Chinese Sticky Honey Chicken With Lemon & Chilli Recipe

Name: Chinese Sticky Honey Chicken with Lemon & Chilli
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 500g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 3 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Zest of 1 lemon; 1 red chilli, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, grated; 2 tablespoons cornflour; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Spring onions, sliced (for garnish); Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Chinese Sticky Honey Chicken with Lemon & Chilli Recipe

This delightful Chinese Sticky Honey Chicken with Lemon & Chilli recipe combines the sweetness of honey with the zestiness of lemon and the heat of chilli. It's a perfect balance of flavours that will tantalize your taste buds.

Cultural or Historical Context

Chinese cuisine is renowned for its balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavours. This recipe exemplifies this balance, drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese cooking techniques and ingredients, creating a dish that's both delicious and visually appealing.

Ingredients for the Chinese Sticky Honey Chicken with Lemon & Chilli

500g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
1 red chilli, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
2 tablespoons cornflour
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Spring onions, sliced (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Preparation Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped chilli, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Set aside.
Coat the Chicken: After marinating, coat the chicken pieces with cornflour, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Combine and Simmer: In the same pan, pour in the honey-lemon-chilli sauce. Bring it to a simmer, then add the cooked chicken back to the pan. Toss to coat the chicken in the sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce is sticky and has thickened.
Season and Garnish: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with sliced spring onions and sesame seeds.

How to Store and Reheat Chinese Sticky Honey Chicken with Lemon & Chilli

Storage: Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in a frying pan over medium heat until thoroughly heated. You can also reheat in the microwave on a microwave-safe plate for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 600mg

FAQ about the Chinese Sticky Honey Chicken with Lemon & Chilli

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast? A: Yes, chicken thighs can be used and will provide a juicier texture.

Q: How can I make this dish spicier? A: Add more chopped chilli or include a pinch of chilli flakes to the sauce.

Q: Is there a substitute for rice vinegar? A: Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used as substitutes.

Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free? A: Ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free and use a gluten-free cornflour.

Serve this Chinese Sticky Honey Chicken with Lemon & Chilli over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. The combination of flavours and textures makes it a standout dish that's sure to impress.