Sauce: Ensures even heating when combining chicken with the sauce.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe:

Chicken and Marinade

• 1 lb chicken thighs (cut into cubes)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp cornstarch

Sauce Mixture

• 1/3 c lemon juice
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 c water
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp lemon zest

Coating

• 1/4 c flour
• 1/2 c cornstarch

For Frying

• oil for frying

How to Make Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Add soy sauce and the 2 tbsp cornstarch to your chicken in a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Let marinate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

While the chicken is marinating, combine lemon juice, sugar, water, 2 tsp cornstarch, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Add flour and 1/2 c cornstarch to the marinated chicken. Toss until all pieces are well coated.

Step 4: Heat Oil

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

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Add the chicken in batches to avoid crowding. This prevents sticking together and ensures even cooking. Fry until golden brown.

Step 6: Combine with Sauce

Transfer cooked chicken pieces to a skillet. Turn off the oil, then turn on medium-high heat on the skillet. Add your prepared sauce to coat the chicken.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Cook for just a few seconds until thickened, then serve immediately with steamed rice and vegetables.

Enjoy your homemade Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe!

How to Serve Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe

Chinese Lemon Chicken is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a family meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dish.

Pair with Steamed Rice

• Steamed rice is a classic companion that absorbs the delicious lemon sauce, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.

Add Fresh Vegetables

• Sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas add color and nutrition to your plate, complementing the flavors of the chicken.

Offer a Side Salad

• A light salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and sesame dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich lemon chicken.

Serve with Fried Rice

• Fried rice adds a hearty element to your meal. The savory flavor of the rice pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy sauce of the chicken.

Include Spring Rolls

• Crispy spring rolls are an excellent appetizer that can be enjoyed alongside your main dish. They add crunch and variety to your meal.

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How to Perfect Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe

To achieve the best results with your Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe, consider these helpful tips for perfection.

• Marinate well: Allowing the chicken to marinate longer than 30 minutes enhances its flavor and tenderness.
• Use high heat: Cooking chicken at a high temperature ensures it becomes crispy while sealing in moisture.
• Don’t overcrowd the pot: Frying in batches keeps oil temperature consistent, resulting in evenly cooked chicken.
• Adjust sweetness: Feel free to modify the sugar according to your taste preference for a sweeter or less sweet sauce.
• Garnish thoughtfully: Adding sliced green onions or sesame seeds on top before serving adds an appealing presentation and extra flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Chinese Lemon Chicken can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some tasty options:

1. Fried Rice: A savory blend of rice stir-fried with vegetables and egg complements the lemony flavor of the chicken.
2. Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with cabbage and meat provide a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the tender chicken.
3. Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet nutritious, steamed broccoli adds color and balances out the richness of the main dish.
4. Chow Mein Noodles: These stir-fried noodles offer another delicious carbohydrate option that goes well with any Asian-inspired meal.
5. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in vinegar brings a crisp element that brightens up the flavors on your plate.
6. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup serves as a comforting starter that enhances the overall dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe, avoiding common pitfalls can make a big difference in the final dish.

• Overcrowding the pot – If you add too much chicken at once, it will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy chicken. Fry in batches for the best texture.
• Neglecting the marinade time – Skipping or shortening the marination can lead to bland chicken. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor.
• Ignoring the sauce consistency – If you don’t cook the sauce long enough, it won’t thicken properly. Keep an eye on it and cook until it reaches a desirable thickness.
• Using low-quality ingredients – Cheap soy sauce or old lemon juice can compromise the dish’s taste. Always use fresh and high-quality ingredients for best results.
• Not serving immediately – This dish is best when served hot. Letting it sit too long may cause sogginess. Serve right after cooking for optimal enjoyment.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best taste.

Freezing Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Best used within 1-2 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warmed up, usually about 2-3 minutes.
• Stovetop – Heat over medium heat with a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking, stir until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe.

What is the key to crispy chicken in the Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe?

The key is to ensure that your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken and not overcrowding the pot while frying.

Can I substitute chicken thighs with another meat?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian version of this Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe.

How can I make the sauce tangier?

To enhance the tanginess of your sauce, consider adding more lemon juice or zest to suit your taste preferences.

What side dishes pair well with Chinese Lemon Chicken?

Steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables are excellent choices that complement this Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors that will surely impress. It’s versatile; feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or adjust sweetness levels. Give it a try, and enjoy this comforting dish at home!