Prepare to transform your kitchen into a gourmet Chinese restaurant with this irresistible Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken recipe that will make your taste buds dance! Imagine crispy, golden chicken pieces glazed in a tantalizing sauce that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors - all ready in just 35 minutes. Whether you're craving a quick weeknight dinner or looking to impress your dinner guests, this recipe is your ticket to culinary magic that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine cornstarch and chicken pieces, tossing to coat evenly. This will help create a crispy exterior when cooking.
- Prepare the lemon sauce by whisking together soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger in a separate bowl until well combined.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
- Add the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces to the hot skillet, spreading them in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Pour the prepared lemon sauce over the chicken, stirring continuously to coat each piece completely. Reduce heat to medium and let the sauce simmer and thicken for 5-6 minutes.
- Continue cooking until the sauce becomes glossy and sticky, coating the chicken pieces completely. The sauce should reduce and caramelize slightly.
- Remove from heat and transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds for added texture and garnish.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or your preferred side dish. Enjoy the tangy, sweet, and savory flavors of this classic Chinese-style lemon chicken.
Tips
- Cornstarch is key: Make sure to thoroughly coat the chicken pieces for that irresistible crispy exterior. Shake off any excess to prevent clumping.
- Temperature matters: Use medium-high heat to achieve that beautiful golden-brown color without burning the chicken.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in a single layer to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Sauce consistency is crucial: Simmer the sauce until it becomes glossy and slightly thickened, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Fresh ingredients make a difference: Use fresh lemon juice and minced garlic/ginger for the most vibrant flavor profile.
- Garnish generously: The sesame seeds not only add a beautiful presentation but also provide a delightful nutty crunch.
- Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, straight from the pan, to maintain the crispy texture of the chicken.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 255kcal
Carbohydrates: 29g
Protein: 24g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 60mg
