Lemon Chicken (檸檬鷄扒)
檸檬鷄扒, or Lemon Chicken, is a popular Chinese dish that features crispy, battered chicken breast coated in a tangy and sweet lemon sauce. It’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures, with the lemon sauce adding a refreshing zing. Here’s a simple recipe to make this delicious dish at home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
For the Lemon Sauce:
- 1/2 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed is best
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 4 tablespoons water
- Zest of 1 lemon
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each breast in flour, then dip into beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes on each side.
- Once cooked, place the chicken on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Then slice it into strips or leave it whole, as preferred.
Make the Lemon Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine lemon juice, sugar, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the dissolved cornstarch to the saucepan, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the lemon zest for added flavor.
Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Pour the hot lemon sauce over the fried chicken. Ensure the chicken is well-coated with the sauce.
Serve:
- Serve the lemon chicken hot. It pairs well with steamed rice or vegetables.
