Crispy Lemon Chicken (柠檬脆皮鸡)

Hey there, foodies of the world!

It's been three years since I moved from China to Europe, and while I've fallen in love with croissants, pasta, and tapas, there's a part of me that always yearns for the flavors of home. I've realized that food is such a beautiful bridge between cultures, and today, I want to walk you over one of those bridges.

Let me introduce you to the Cantonese Crispy Lemon Chicken. It's a taste of my childhood, a symphony of crispy, tangy, and sweet all in one bite. I've cooked this dish for many of my European friends, and they've adored it every time. Now, I want to share this experience with you.

Ingredients

To recreate this piece of my heart, you'll need:

• 4 boneless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs.)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Salt and white pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

For the delightful Lemon Sauce:

• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (blended with 1 tablespoon water)
• 1/2 cup water

Steps

1. Prep That Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and white pepper. Dip each piece into flour, followed by the beaten eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.

2. Frying Delight: Warm your oil in a skillet or deep fryer until it reaches around 375°F (190°C). Gently place your chicken pieces in and fry until they turn a rich golden hue. Remember, about 5-7 minutes on each side should do. Once done, let them rest on a wire rack.

3. Lemon Magic: Combine the lemon juice, zest, sugar, and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. As it bubbles, stir in the cornstarch mixture to give it a velvety consistency.

4. Serve with Love: Lay out your crispy chicken on a plate, pouring that luscious lemon sauce over it. A few lemon slices and a sprinkle of sesame seeds add just the right touch of elegance.

Whenever I serve this dish, I'm instantly transported back to my family's dinner table in Guangzhou. It's a blend of nostalgia and the joy of sharing. Serve with steamed rice or perhaps some European greens on the side.

Embrace the culinary journey, and remember, it's not just about the food, but the stories and love behind every bite. Enjoy, my dear friends!