Lemon chicken made easy: our super-fast recipe for a weeknight wonder

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of authentic Chinese cuisine with our quick and easy lemon chicken recipe. This culinary masterpiece combines the tangy zest of lemon with the savory notes of chicken, creating a dish that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in the cornstarch until evenly coated.
2. Heat the Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, ginger, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
5. Add the Sauce: Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir to coat.
6. Simmer: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is fully cooked.
7. Serve: Garnish with lemon wedges and serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Tips:

• For a crispier chicken, fry the chicken pieces for a longer time before adding the sauce.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a little water to thin it out.
• Serve the lemon chicken with your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots.

Variations:

• Spicy Lemon Chicken: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Sweet and Sour Lemon Chicken: Add a tablespoon of pineapple juice and a teaspoon of rice vinegar to the sauce.
• Orange Lemon Chicken: Substitute orange juice for the lemon juice in the sauce.

Benefits of Lemon Chicken:

• Low in Calories: Lemon chicken is a relatively low-calorie dish, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
• High in Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue.
• Rich in Vitamin C: Lemons are a rich source of vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the body from free radical damage.
• Versatile: Lemon chicken can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side dish.

Wrap Up

Our quick Chinese lemon chicken recipe is a culinary masterpiece that combines the tangy zest of lemon with the savory notes of chicken. With its ease of preparation and tantalizing flavors, it’s the perfect dish for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more.

Information You Need to Know

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Simply thaw the chicken completely before cutting it into pieces.

Q: What can I do if I don’t have cornstarch?
A: You can substitute all-purpose flour for cornstarch. However, the chicken may not be as crispy.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the lemon chicken ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. However, the chicken may lose some of its crispiness upon reheating.