Hello and welcome! Today, we’re diving into a recipe that’s both easy to make and bursting with bright, zesty flavors – Crispy Lemon Chicken. Whether you’re a fan of quick weeknight meals or love experimenting with Asian-inspired dishes, this crispy lemon chicken will become your go-to for a quick yet satisfying dinner. Packed with the tanginess of lemon and the rich savoriness of soy sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit. So, let’s get cooking!
Introduction: What Makes Crispy Lemon Chicken Special?
The crispy lemon chicken is a dish rooted in the balance of sweet and tangy flavors combined with the umami depth of soy sauce. This Chinese-inspired recipe takes the best of crispy fried chicken and elevates it with a sticky lemon sauce, making it a family favorite. Perfect for serving over fluffy jasmine rice or alongside stir-fried veggies, crispy lemon chicken is both a comfort food classic and a dish you can whip up in under 30 minutes. Let’s explore what makes this meal a must-try.
Ingredients for Crispy Lemon Chicken
For the best crispy lemon chicken, you’ll need these ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons oil (peanut or vegetable)
- ¼ cup chicken broth (or water)
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest, grated
- 2 tablespoons honey (or sugar)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce for gluten-free options)
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced/grated
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced/grated
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening sauce)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Optional Substitutions:
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular soy sauce with tamari.
- To reduce sugar, use agave syrup or a low-carb sweetener.
How to Make Crispy Lemon Chicken – Step by Step
Step1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl.
- Add the beaten egg to the bowl and mix until all the chicken pieces are coated.
Step2: Coat with Cornstarch
- Sprinkle the cornstarch over the chicken and gently toss to coat. Make sure the pieces are evenly coated to get that perfect crispy texture.
Step3: Fry the Chicken
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pan, ensuring they are not touching. Fry for about 2-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the chicken and set aside, leaving some oil in the pan for the sauce.
Step4: Make the Lemon Sauce
- In a bowl, combine chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch.
- Pour this mixture into the skillet with the remaining oil.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 1-2 minutes).
Step5: Combine and Serve
- Return the crispy chicken to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Add sliced green onions on top and serve immediately.
Helpful Tips for Crispy Lemon Chicken
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh ginger.
- Keep the Oil Temperature Consistent: This ensures that the chicken fries evenly without becoming greasy.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Fry in batches if needed to keep the chicken crispy.
Cooking Tips for the Best Crispy Lemon Chicken
- Double Fry for Extra Crispiness: If you want an even crunchier texture, fry the chicken pieces twice.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Marinate Longer: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the lemon and soy sauce mix for 30 minutes before coating and frying.
Serving Suggestions for Crispy Lemon Chicken
Pair your crispy lemon chicken with:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice
- Stir-Fried Vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas
- A light cucumber salad to balance the tangy flavors
For a complete meal, serve with a chilled glass of white wine or an iced green tea.
Nutritional Information for Crispy Lemon Chicken (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Sugar: 6g
Nutritional Information Breakdown:
The nutritional info for crispy lemon chicken highlights its balance of protein and carbs, making it a satisfying yet moderate meal choice. To reduce calories, consider baking the chicken instead of frying.
Storage and Leftovers for Crispy Lemon Chicken
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: For the best texture, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Crispy Lemon Chicken
- Can I make crispy lemon chicken gluten-free?
- Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch.
- What can I use instead of honey?
- Maple syrup or agave syrup works well as substitutes.
- Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
- Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- What sides pair well with crispy lemon chicken?
- Steamed broccoli, garlic fried rice, or a simple quinoa salad.
Related Recipes for Crispy Lemon Chicken Lovers
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: For those who love trying unique recipes, this vibrant shake is a must-try!
- Louisiana Voodoo Fries – A Spicy Side Dish Guide
: Looking for the perfect side dish? Try these spicy, loaded fries for a flavor explosion.
Conclusion
There you have it – a Crispy Lemon Chicken recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. With its quick preparation and rich flavors, it’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. If you try this recipe, let us know your thoughts and feel free to share your own twists and variations. Enjoy, and happy cooking!
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Crispy Lemon Chicken Recipe – Quick & Tangy Weeknight Meal
Description
Hello and welcome! Today, we’re diving into a recipe that’s both easy to make and bursting with bright, zesty flavors – Crispy Lemon Chicken. Whether you’re a fan of quick weeknight meals or love experimenting with Asian-inspired dishes, this crispy lemon chicken will become your go-to for a quick yet satisfying dinner. Packed with the tanginess of lemon and the rich savoriness of soy sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit. So, let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons oil (peanut or vegetable)
- ¼ cup chicken broth (or water)
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest, grated
- 2 tablespoons honey (or sugar)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce for gluten-free options)
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced/grated
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced/grated
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening sauce)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Optional Substitutions:
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular soy sauce with tamari.
- To reduce sugar, use agave syrup or a low-carb sweetener.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl.
- Add the beaten egg to the bowl and mix until all the chicken pieces are coated.
Step 2: Coat with Cornstarch
- Sprinkle the cornstarch over the chicken and gently toss to coat. Make sure the pieces are evenly coated to get that perfect crispy texture.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pan, ensuring they are not touching. Fry for about 2-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the chicken and set aside, leaving some oil in the pan for the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Lemon Sauce
- In a bowl, combine chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch.
- Pour this mixture into the skillet with the remaining oil.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 1-2 minutes).
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Return the crispy chicken to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Add sliced green onions on top and serve immediately.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh ginger.
- Keep the Oil Temperature Consistent: This ensures that the chicken fries evenly without becoming greasy.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Fry in batches if needed to keep the chicken crispy.
