Chicken with lemon sauce

Lemon Chicken – a delicious and simple recipe for the whole family

On a quiet evening, when the warmth of the kitchen invites you to create something special, I suggest you try a lemon chicken recipe. This dish, with Asian influences, is not only quick and easy but also extremely tasty, likely to become a favorite among the little ones. It may seem a bit intimidating at first, but I will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect result that will delight the whole family.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients needed

For the chicken:
- 1 egg white, beaten
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon grated ginger
- 500 g chicken breast, cut into pieces
- 3 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower oil or sesame oil for a more intense flavor)

For the lemon sauce:
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3/4 cup chicken broth (if you don't have broth, you can use water and a bouillon cube)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce

A bit of history

This lemon chicken recipe is inspired by popular Asian dishes that combine sweet, salty, and sour flavors. The origins of this combination can be found in the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, where lemon is often used to add freshness and a vibrant taste to meat dishes.

Preparing the chicken

1. Marinating the chicken: In a bowl, combine the egg white, cornstarch, and grated ginger. Add a little salt and mix well. Place the chicken breast pieces in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step is essential as marinating helps the meat become tender and juicy.

2. Heating the oil: In a wok or deep pan, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. Ensure the oil is hot but not smoking to avoid burning the chicken.

3. Cooking the chicken: Drain the chicken from the marinade and fry it in the hot oil for about 5-7 minutes, or until it turns white and is cooked through but not browned. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan, so you can cook the chicken in two batches if necessary. Once cooked, remove it from the wok and set it aside on a plate.

Preparing the lemon sauce

4. Mixing the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, mixing until a smooth paste is formed. This will be the thickening agent for the sauce.

5. Cooking the sauce: In the same pan, add the sugar, lemon juice, chicken broth, and soy sauce. Mix well and bring to a boil.

6. Thickening the sauce: Add the cornstarch paste and stir constantly for about a minute until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

7. Finalizing the dish: Add the fried chicken to the lemon sauce and mix well, ensuring each piece of chicken is coated with this delicious sauce. Allow it to simmer together for a minute to combine the flavors.

Serving

Lemon chicken can be served alongside white rice or boiled basmati rice, which will absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce. A fresh vegetable salad or sautéed vegetables will also perfectly complement the meal. For an added touch of color and flavor, you can sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onion on top.

Useful tips and tricks

- Ingredient variations: You can experiment with different types of meat, such as turkey breast or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Additionally, adding vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots to the sauce will add extra nutrients and texture!

- Spicier sauce: If you like spicy food, you can add hot pepper sauce or chili flakes to the lemon sauce.

- Thickening the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a bit more cornstarch diluted in water. Be careful not to overdo it, as it can become gelatinous.

- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of lemon chicken has about 350 calories, making it a healthy choice due to its protein and vitamin content from lemon. Lemon is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, contributing to a stronger immune system.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use frozen chicken? It is recommended to use fresh chicken, but if you have frozen chicken, make sure to fully thaw it before marinating.

- Can I substitute lemon juice? Yes, you can use lime juice or a combination of citrus for a different flavor.

- Can it be prepared in advance? The lemon sauce and chicken can be prepared in advance, but it is recommended to combine the ingredients just before serving to maintain the crispy texture of the chicken.

This lemon chicken recipe is perfect for a quick dinner during the week, but also for special occasions when you want to impress. It will surely become a favorite among your loved ones, and you will receive compliments for your culinary skills. Try it and enjoy every bite!

 Ingredients: 1 egg white, beaten 2 teaspoons cornstarch 1/4 teaspoon grated ginger 500 g chicken breast, cut into pieces 3 tablespoons oil Lemon sauce: 2 teaspoons cornstarch 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons lemon juice 3/4 cup chicken broth 2 teaspoons soy sauce

 Tags:  chicken breast lemon lemon sauce