Crispy Lemon Chicken Delight
Experience the vibrant flavors of tangy lemons and crispy chicken with this Crispy Lemon Chicken Delight. This dish captures the essence of your favorite takeout while being simple enough for a teen chef to master. The chicken is lightly breaded for that perfect crunch, combined with a deliciously sweet and tart lemon sauce that elevates each bite. Whether you're serving it for a family dinner or impressing friends, this recipe promises to become a staple in your kitchen. Best served over steamed or fried rice, it's a delightful twist on a classic favorite.
6
Servings
300
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
6 (cut into 3 pieces)
soy sauce
2 tablespoons (for marinating)
cornstarch
1/4 cup (for batter)
baking powder
1/2 teaspoon (for batter)
eggs
2 (beaten)
oil
2 cups (for frying)
white sugar
1/2 cup (for sauce)
cornstarch
2 tablespoons (for sauce)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (for sauce)
chicken broth
1 1/2 cups (for sauce)
lemons
2 (sliced, one for sauce and one for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2
Cut each boneless skinless chicken breast into three equal pieces to ensure even cooking.
3
In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and allow them to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
4
While the chicken marinates, whisk together 1/4 cup of cornstarch and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder in a bowl. Beat in two eggs and stir until smooth.
5
Chill the batter mixture in the refrigerator to firm up while you prepare the sauce.
6
In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of white sugar and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Then stir in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth. Set the sauce mixture aside.
7
Heat 2 cups of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, dip each marinated chicken piece into the chilled batter and fry until golden brown on all sides.
8
Spray a 9x13 glass baking dish with cooking spray and place the fried chicken pieces inside.
9
In the same frying pan, add 2 tablespoons of oil. Slice one lemon and stir-fry the slices until they start to brown.
10
Pour the previously prepared sauce into the frying pan with the lemon slices, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
11
Pour the thickened sauce over the chicken pieces in the baking dish.
12
Slice the second lemon and layer the slices over the top of the chicken.
13
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
14
Serve your crispy lemon chicken over steamed or fried rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
16.7
Fat
23.3
Carbs
20
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Lemon Chicken Delight?
It is a takeout-style dish featuring lightly breaded crispy chicken combined with a sweet and tart lemon sauce, designed to be simple enough for home cooks.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (165°C).
How should the chicken breasts be prepared?
Each boneless skinless chicken breast should be cut into three equal pieces to ensure even cooking.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should marinate in soy sauce for at least 15 minutes.
What ingredients are used for the chicken batter?
The batter consists of 1/4 cup of cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and two beaten eggs.
Why should the batter mixture be chilled?
The batter mixture should be chilled in the refrigerator to allow it to firm up while you prepare the sauce.
How do you make the lemon sauce?
Whisk together 1/2 cup white sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1 1/2 cups chicken broth.
How much oil is needed for frying the chicken?
You will need 2 cups of oil for frying.
What size baking dish is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a 9x13 glass baking dish sprayed with cooking spray.
How are the fresh lemons used in the recipe?
Two lemons are sliced; one is stir-fried with the sauce and the second is layered over the top of the chicken before baking.
How long do you bake the chicken in the oven?
Bake the chicken for 30-40 minutes or until it is fully cooked and tender.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories, 16.7g of fat, 23.3g of carbohydrates, and 20g of protein.
What should I serve with Crispy Lemon Chicken Delight?
It is best served over a bed of steamed or fried rice for a complete meal.
Is this recipe suitable for beginner cooks?
Yes, it is specifically described as being simple enough for a teen chef to master.
What gives the chicken its crunch?
The crunch comes from a light cornstarch and egg-based batter that is fried until golden brown before baking.
Can I use chicken broth in the sauce?
Yes, 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth are essential for creating the base of the lemon sauce.
How do you prepare the lemon slices for the sauce?
Stir-fry the lemon slices in 2 tablespoons of oil until they start to brown before adding the liquid sauce mixture.
What role does baking powder play in the recipe?
Baking powder is mixed into the batter to help create a lighter, crispier coating on the chicken.
What are the main tags associated with this recipe?
The tags include lemon chicken, crispy chicken, takeout-style, Chinese cuisine, and easy chicken dinners.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 primary ingredients used in this recipe.
Does this recipe use white or brown sugar?
This recipe uses 1/2 cup of white sugar for the sauce.
Can I use soy sauce for anything other than marinating?
In this specific recipe, the 2 tablespoons of soy sauce are used exclusively for marinating the chicken.
Is the chicken fried or baked?
Both; the chicken is first fried to achieve a golden brown crust and then baked with the sauce to ensure it is tender and fully cooked.
How much cornstarch is needed in total?
You will need a total of 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, divided between the batter and the sauce.
Should I use skinless chicken?
Yes, the recipe specifies using boneless skinless chicken breasts.
Does the recipe require fresh lemon juice?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of lemon juice in the sauce, plus two whole fresh lemons for stir-frying and topping.
How do I thicken the lemon sauce?
The sauce is thickened by stirring it constantly in a frying pan over heat with cornstarch until it reaches the desired consistency.
Is this a kid-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a kid-friendly recipe due to its sweet and tangy flavor profile.
When do I add the second sliced lemon?
The second sliced lemon is layered over the top of the chicken in the baking dish right before it goes into the oven.