Hello everyone! Today, I’m going to share a delicious chicken recipe that I learned at a famous restaurant. This dish has become my go-to way to prepare chicken, and once you try it, you’ll understand why. Let’s dive into this flavorful lemon soy marinated chicken.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken drumsticks
- 3 chicken thighs
- 5 lemon slices
- 250 ml lemon soda
- 80 ml soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 4 teaspoons oyster sauce
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 5 crushed garlic cloves
- A pinch of black pepper
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken:
- Make the Cuts:
- Start by cutting four chicken drumsticks. Make an X-shaped slit on each drumstick.
- Then cut three chicken thighs, making two superficial slits on each thigh. This helps the marinade penetrate the chicken better.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Transfer all the chicken pieces to a medium oven-proof dish.
- Add five lemon slices, 250 ml of lemon soda, 80 ml of soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of ketchup, 4 teaspoons of oyster sauce, the juice of one lemon, and five crushed garlic cloves.
- Add a pinch of black pepper and mix everything very well until the spices and liquids are well incorporated into the chicken.
- Cover the dish and place it in the fridge to marinate for 1 hour. This will allow the flavors to meld into the chicken.
Cooking the Chicken:
- Fry the Chicken:
- After the marination time has passed, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, setting the marinade aside for later.
- Fry the chicken pieces in the skillet until they are golden brown on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Add the Marinade:
- Once the chicken is golden brown, pour the reserved marinade into the skillet.
- Cover the skillet and let everything cook for 35 minutes on medium to low heat. This will allow the chicken to cook through and absorb all the flavors from the marinade.
- Reduce the Sauce:
- After 35 minutes, remove the excess broth from the skillet. This will help in creating a more concentrated sauce.
- Fry the chicken for another 5 minutes, allowing the remaining sauce to thicken and coat the chicken pieces beautifully.
Serving:
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Your lemon soy marinated chicken is now ready to be served. Transfer the chicken pieces to a serving platter and pour any remaining sauce from the skillet over the top.
- Garnish with additional lemon slices or chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add some vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli to the skillet for a more balanced meal.
- Spiciness: If you like a bit of heat, add some chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
FAQ Section:
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs and drumsticks?
- Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as breasts cook faster than thighs and drumsticks.
What can I use instead of lemon soda?
- You can use any citrus-flavored soda or even a mixture of lemon juice and sparkling water for a similar effect.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for an hour?
- Marinating for an hour helps the chicken absorb the flavors, but if you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will make a difference.
Can I bake this dish instead of frying?
- Yes, you can bake the marinated chicken in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 35-40 minutes. Just make sure to cover it with foil initially, then remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to brown the chicken.
What should I serve with this dish?
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or even a fresh green salad.
Thank you for joining me today! I hope you enjoy this lemon soy marinated chicken as much as I do. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and leave a comment below with the name of your city – I’ll make sure to leave a heart for you! Enjoy your meal and see you next time. Bye-bye!
