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Unforgettable Chinese Crispy Lemon Chicken Recipe

Unforgettable Chinese Crispy Lemon Chicken Recipe


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4.9 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Indulgent Malaysian Butter Chicken offers a creamy, spice-laden journey through Southeast Asian culinary traditions. Rich aromatics and silky sauce promise an unforgettable dining experience you cannot resist savoring.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed
  • 2 eggs

Coating and Seasoning:

  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder (optional)

Sauce and Flavor Ingredients:

  • Neutral oil, for frying
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 sprig curry leaves
  • 510 Thai chilies, minced
  • 1 ½ cups evaporated milk
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons sugar
  • 1 slice American or cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare tender chicken by cutting into uniform bite-sized morsels.
  2. Create a rich coating mixture by whisking eggs with flour, cornstarch, seasoning agents, and curry powder until smooth and well-blended.
  3. Thoroughly coat each chicken piece in the prepared batter, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
  4. Warm neutral cooking oil in a deep cooking vessel until it reaches optimal frying temperature.
  5. Carefully submerge chicken pieces in hot oil, working in controlled batches to maintain consistent temperature.
  6. Fry chicken until achieving a gorgeous golden-brown exterior and crispy texture, approximately 4-5 minutes per batch.
  7. Transfer fried chicken onto absorbent paper towels to eliminate excess oil.
  8. In a separate pan, gently melt butter over moderate heat, releasing its rich aroma.
  9. Introduce fragrant curry leaves and spicy Thai chilies, sautéing until their essential oils are released.
  10. Pour evaporated milk into the pan, reducing heat to create a gentle simmer.
  11. Incorporate salt, sugar, and cheese, stirring consistently to develop a velvety, unified sauce.
  12. Delicately introduce crispy fried chicken pieces into the creamy sauce, ensuring complete and elegant coating.
  13. Present immediately alongside steamed rice or warm artisan bread for a delectable Malaysian culinary experience.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking and crispy texture throughout.
  • Use a thermometer to check oil temperature around 350-375°F for perfect golden-brown coating without burning.
  • Opt for full-fat evaporated milk to achieve rich, creamy sauce consistency that clings beautifully to chicken.
  • Adjust spice levels by reducing or removing Thai chilies for milder palates, maintaining authentic Malaysian flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Malaysian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 1.5 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg