Craving chinese? master the art of lemon chicken with this easy guide!

Lemon chicken is a classic Chinese dish that is loved by many for its sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. While it may seem intimidating to make at home, it is actually quite simple with the right ingredients and techniques. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through every step of the process, from preparing the chicken to making the irresistible sauce.

Gather Your Ingredients

To make lemon chicken Chinese, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1 green onion, chopped

Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat.
4. Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten egg.

Fry the Chicken

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces and fry until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels.

Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, lemon zest, and green onion.

Combine the Chicken and Sauce

1. Add the fried chicken back to the skillet and pour the sauce over it.
2. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the lemon chicken Chinese hot over rice or noodles. Garnish with additional lemon zest and green onion, if desired.

Tips for Success

• For a crispier chicken, double-coat the chicken in the cornstarch mixture before frying.
• If you don’t have lemon zest, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of dried lemon peel.
• The sauce should be thick and glossy. If it’s too thin, add a little more cornstarch. If it’s too thick, add a little more lemon juice.
• Lemon chicken Chinese is best served fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Variations

• Spicy Lemon Chicken: Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Honey Lemon Chicken: Increase the honey to 2 tablespoons.
• Sesame Lemon Chicken: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds over the chicken before serving.

Lemon Chicken Chinese: A Healthier Option

Lemon chicken Chinese is a relatively healthy dish, but there are a few ways to make it even healthier:

• Use grilled or baked chicken instead of fried chicken.
• Reduce the amount of sugar in the sauce.
• Serve the chicken with brown rice or whole-wheat noodles.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

Q: How do I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce over low heat.

Q: What can I serve with lemon chicken Chinese?
A: Lemon chicken Chinese can be served with rice, noodles, or vegetables.