Lemon Chicken Recipe In Bengali

The vibrant city of Kolkata, India, is renowned for its diverse culinary landscape, and among its most beloved dishes is lemon chicken. This tantalizing creation combines the tangy zest of lemon with the succulent flavors of chicken, resulting in an unforgettable gastronomic experience. In this blog post, we present an authentic lemon chicken recipe in Bengali, inviting you to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients for the Perfect Lemon Chicken

• 1 kg boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 lemons, juiced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro for garnish

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Marinating the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the lemon juice, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

2. Sautéing the Aromatics

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and green chilies and sauté until the onion turns translucent and slightly golden brown.

3. Adding the Ginger-Garlic Paste

Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the paste.

4. Cooking the Chicken

Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and add it to the skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.

5. Finishing the Lemon Chicken

Pour the remaining lemon juice over the chicken and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot.

Tips for an Exceptional Lemon Chicken

• Use fresh, juicy lemons for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcook the chicken, or it will become tough.
• Adjust the amount of chili powder to your desired level of spiciness.
• Serve with a side of steamed rice or roti for a complete meal.

Variations on the Classic Recipe

• Lemon Chicken with Honey: Add a tablespoon of honey to the marinade for a sweet and tangy twist.
• Lemon Chicken with Peas: Add a cup of frozen peas to the skillet along with the onion and green chilies.
• Lemon Chicken with Capsicum: Dice a bell pepper and add it to the skillet for a colorful and flavorful variation.

Health Benefits of Lemon Chicken

• Lemon chicken is a rich source of protein, essential for maintaining muscle mass and overall health.
• Lemons are packed with vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and protects against cell damage.
• The spices used in the recipe, such as turmeric and cumin, have anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before marinating.

2. How long can I marinate the chicken?

You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes or up to overnight. Longer marinating times will result in more flavorful chicken.

3. What if I don’t have any garam masala?

You can substitute garam masala with a blend of ground cumin, coriander, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon.

4. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the lemon chicken in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

5. How do I store leftover lemon chicken?

Store leftover lemon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.