Lemon Chicken Gravy
Crispy fried chicken tossed in a tangy, savory lemon and soy sauce gravy. This Indo-Chinese favorite is packed with flavor from ginger, garlic, and fresh lemon juice, making it a perfect side for fried rice or noodles.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Chicken
- b.In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces, ginger-garlic paste, 1 tbsp soy sauce, black pepper powder, 3 tbsp cornflour, all-purpose flour, beaten egg, and 0.5 tsp salt.
- c.Mix thoroughly until each piece of chicken is evenly coated.
- d.Set aside to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Fry the Chicken
- b.Heat oil in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat.
- c.Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated chicken pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- d.Fry for 5-6 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
- e.Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
- b.Carefully discard the excess oil from the wok, leaving about 2 tbsp.
- c.Heat the remaining oil over high heat. Add the minced ginger, garlic, and slit green chilies. Sauté for 30-40 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the cubed onion and capsicum. Stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare and Thicken the Gravy
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tbsp soy sauce, white vinegar, sugar, remaining 0.5 tsp salt, and the vegetable stock. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- c.In a small bowl, whisk the remaining 1 tbsp of cornflour with 1/4 cup of water to create a smooth, lump-free slurry.
- d.While stirring the gravy, slowly pour in the cornflour slurry. Continue to cook and stir for 1-2 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice.
- c.Immediately add the fried chicken pieces to the gravy and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- d.Garnish with chopped spring onion greens and serve immediately to enjoy the crispy chicken.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crispy chicken, double-fry it. Fry once until light golden, cool for 5 minutes, then fry again on high heat for 1-2 minutes until deep golden brown.
- 2Do not overcook the vegetables; they should retain a slight crunch for the best texture.
- 3Always add the cornflour slurry to a simmering liquid while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- 4Add the lemon juice at the very end with the heat off to preserve its fresh, zesty flavor and aroma.
- 5For a juicier result, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breast.
- 6Ensure the chicken is at room temperature before frying for even cooking and a crispier coating.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace chicken with 250g of paneer or firm tofu. Coat and fry the pieces as directed, being careful not to overcook.
SpicierSpicier
Add 1 teaspoon of red chili sauce or a pinch of red chili flakes along with the soy sauce in the gravy for extra heat.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Use rice flour instead of all-purpose flour for the marinade and tamari instead of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
HealthierHealthier
Instead of deep-frying, pan-fry the coated chicken in a few tablespoons of oil or use an air fryer until golden and cooked through.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Chicken is an excellent source of high-quality lean protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Source of Vitamin C
The use of fresh lemon juice provides a good dose of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps boost the immune system, promotes skin health, and aids in iron absorption.
Energy Boosting
This dish provides a balanced mix of protein from chicken and carbohydrates from the coating and gravy, offering a substantial energy release to keep you feeling full and energized.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Lemon Chicken Gravy contains approximately 450-550 calories, primarily due to the deep-fried chicken. The exact count can vary based on the amount of oil absorbed.