Master the art of lemon chicken: a chinese classic made effortlessly with our beginner-friendly recipe
What To Know
- Serve the lemon chicken over a bed of steamed rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal.
- If the sauce is too thin, add an additional tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of water and cook until thickened.
Lemon chicken, a beloved Chinese dish, tantalizes taste buds with its zesty and refreshing flavors. This easy-to-make recipe will guide you through the steps of creating this delectable dish, bringing the vibrant flavors of Chinese cuisine to your home kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1 large lemon, zest and juice
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, soy sauce, Chinese rice wine, sesame oil, and white pepper. Mix well and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Lemon Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, chicken broth, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the Lemon Sauce: Pour the lemon sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook until the sauce has thickened, about 2 minutes.
6. Return the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce.
7. Serve: Serve the lemon chicken over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with fresh cilantro or scallions.
Tips
- For a crispier chicken, double the amount of cornstarch in the marinade.
- To make the dish spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- If you don’t have Chinese rice wine, you can substitute white wine or even water.
- Serve the lemon chicken with your favorite dipping sauce, such as soy sauce or hoisin sauce.
Variations
- Spicy Lemon Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon of chopped serrano pepper to the marinade.
- Honey Lemon Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the lemon sauce.
- Sesame Lemon Chicken: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished dish.
Benefits of Lemon Chicken
- Rich in Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of protein, essential for building and repairing tissues.
- Antioxidant Properties: Lemon juice is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body against damage from free radicals.
- Low in Calories: Lemon chicken is a relatively low-calorie dish, making it a good choice for those watching their weight.
Serving Ideas
- Steamed Rice: Serve the lemon chicken over a bed of steamed rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Noodles: Toss the chicken with cooked noodles, such as ramen or egg noodles, for a quick and easy meal.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Serve the lemon chicken alongside stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or snap peas.
Recommendations
With this easy lemon chicken recipe, you can bring the vibrant flavors of Chinese cuisine into your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to thaw it completely before marinating.
Q: How long can I marinate the chicken?
A: You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes or overnight for maximum flavor.
Q: Can I substitute the lemon juice with something else?
A: You can substitute the lemon juice with lime juice or orange juice, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Q: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A: If the sauce is too thin, add an additional tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of water and cook until thickened.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
A: Yes, you can add other vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or snap peas, to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
