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Chinese Lemon Chicken

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs chicken breast cut into1 inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • ½ cup chicken or vegetable stock
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice (juice of about 1 medium lemon)
  • finely grated zest of 1 lemon
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp finely grated ginger or ginger paste
  • 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 3 tsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp water
  • vegetable oil for frying

Marinade

  • 1 tbsp Chinese Shaoxing wine
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 egg white

Instructions
 

  • Mix the marinade ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
  • Add the chicken pieces and marinade to a gallon sized storage or freezer bag. Make sure all the chicken is covered with the marinade. Let marinate for 20 minutes.
  • In another bowl mix together the chicken stock, soy sauce and sugar.
  • Add the flour to a separate large bowl. Pour the chicken and marinade into the bowl with the flour. Use your hands or a large spoon to mix the chicken and marinade with the flour to form a craggy coating. It’s will get kind of gooey but don’t worry about it, that’s exactly how it should be.
  • In a separate bowl, add the lemon juice and zest.
  • Fill a wok or frying pan to about 1/3 full with vegetable oil on high heat. When the oil is hot enough for frying at 325°F, shake excess flour from the chicken pieces and add to the pan. Cook chicken pieces in 2 or 3 batches for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown on each side. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels.
  • In another saucepan on medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of oil, garlic and ginger. Cook for about 10 seconds or until fragrant. Then add the chicken stock mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sugar has dissolved. Then add the lemon juice and zest. Simmer for another minute before adding the cornstarch mixture. Cook for another 4-5 minutes or until sauce has slightly thickened. Add the chicken pieces and toss until evenly coated. Serve over rice or noodles.
Keyword chicken