How to Make Lemon Chicken Fry – A Flavorful Delight

How to Make Lemon Chicken Fry – A Flavorful Delight

Lemon chicken fry is a zesty, crispy, and succulent dish that blends the tangy freshness of lemon with the savory goodness of fried chicken. Popular across many Asian and fusion cuisines, this dish is both comforting and refreshing, perfect as a starter or a side dish for a larger meal. Here's a detailed recipe and step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious dish at home.

Ingredients:

For Marination:

  • 500 grams chicken (boneless or with small bone pieces)
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon yogurt or curd (optional, for tenderness)

For Frying:

  • 2 tablespoons cornflour
  • 2 tablespoons rice flour (or all-purpose flour)
  • Oil for deep frying

For Tempering (Optional but Recommended):

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 green chili, slit
  • Few curry leaves
  • 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Chopped coriander or spring onions for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. Wash and clean the chicken pieces. Pat them dry.
  2. In a large bowl, add ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander powder, salt, lemon juice, and yogurt.
  3. Mix the chicken thoroughly so it is well-coated with the spices.
  4. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (preferably 2-3 hours for best flavor).

Step 2: Prepare for Frying

  1. After marination, add cornflour and rice flour to the chicken. Mix well so the flours coat the chicken evenly. This gives a crispy texture when fried.
  2. If the mixture feels too dry, you can sprinkle a little water (1-2 tablespoons) to help bind the flour to the chicken.

Step 3: Deep Fry the Chicken

  1. Heat oil in a deep frying pan or kadai over medium-high heat.
  2. Once the oil is hot, gently drop the marinated chicken pieces in batches. Do not overcrowd the pan.
  3. Fry the chicken until golden brown and crisp – about 5–7 minutes per batch.
  4. Remove and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 4: Tempering for Extra Flavor (Optional)

  1. In a separate pan, heat a tablespoon of oil.
  2. Add chopped garlic, slit green chili, and curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds until aromatic.
  3. Add the fried chicken to this and toss gently.
  4. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and garnish with coriander or spring onions.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve hot with sliced onions and lemon wedges.
  • Pairs well with fried rice, noodles, or can be enjoyed as a snack with drinks.

Tips for Best Results:

  • For extra crispiness, double-fry the chicken (fry once, rest for a few minutes, then fry again briefly).
  • Adjust chili and lemon based on your spice and tang preference.
  • Adding a bit of soy sauce or pepper to the marinade gives a slightly Indo-Chinese twist.

Lemon chicken fry is a crowd-pleaser – crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, with a delightful citrusy kick. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a flavorful dish, this recipe is sure to hit the spot!

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