Sticky Lemon Chicken

chinese

Sticky Lemon Chicken

Replicate one of my Chinese takeaway favourites at home! This easy to cook dish is sweet, sticky and sour and served up with a portion of fluffy egg fried rice is a delicious alternative to heading out to your local takeaway. You really must give it a try.

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Ingredients

  • chicken thighs 500 g (diced)
  • cornflour 1 tbsp
  • lemon 1 (zest & juice)
  • spring onions 4 (chopped)
  • chicken stock cube 1
  • garlic paste 1 tbsp
  • ginger paste 1 tbsp
  • sugar 3 tbsp
  • soy sauce 1 tbsp
  • basmati microwave rice 500 g
  • sesame seeds to serve
  • vegetable oil 400 ml

Method

  • Dice the chicken thighs into bite size pieces.
  • In a large bowl combine the chicken with the cornflour and season with salt and pepper. Mix well and leave to marinate for at least 20 minutes.
  • You will need enough vegetable oil so that the chicken is covered when you fry it. Heat the oil in a deep pan until it reaches 185°C. If you don't have a thermometer you can test the oil by dropping a breadcrumb into it, if it sizzles right away and turns golden-brown, then it's ready to use.
  • Carefully lower the chicken into the pan and fry it for around 4 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 75°C. I like to do this in two batches so as not to overcrowd the pan. Remove the chicken from the pan with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper.
  • Juice and zest the lemon. Chop the spring onions.
  • Make up the chicken stock cube with 100ml boiling water.
  • Prepare the sticky lemon sauce. In a small bowl combine the garlic paste, ginger paste, sugar, lemon juice and zest, soy sauce, chicken stock, a dash of cornflour and season with salt.
  • Cook the rice as per the packet instructions.
  • Heat a dash of oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Add the chicken and spring onions and fry for 30 seconds. Add the sticky lemon sauce and coat the chicken, simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens, sprinkle with the sesame seeds.
  • Plate up - serve the rice with the sticky lemon chicken and sprinkle the spring onions on top.

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