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Phoenix Chinese Food offers a delightful array of flavors and dishes. One standout is Lemon Chicken served in a crispy phoenix nest. This dish, a popular choice in many Phoenix Chinese restaurants, can also be easily recreated at home. This recipe guides you through creating this impressive and flavorful meal.

This Lemon Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of crispy fried chicken coated in a tangy, sweet lemon sauce, nestled in a delicate phoenix nest, is a true culinary experience. Even novice cooks can master this dish with a little patience.

The key to the “phoenix nest” lies in preparing the egg noodles. Soaking them in boiling water briefly, then drying them overnight, allows them to crisp up beautifully when deep-fried between two greased sieves. The nest provides a visually stunning base for the lemon chicken and adds a satisfying crunch. A simple garnish of curled spring onion tops, achieved by soaking thinly sliced strips in iced water, elevates the presentation further. This technique cleverly utilizes often discarded parts of the spring onion, minimizing waste. Beyond the nest, the dish incorporates a vibrant stir-fry of carrots, bell peppers (capsicum), and shallots, adding color and contrasting textures to complement the chicken.

Lemon Chicken Recipe

This recipe provides a detailed guide to making delicious lemon chicken.

Ingredients:

Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup cornflour
• 3 tablespoons water
• 4 egg yolks
• Oil for deep frying

Lemon Sauce:

• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons powdered chicken stock, or 2 chicken stock cubes
• 2 tablespoons cornflour (blended into 1/4 cup cold water before adding)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 1/2 cups water

Method:

Lemon Sauce:

1. Combine all sauce ingredients in a saucepan.
2. Stir over low heat until the sauce boils and thickens.
3. Reduce heat to the lowest setting and simmer, stirring occasionally, while preparing the chicken.

Chicken:

1. Prepare the chicken breasts by removing any skin or excess fat. Lightly pound the chicken to even thickness.
2. In a bowl, create a well in the center of the cornflour. Add water, lightly beaten egg yolks, salt, and pepper to taste to the well. Gradually whisk or stir the cornflour into the wet ingredients until a smooth batter forms.
3. Dip each chicken breast into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated.
4. Deep fry the chicken until golden brown. (Shallow frying can be used but be careful to prevent the chicken pieces from touching and sticking together.) Drain the fried chicken on absorbent paper. Keep warm in a low oven if needed until serving.
5. Slice the cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
6. To serve, arrange the chicken in the prepared phoenix nest and spoon the hot lemon sauce generously over the chicken. Serve immediately with the sautéed vegetables.

This Lemon Chicken in a Phoenix Nest recipe brings a taste of authentic Phoenix Chinese food to your kitchen. The vibrant flavors and impressive presentation make it a perfect dish for a special occasion or a weeknight treat. Enjoy!