What To Know
- Allow the lemon chicken to cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a little bit of heat.
- Instead, make a batch of lemon chicken ahead of time and enjoy a delicious and healthy meal without any fuss.
Lemon chicken is a classic dish that is both delicious and versatile. It can be served as a main course, an appetizer, or even a side dish. But can lemon chicken be made ahead of time? The answer is a resounding yes! With a little planning, you can have a delicious and healthy meal ready to go whenever you need it.
Why Make Lemon Chicken Ahead of Time?
There are many benefits to making lemon chicken ahead of time. First, it saves you time on busy weeknights. Simply cook the chicken and sauce on the weekend, and then reheat it when you’re ready to eat. Second, it helps you to avoid unhealthy takeout options. When you have a healthy meal already prepared, you’re less likely to reach for something unhealthy when you’re short on time. Third, it’s a great way to meal prep for the week. Simply cook a large batch of lemon chicken on the weekend, and then divide it into individual portions for easy grab-and-go meals.
How to Make Lemon Chicken Ahead of Time
Making lemon chicken ahead of time is easy! Simply follow these steps:
1. Cook the chicken. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and then cook them in a skillet over medium heat until they are cooked through.
2. Make the sauce. In a separate saucepan, combine the lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and then cook until it has thickened.
3. Combine the chicken and sauce. Add the cooked chicken to the sauce, and stir to coat.
4. Cool and store. Allow the lemon chicken to cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Lemon Chicken
When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the lemon chicken in a skillet over medium heat until it is warmed through. You can also reheat the lemon chicken in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until it is warmed through.
Tips for Making the Best Lemon Chicken Ahead of Time
Here are a few tips for making the best lemon chicken ahead of time:
- Use high-quality ingredients. The quality of your ingredients will have a big impact on the flavor of your lemon chicken. Use fresh lemon juice, real honey, and low-sodium soy sauce.
- Don’t overcook the chicken. Overcooked chicken will be tough and dry. Cook the chicken until it is just cooked through, and then remove it from the pan.
- Let the lemon chicken cool completely before storing it. This will help to prevent the chicken from becoming soggy.
- Store the lemon chicken in an airtight container. This will help to keep the chicken fresh and prevent it from drying out.
Variations on Lemon Chicken
There are many different ways to make lemon chicken. Here are a few variations on the classic recipe:
- Add vegetables. Stir-fry some vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers, and add them to the lemon chicken.
- Use a different type of citrus. Instead of lemon juice, use orange juice, grapefruit juice, or lime juice.
- Add some heat. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a little bit of heat.
- Make it a stir-fry. Cook the chicken and vegetables in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
- Serve it over rice or noodles. Lemon chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served over rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes.
Final Thoughts
Lemon chicken is a delicious and healthy meal that can be made ahead of time. With a little planning, you can have a delicious and healthy meal ready to go whenever you need it. So next time you’re short on time, don’t reach for takeout. Instead, make a batch of lemon chicken ahead of time and enjoy a delicious and healthy meal without any fuss.
Common Questions and Answers
Can I freeze lemon chicken?
Yes, you can freeze lemon chicken for up to 2 months. Simply cook the lemon chicken according to the recipe, and then allow it to cool completely. Transfer the lemon chicken to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the lemon chicken overnight in the refrigerator, and then reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until it is warmed through.
How long does lemon chicken last in the refrigerator?
Lemon chicken will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply store the lemon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I make lemon chicken in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can make lemon chicken in the slow cooker. Simply place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, and then add the lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.
