Lemon chicken is a tasty and juicy chicken dish which is popular all over the world. The tangy flavor of lemon is the specialty of this chicken dish. Various herbs and spices are used as flavoring agents in this recipe. Since lemon chicken has a global taste, it is made in different cultures with some variations. The lemon chicken recipes are mostly used as side dish.
Method Of Preparation And Ingredients Used in Lemon Chicken Recipes
To make a delicious lemon chicken dish it is essential to properly marinate the chicken. The main ingredients required for lemon chicken recipes are chicken (preferably breasts and thighs), lemon juice, salt, pepper, spices and oil. A marinade is prepared by mixing all ingredients and the chicken is dipped into it. After some time the marinated chicken is baked. The baked lemon infused chicken is served hot with onion rings and sliced lemons.
Variations In Lemon Chicken Recipes
A lemon chicken is popular in various countries and there are simple variations in lemon chicken recipes in every place.
The Canadian Chinese lemon chicken comprise of chicken pieces that are deep fried and then coated with a thick, sweet flavored lemon sauce.
The chicken recipe popular in Australasia makes use of crumbled chicken pieces dipped in lemon juice for baking.
In Italian cuisine, lemon chicken or pollo al limone is made by roasting whole chicken with white wine, fresh lemon juice, fresh thyme and mirepoix.
The Spanish people relish the variation known as Pollo al Romero con Limón y Piñones by roasting the whole chicken with lemon sauce, pine nuts, rosemary, and ham browned together.
One of the Chinese version of the same chicken dish is made by coating chicken pieces in marinate and then rolling it in almond silvers and then finally frying and serving with a lemon glaze sauce.
A lemon chicken made in France typically comprises of Dijon mustard in the sauce and is paired with roasted potatoes
Serving Lemon Chicken
Lemon chicken is a dish that can be an entrée to a main course, or an evening appetizer. The dish pairs well with hot and steamy vegetables, bean salad and with rice or noodles during the meal times. The wines that add to the taste of this tangy chicken dish are Sauvignon Blanc, France and Pinot Blanc.
Lemon chicken recipe can also be used to make chicken lollipops, cutlets, pasta and sandwiches.
Popular Lemon Chicken Recipes
· Basil Lemon Chicken- It is one of the delicious and mouthwatering tangy flavored chicken recipes made by combining lemon juice with fresh basil leaves and mustard. This recipe is perfect for evening snacking.
· Rosemary Thyme Lemon Chicken- One can feel the fresh herbs in every bite of this chicken recipe. Fresh rosemary, thyme and lemon make the flavor tangy and zesty.
· Crispy Oven Fried Lemon Chicken- This recipe contains the rich flavor of lemon, garlic and thyme. After the chicken is dipped in the marinade and roasted well, it is wrapped in bread crumbs and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and is served hot with salt and pepper seasoning.
· Baked Lemon Chicken With Mushroom Sauce- The preparation of this chicken is done by baking lemon infused chicken and then covering the chicken pieces with thick and spicy mushroom sauce. The dish goes well with rice and stir fried vegetables. It is one of the popular lemon chicken recipes.
· Mediterranean Lemon Chicken- Oregano, crushed garlic and lemon juice add rich flavors to this recipe and make it a delicious and hearty snack meal.
· Greek Lemon Chicken Soup- It is a popular Greek 'avegolemono' soup which makes a delightful treat for lunches as well as dinner. The recipe makes use of vegetables like carrots, celery, and broccoli with diced chicken, lemon juice and eggs. This gentle yet rich-tasting soup is full of nutrition and makes a warming and filling main dish. Chicken breasts are simmered with vegetables, and then rice is cooked in the well-flavored stock. The taste is further added by putting eggs and fresh lemon juice.
Nutritional Value Of Lemon Chicken Recipes
Lemon chicken is a low calorie and high protein food. The calories increase when the chicken is deep fried. Usage of olive oil is preferable and the quantity of cheese, if added should be monitored. Overall it is a healthy chicken recipe which can be relished once in a while.