Crispy Honey Lemon Chicken – Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Crispy Honey Lemon Chicken! This recipe combines the perfect balance of crispy chicken, tangy lemon, and sweet honey, creating a symphony of taste that will leave you craving for more. With its golden brown exterior and juicy tender interior, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that guarantees to impress both family and friends. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your dining experience.
Picture this: It’s a cozy Sunday evening, and the aroma of deliciousness fills the air. As I enter the kitchen, I see my husband, who usually leaves the cooking to me, preparing a special surprise. He has discovered the magic of Crispy Honey Lemon Chicken and decided to master it himself. With excitement, he follows the recipe step by step, from tossing the chicken in cornstarch to creating the mouthwatering sauce. The sizzle of the chicken hitting the pan and the heavenly scent wafting through the house create an anticipation that’s hard to resist. As we sit down to taste his creation, it’s a moment of pure bliss. The crispy chicken, coated in the delectable sweet and tangy sauce, takes us on a flavor journey that we can’t help but fall in love with. From that day on, Crispy Honey Lemon Chicken has become a beloved staple in our household, bringing us closer together through the joy of food and the shared experience of creating unforgettable moments.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try?
- Perfect Crispy Texture: The chicken chunks are coated in a delicate layer of cornstarch, ensuring a crispy and golden exterior that provides a satisfying crunch with every bite.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of zesty lemon, sweet honey, and savory soy sauce creates a harmonious blend of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is a breeze to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish ready to be devoured.
- Versatile Garnishes: The garnishes of green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh lemon zest not only add a pop of color but also enhance the overall flavor profile, elevating this dish to a gourmet experience.
Ingredients:
- 450 grams (1 lb.) chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 40 grams (1/3 cup) cornstarch
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) canola oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Sauce:
- 30 ml (2 tablespoons) soy sauce
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) honey
- Zest of one large lemon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) water
- 15 grams (1 tablespoon) cornstarch
Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh lemon zest
Directions:
In a large bowl or a ziplock bag, generously coat the chicken thighs with cornstarch, ensuring each piece is thoroughly covered. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, water, and cornstarch until well combined. Set aside.
Heat the canola oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken thighs and fry them until they turn crispy and golden brown.
Remove the chicken from the pan, leaving one tablespoon of oil behind, and discard the rest.
Reduce the heat to low and add the minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring continuously until fragrant. Be mindful not to burn the garlic and red pepper flakes.
Return the chicken to the pan and toss it with the aromatic mixture.
Give the prepared sauce a quick stir and add it to the pan, ensuring all the chicken pieces are coated evenly.
Stir the chicken and sauce together for approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute until the sauce thickens and envelops the chicken.
Sprinkle the dish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
Serve the Crispy Honey Lemon Chicken immediately, accompanied by a steaming bowl of rice to complement the flavors and satisfy your hunger.
Notes:
- To make the dish spicier, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of hot sauce.
- For a healthier alternative, you can bake the chicken in the oven instead of frying it. Simply arrange the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 200°C (400°F) for approximately 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of honey according to your desired level of sweetness.
- This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to suit your serving needs.
In conclusion, Crispy Honey Lemon Chicken is a culinary masterpiece that brings together the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the satisfying crunch of the crispy chicken to the delightful tang of lemon and the sweet embrace of honey, every bite is a delightful experience for your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe is a winner. So why wait? Grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and embark on a journey of culinary delight with Crispy Honey Lemon Chicken. Your family and friends will thank you, and your taste buds will be forever grateful for the explosion of flavors in every mouthful. Happy cooking and bon appétit!
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer. However, keep in mind that chicken thighs tend to be more tender and flavorful in this recipe.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While the dish is best enjoyed immediately after cooking, you can prepare the components in advance. Coat the chicken with cornstarch and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Prepare the sauce separately and refrigerate it as well. When ready to serve, fry the chicken, reheat the sauce, and combine them as directed.
Are there any alternatives to canola oil?
Absolutely! You can use other neutral-tasting oils like vegetable oil or peanut oil as a substitute.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2-3 months. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it in a pan or in the oven.
![](https://8fivefive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Crispy-Honey-Lemon-Chicken-360x361.jpg)
Crispy Honey Lemon Chicken
Ingredients
- 450 grams 1 lb. chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 40 grams 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 120 ml 1/2 cup canola oil
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Sauce:
- 30 ml 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 120 ml 1/2 cup honey
- Zest of one large lemon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 120 ml 1/2 cup water
- 15 grams 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh lemon zest
Instructions
- In a large bowl or a ziplock bag, generously coat the chicken thighs with cornstarch, ensuring each piece is thoroughly covered. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, water, and cornstarch until well combined. Set aside.
- Heat the canola oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken thighs and fry them until they turn crispy and golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the pan, leaving one tablespoon of oil behind, and discard the rest.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring continuously until fragrant. Be mindful not to burn the garlic and red pepper flakes.
- Return the chicken to the pan and toss it with the aromatic mixture.
- Give the prepared sauce a quick stir and add it to the pan, ensuring all the chicken pieces are coated evenly.
- Stir the chicken and sauce together for approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute until the sauce thickens and envelops the chicken.
- Sprinkle the dish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve the Crispy Honey Lemon Chicken immediately, accompanied by a steaming bowl of rice to complement the flavors and satisfy your hunger.
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