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Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken

Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken That Will Brighten Your Day

Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken is a delightful dish that strikes the perfect balance between crispy and tangy.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 500 grams Chicken Thigh Fillets Juicier than breast meat; can substitute with chicken breasts if preferred.
  • 1 teaspoon Cooking Salt Enhances flavor; substitute with kosher salt as needed.
For the Batter
  • 100 grams Cornflour (Cornstarch) Adds crispiness to the batter; no direct substitute, but regular flour can be used in smaller amounts.
  • 100 grams Plain (All-Purpose) Flour Provides structure and color; substitute with gluten-free flour mix for a gluten-free option.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Helps batter puff up; essential for a light texture, no substitute recommended.
  • 250 milliliters Cold Soda Water Key ingredient for crispy batter; must be man-made fizzy water, avoid sparkling mineral water.
For the Lemon Sauce
  • 250 milliliters Chicken Stock/Broth Adds depth of flavor; low sodium is preferred, can be substituted with water in a pinch.
  • 80 milliliters Fresh Lemon Juice Provides the signature tangy flavor; fresh is best, but bottled juice can be used if necessary.
  • 2 tablespoons White Sugar Balances the acidity of the lemon; adjust to taste for sweetness level.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Adds aromatic flavor; freshly grated is preferred for a smooth texture.
  • 1 teaspoon Ginger Adds aromatic flavor; freshly grated is preferred for a smooth texture.
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese Cooking Wine Adds flavor; can be omitted for an alcohol-free version but substitute with a pinch of salt.

Equipment

  • Heavy-based pot
  • mixing bowl
  • Meat Mallet
  • Wire rack
  • thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken
  1. Start by placing the chicken thigh fillets between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, pound the chicken to about 0.7 cm thickness to ensure even cooking. Once flattened, season both sides generously with cooking salt, then dust the chicken with cornflour for added crispiness when frying.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine cornflour, plain flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. After blending, refrigerate the dry mixture for about 10 minutes. When ready, gradually add ice-cold soda water while whisking until smooth and well combined.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-based pot over medium heat until it reaches 160°C (320°F). Carefully dip each piece of the seasoned chicken into the batter, letting the excess drip off. Fry the battered chicken in the hot oil for about 3 minutes, or until it turns pale golden brown. Remove and set aside on a wire rack to cool slightly.
  4. In a saucepan, combine chicken stock, fresh lemon juice, grated garlic, grated ginger, white sugar, and a touch of cornflour. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat while continuously stirring. Allow it to cook for about 5–7 minutes until the sauce has thickened. Set it aside.
  5. Increase the oil temperature to 200°C (390°F) for the second fry. Dip the cooled chicken again in the batter, ensuring an even coating. Fry the chicken for an additional 3 minutes, or until it achieves a deep golden color and a crispy texture. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  6. Slice the crispy chicken into manageable pieces and arrange them on a serving platter. Generously pour the luscious lemon sauce over the chicken, allowing it to glisten enticingly. Garnish with chopped green onions and lemon slices for a vibrant finish.

Nutrition

Serving: 100gramsCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For best results, enjoy your Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken fresh. If storing, know that the texture may soften; reheating in an oven can help restore some crispiness.

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