What To Know
- This classic recipe is a culinary masterpiece that combines tender chicken with a vibrant lemon sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Serve the lemon chicken with a side of steamed broccoli or asparagus for a complete meal.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped chili peppers to the marinade for a kick of heat.
Craving a tantalizing dish that bursts with citrusy freshness? Look no further than this comprehensive guide on how to make lemon chicken with lemon juice. This classic recipe is a culinary masterpiece that combines tender chicken with a vibrant lemon sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup lemon juice (from 4-5 lemons)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, soy sauce, cornstarch, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining lemon juice, olive oil, honey, soy sauce, cornstarch, black pepper, and salt. Set aside.
3. Pan-Fry the Chicken:
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Lemon Sauce:
Pour the prepared lemon sauce into the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until thickened.
5. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
Add the cooked chicken pieces back to the skillet and stir to coat them in the lemon sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Transfer the lemon chicken to a serving dish and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Tips for Success:
- For a more intense lemon flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute with flour.
- To make a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch to the mixture.
- For a sweeter dish, add more honey to taste.
- Serve the lemon chicken with a side of steamed broccoli or asparagus for a complete meal.
Variations:
- Spicy Lemon Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped chili peppers to the marinade for a kick of heat.
- Garlic Lemon Chicken: Add 2-3 minced garlic cloves to the marinade for a savory twist.
- Sesame Lemon Chicken: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top of the finished dish for a nutty flavor.
Health Benefits of Lemon Chicken:
Not only is lemon chicken delicious, but it also offers several health benefits:
- Vitamin C: Lemons are rich in vitamin C, an essential nutrient that supports immune function and antioxidant protection.
- Potassium: Lemon juice is a good source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and muscle function.
- Antioxidants: Lemon juice contains antioxidants that help protect the body against damage from free radicals.
Serving Suggestions:
- Steamed Rice: Serve lemon chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed rice to absorb the flavorful sauce.
- Noodles: Pair lemon chicken with your favorite noodles, such as spaghetti, linguine, or egg noodles.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roast a medley of vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers, to complement the lemon chicken.
Leftovers and Storage:
- Leftover lemon chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, simply microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Thaw it completely before marinating.
Q: What type of lemon juice should I use?
A: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always best for optimal flavor.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to overnight. Just bring the sauce to a boil before adding the chicken back to the skillet.
Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Substitute gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch for regular ones.
Q: Can I use lemon zest in this recipe?
A: Yes, adding lemon zest to the marinade will enhance the citrusy flavor.
