A Zesty Delight: Embark with us on a Culinary Adventure with Chinese Lemon Chicken
Unleash a cascade of zesty flavors with our Chinese lemon chicken recipe. Imagine the tantalizing aroma of citrus and ginger wafting through your kitchen, a beautiful fusion of Asian and American flavors . This dish is a true testament to the harmony of flavors that Chinese food is renowned for.
This vibrant dish is a terrific alternative to the more common sweet and sour chicken. Succulent chicken tenders are enveloped in a tangy and aromatic lemon sauce, creating a zesty burst of deliciousness in every bite.
Immerse yourself in the culinary traditions of Chinese American cuisine as you embark on this flavor-packed journey. Let the zesty notes of lemon dance on your palate, while the subtle heat of ginger adds a touch of warmth. This dish is a true testament to the harmony of flavors that Chinese cuisine is renowned for.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, our recipe is easy to follow, allowing you to recreate this restaurant-worthy dish in your own home. Gather your ingredients, preheat your air fryer, and prepare to be captivated by the irresistible aromas that will fill your kitchen.
Where did lemon chicken originate?
The exact origins of Chinese lemon chicken are unclear. Lemons are only native to southern China so many trace the dish to the Cantonese cuisine of this geographic area. It is believed the dish may have then been brought into Malaysia where it became a hugely popular dish. Others believe the dish was created to satisfy European palates found in Hong Kong or in Europe and North America. The dish then became popular wherever Chinese chefs or Chinese American restaurant owners had European or North American clientele
One theory suggests that lemon chicken originated in Hong Kong during the 1970s. This version featured crispy batter-fried chicken pieces coated in a tangy lemon-ginger sauce. The dish quickly gained popularity and is believed to have contributed to the widespread adoption of lemon chicken in Chinese cuisine.
Another possibility is that Chinese lemon chicken evolved from earlier citrus-flavored chicken dishes found in Chinese culinary traditions. For instance, sweet and sour chicken, a popular dish in China, incorporates elements of citrus flavor through a sweet and sour sauce. Chinese lemon chicken could have emerged as a variation of sweet and sour chicken, focusing more prominently on the citrus notes.
Regardless of its exact origins, Chinese lemon chicken has become a beloved dish worldwide, appreciated for its zesty flavors, tender chicken, and crispy coating. It is a testament to the adaptability and creativity of Chinese cuisine, constantly evolving and incorporating new flavors and techniques.
How does Chinese Lemon Chicken Taste?
This amazing dish can be enjoyed year round. However, the light lemony flavor reminds me that Spring is in the air! The dish is quite simple, breaded chicken tenders, some vegetables and a zesty Asian lemon sauce. The zest and tart of the lemon provides a nice contrast to the sweet and saltiness of the Asian sauce and the subtle tang of ginger. The dish is a bit different from most basic Cantonese dishes. It’s uniqueness makes it stand out.
Is Chinese Lemon Chicken Healthy?
The chicken is traditionally fried which adds a bit of fat and calories to the dish. However modern technology has given us the air fryer allowing us to create a deliciously crunchy chicken tenders without the added calories and fat inherent in frying. When made in an air fryer, this dish provides a low fat protein combined with an assortment of vegetables in a tasty sauce. This dish demonstrates that healthy eating can be delicious.
Can I use an air fryer to make Lemon Chicken?
As previously mentioned, absolutely! When air frying, be certain not to overcook the chicken as the tenders will dry out quickly without the additional fat introduced during the traditional frying process.
Recipe for Chinese Lemon Chicken, How to make it!
You must first prepare the chicken. The traditional manner of cooking the chicken is to fry them. We recommend using an air fryer to improve the health profile while maintaining the crunchy texture of the dish. Shop here for a wide variety of air fryers. Use chicken tenders and dredge them in your favorite breadcrumbs. They can then be baked, fried, air fried, even grilled. Another option that will save time, is taking a shortcut and using frozen pre-breaded chicken tenders. All of these options will result in a terrific dish.
While the chicken is cooking, cut up your vegetables and mix your lemon sauce. When the tenders are done set them aside. Place the aromatics in the wok for a few seconds, then add the vegetables. After they soften, the chicken is placed over a bed of vegetables, then a tangy lemon sauce is drizzled over the top. This can be done in the wok, or for a more fanciful presentation place the vegetables in an oval plate, top with the chicken, the sauce and garnish. The presentation of this lemon chicken is beautiful enough to be served at any gathering and tasty enough to wow them all.
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Chinese Lemon Chicken
4
servings20
minutes10
minutesA tangy and light lemon flavored dish loaded with fresh vegetables and crunchy chicken tenders.
Ingredients
8 breaded chicken tenders
1 large onion sliced
2 cloves garlic minced
2 Tbs ginger finely chopped
4 green onion sliced
1/2 red pepper sliced 1/2” x 2”
2 baby bok choy chopped separating white part from leafy greens
1 large carrot sliced diagonally
1 stalk Celery sliced diagonally
4 oz mushrooms sliced
- SAUCE
2/3 cup Chicken stock
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 Tbs soy sauce
1 Tbs oyster sauce
1 Tbs brown sugar
2 tsp lemon zest
1-2 Tbs Cornstarch mixed with a little water to make a paste
1 Tbs Avocado oil
- GARNISH
1 green onion sliced
1 Tbs sesame seeds, lightly toasted
Directions
- Cut all vegetables first. This is an important first step as this dish will come together quickly. Do not juice lemon until it is zested.
- Cook chicken according to package directions. If using fresh chicken tenders, bread them and cook your favorite way. Set aside.
- While chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Add cornstarch paste. Whisk to combine.
- In a small dry skillet or wok, set to medium heat add 1 Tbs of sesame seeds. While continuously stirring, toast until lightly browned. Set aside.
- Heat 1 Tbs of avocado oil in wok on high heat. Add all of the cut vegetables except for the leafy green part from the bok choy. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes or until vegetables begin to soften. Add the leafy greens of the bok choy and combine.
- Add the sauce and combine with the vegetables. Cook for 45 seconds to allow sauce to thicken. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch.
Recipe Video
Notes
- This can be served with rice and a side of salad.
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