Introduction:

Lemon pepper chicken is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines the zesty freshness of lemons with the aromatic warmth of pepper. This recipe offers a harmonious blend of tangy and savory flavors, making it a favorite among chicken lovers. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or planning a special dinner, lemon pepper chicken is sure to impress. In this article, we will explore the wonders of lemon pepper chicken and its tantalizing taste, and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this delicious dish.

Ingredients:

1. Chicken 1 KG.
2. Butter.
3. Lime.
4. Pepper.
5. Salt.
6. Ginger paste.
7. Garlic.
8. Plain yogurt 1 cup + 1 tsp sugar.
9. Butter.
10. Bay leaves.
11. Pepper.
12. Cinnamon.
13. Green chili.
14. Cornstarch.

How to cook:

To cook lemon pepper chicken place the sliced chicken in a bowl and pour the lemon juice over it.

Add 1½ teaspoons of black pepper and 1¼ teaspoons of salt.

Add minced ginger and garlic (approximately 5 cloves) to the bowl. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to coat the chicken very well.

Add ¾ cup of plain yogurt and 1 teaspoon of sugar to the bowl. Mix them well to combine all the ingredients.

Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.

Heat up a pan over medium heat and add 2½ tablespoons of cooking oil.

Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan and melt it.

Add 2 bay leaves, 5-6 whole peppercorns, and 2 small cinnamon sticks to the pan. Sauté the spices for a minute to release their aroma.

Carefully add the marinated chicken to the pan, ensuring it is evenly spread out.

Fry each side of the chicken for approximately 2 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.

Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Allow the chicken to cook for 25 minutes, ensuring it is cooked through.

Once the chicken is cooked, add 5-6 chopped green chilies, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well to incorporate the flavors.

In a separate small bowl, dissolve 1½ teaspoons of cornstarch in ½ cup of water to create a slurry.

Pour the cornstarch slurry into the pan, stirring continuously. This will help thicken the sauce.

Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until it’s ready to serve.

Your delicious lemon pepper chicken is now ready to be served.

Conclusion:

Enjoy your lemon pepper chicken in flavorful and aromatic chicken dish with steamed rice or naan bread for a complete meal. The tanginess of the lemon and the kick of the black pepper will surely impress your taste buds.

Additional tips:

Customizing  the Heat: If you prefer a spicier version of lemon pepper chicken, you can adjust the amount of black pepper and green chilies to suit your taste buds. For a milder flavor, reduce the pepper and chilies accordingly.

Marinating Time: While 30 minutes of marination is sufficient, for even more flavorful chicken, consider marinating it for a few hours or even overnight. This will allow the chicken to absorb the marinade’s flavors deeply.

Using Fresh Lime Juice: For the best taste, always use freshly squeezed lime juice instead of bottled lime juice. Fresh lime juice has a vibrant flavor that enhances the dish.

Yogurt Variations: Experiment with different types of yogurt, such as Greek yogurt or flavored yogurt, to give the marinade a unique twist. Each type of yogurt will add its own distinct taste to the chicken.

Serving Suggestions: Lemon pepper chicken pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Serve it with steamed vegetables, a crisp garden salad, or some buttered rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Garnishing: Before serving, consider garnishing the lemon pepper chicken with fresh cilantro or parsley. The bright green herbs add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Butter Basting: For an extra rich and succulent flavor, try basting the chicken with melted butter while it’s cooking. This will infuse the chicken with a luxurious taste and aroma.

Grilling Option: If you enjoy grilled dishes, you can adapt this recipe for the barbecue. Marinate the chicken as directed and then grill it on medium heat until it’s cooked through.

Accompanying Sauces: Serve the lemon pepper chicken with a side of tangy and creamy sauce like garlic aioli, a yogurt-based dip, or a simple lemon butter sauce to elevate the flavors even further.

Leftover Ideas: If you have any leftovers, consider shredding the lemon pepper chicken and using it as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or tacos for a delightful lunch the next day.

 

FAQs:

Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of sliced chicken?
A: Yes, you can use chicken breast for this recipe. However, adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken breast tends to cook faster.

Q: Can I use lime instead of lemon for the marinade?
A: Absolutely! Lime can be used as a substitute for lemon in this recipe, providing a slightly different but equally delightful flavor.

Q: Is lemon pepper chicken a spicy dish?
A: The level of spiciness can be adjusted according to your taste preference. Adding or reducing the amount of black pepper and green chilies will help control the spiciness.

Q: Can I marinate the chicken for longer than 30 minutes?
A: While 30 minutes is sufficient for the flavors to infuse, you can marinate the chicken for longer (up to a few hours) for a more intense taste.

 

Look at this recipe in Hindi: click here