MY DAD'S LEMON CHICKEN

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My Dad's Lemon Chicken image

While my mother dabbled in French pâtés, Indian food, and American cakes of all kinds, my father found his true passion in Chinese food. He still has a special kitchen cabinet filled with various soy sauces, vinegars, and spices. When he cooks, every inch of the kitchen is covered in small bowls with all the prep. This dish remains, by far, my favorite -- and requires the fewest bowls. The cornstarch creates a great crispy layer on the chicken, and the tang of the lemon and ginger makes it addictive.

Provided by Alex Guarnaschelli

Categories     main-dish

Time 4h55m

Yield 2 to 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 large eggs
6 tablespoons cornstarch
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
Juice of 2 lemons
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
2 medium garlic cloves, grated
6 cups peanut oil
1 lemon, cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
1/2 small Thai (bird's-eye) chile

Steps:

  • 1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with 3 tablespoons of the cornstarch until smooth. Season the chicken on all sides with salt, and submerge it in the egg mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 6 hours.
  • 2. Make the lemon sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the soy sauce, lemon juice, white vinegar, and sugar. Simmer over medium heat until the flavors come together and the sugar has dissolved, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the ginger and garlic, and simmer for 1 additional minute. Remove from the heat and keep the sauce warm.
  • 3. Fry the chicken: Pour the peanut oil into a large heavy-bottomed pot (or wok) and bring it to 350 degrees F over medium-low heat. (Use a deep-frying thermometer to monitor the temperature as it heats.) Remove the chicken from any liquid in the bowl and spread it in an even layer on a baking sheet. Use a fine-mesh sieve to sprinkle the remaining 3 tablespoons cornstarch in an even layer over all sides of the chicken pieces. Drop some of the lemon slices carefully into the oil and fry until light brown with crisped edges, just 1 to 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to a baking sheet lined with a kitchen towel. In batches, add the chicken to the hot oil and cook until crispy and browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to the baking sheet. Season with salt.
  • 4. Finish the dish: Stir the lemon slices and fresh chile into the sauce. Arrange the fried chicken pieces on a platter, and pour the sauce over them. Serve immediately.

Fowz Jacobs
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I'm not usually a fan of lemon chicken, but this recipe changed my mind. The sauce was so flavorful and the chicken was cooked to perfection. I will definitely be making this again.


opiata manas
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This lemon chicken was a big hit at my dinner party last night. Everyone loved the bright, lemony flavor and the chicken was cooked perfectly. I will definitely be making this again.


Jennifer Kamsi
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This recipe is a keeper! The chicken was so moist and tender, and the lemon sauce was the perfect complement. I will definitely be making this again.


rahma dfdf
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I've made this lemon chicken several times now and it's always a crowd-pleaser. The sauce is so flavorful and the chicken is cooked to perfection. It's a great recipe for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.


Dawa Lama
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This lemon chicken is a family favorite! It's so easy to make and the results are always delicious. The chicken is always cooked perfectly and the lemon sauce is amazing. I highly recommend this recipe.


Lydia Fatmata Kargbo
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I tried this recipe last night and it was amazing! The chicken was cooked perfectly and the lemon sauce was delicious. I will definitely be making this again.


Dan DTK
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This is the best lemon chicken recipe I've ever tried! The chicken was so tender and juicy, and the lemon sauce was the perfect balance of tangy and savory. I will definitely be making this again and again.


Shamsa Talat
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I'm not usually a fan of lemon chicken, but this recipe changed my mind. The sauce was so flavorful and the chicken was cooked to perfection. I will definitely be making this again.


Joram Ft
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This lemon chicken was a big hit at my dinner party last night. Everyone loved the bright, lemony flavor and the chicken was cooked perfectly. I will definitely be making this again.


Bharat Danuwar
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I love this recipe! It's so easy to make and the results are always delicious. The chicken is always cooked perfectly and the lemon sauce is amazing. I highly recommend this recipe.


Stavros Ashraf
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This recipe is a keeper! The chicken was so moist and tender, and the lemon sauce was the perfect complement. I will definitely be making this again.


Fouzain Status Zone
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I've made this lemon chicken several times now and it's always a crowd-pleaser. The sauce is so flavorful and the chicken is cooked to perfection. It's a great recipe for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.


ToqEer offical Artist and Singer
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This is my new favorite chicken recipe! It's so easy to make and the results are always amazing. I love the bright, lemony flavor and the chicken is always so tender and juicy.


Latoya Gilliam
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I tried this recipe last night and it was a hit with my family! The chicken was cooked perfectly and the lemon sauce was amazing. We all loved it.


lashay summers
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This lemon chicken was absolutely delicious! The chicken was so tender and juicy, and the lemon sauce was the perfect balance of tangy and savory. I will definitely be making this again and again.