True Lemon Chicken

True Lemon Chicken
True Lemon Chicken
I wanted to make Lemon Chicken like the Chinese restaurants have. After trying many recipes, I found one that was OK. I played with the recipe and tweaked it to my liking...a Lemon Sauce that is lemony with a good balance of sweet. I hope you enjoy this as much as I do.
  • Preparing Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Served Person: 2
low fat saute main dish chicken chinese contains white meat tree nut free nut free gluten free red meat free shellfish free dairy free
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • sauce
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 lemon, juice of or 3 tablespoons bottled lemon juice
  • 1/8 cup lime juice
  • 1/8 cup lemon juice
  • 2 drops yellow food coloring
  • cornstarch mixed with
  • water to thicken
  • Carbohydrate 234.768295002106 g
  • Cholesterol 136.88 mg
  • Fat 4.7930075 g
  • Fiber 2.77349989982024 g
  • Protein 55.3417250000927 g
  • Saturated Fat 1.03604 g
  • Serving Size 1 1 Serving (629g)
  • Sodium 235.057750000244 mg
  • Sugar 231.994795102286 g
  • Trans Fat 0.916406249999999 g
  • Calories 1168 calories

My Quest for the Perfect Lemon Chicken

As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious, satisfying meals can feel like a Herculean task. I crave those comforting flavors from my favorite Chinese restaurant – especially their Lemon Chicken. That bright, tangy sauce, the tender chicken… it’s pure comfort food. But ordering takeout every week just isn’t feasible, both for my budget and my waistline. So, I embarked on a culinary adventure, determined to recreate that restaurant magic in my own kitchen.

My journey began with countless online recipes. Some were close, others… well, let’s just say they weren't quite right. The sauces were either too tart, too sweet, or lacked that certain *je ne sais quoi*. I spent weekends experimenting, tweaking ingredients, adjusting proportions. I sampled countless variations, often involving my family in taste tests – much to their amusement (and, sometimes, slight groans!). But I persevered. I wanted that perfect balance of lemony zest, subtle sweetness, and a hint of savory depth that would transport me back to those delightful restaurant meals.

The process wasn't always easy. There were times I nearly gave up, frustrated by the lack of success. But the thought of that perfect bite of tender chicken drenched in a vibrant, flavorful sauce kept me going. I learned the importance of high-quality ingredients – fresh lemon juice makes all the difference! I experimented with different types of cornstarch, discovering the perfect consistency for a luxuriously thick sauce that coats the chicken beautifully. And through trial and error, I discovered the secret to a perfectly balanced sauce: a delicate dance between tart lemon juice, sweet sugar, and just a whisper of other flavors to round it all out.

Finally, after countless iterations, I achieved it. A Lemon Chicken recipe that captures the essence of my favorite takeout dish, perfectly suited to my busy life. It's a recipe that's become a staple in our household, a comforting and delicious meal that's both satisfying and relatively quick to make. It's not just about the food; it's about the journey of discovery, the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch, and sharing it with the people I love. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it's a testament to perseverance, a reflection of my love for good food, and a celebration of creating something truly special in my own kitchen.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar or lemon juice to your personal preference. If you're feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. The possibilities are endless! This isn't just a recipe; it's a starting point for your own culinary exploration. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to embark on your own delicious adventure in the world of Lemon Chicken. The result? A dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends – and maybe even yourself.

This Lemon Chicken recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of persistence, the joy of culinary exploration, and the satisfaction of creating something delicious and comforting from scratch. It’s a dish that’s easy to make, yet delivers big on flavor, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. And, best of all, it’s a recipe I can confidently share with others, knowing they’ll enjoy it as much as I do.

So, give this recipe a try. Let me know in the comments how it turns out! I can't wait to hear about your culinary adventures. Happy cooking!

Step-by-step

    • Saute cubed chicken in olive oil until done.
    • Set aside.
    • In a small saucepan, combine first 7 ingredients and bring to a low boil.
    • Slowly stir in cornstarch solution.
    • Depending on how thick you want the sauce determines how much cornstarch solution you use.
    • Careful- sauce tends to boil up when cornstarch solution is added.
    • Serve chicken over a bed of rice.
    • Pour sauce over chicken & rice.
    • Enjoy!