Lemon pepper chicken is a juicy and flavorful chicken recipe with a slightly sour taste due to the presence of lemon. If you have lemon and chicken at home, this is the perfect dish to try tonight. It is a quick and simple recipe, with the only time-consuming part being the marination. The longer you marinate the chicken, the better the taste.

This juicy and delicious chicken should be made with fresh lemon. The addition of black pepper, garlic, and herb seasoning enhances the flavor of the curry. Lemon, a versatile fruit commonly found in home gardens, brings a tangy twist to this dish. Lemon pepper chicken pairs wonderfully with pasta, making it a great side dish.

Cooking Process

In this recipe, chicken pieces are thoroughly washed and cleaned. A marinade is prepared, coating the chicken pieces completely before letting them rest for 1 to 2 hours. The marinated chicken is then fried in hot oil along with whole spices.

After frying, a sauce is prepared, allowing the chicken to simmer on a medium flame. There are different variations of lemon chicken, ranging from dry to saucy versions. The addition of curd helps in softening the chicken. Unlike heavily spiced curries, this recipe uses only garam masala to enhance the flavor. If you’re looking for a tangy and delicious homemade chicken recipe, follow the steps below.

Ingredients

For Marination:

• Chicken, cut into pieces – 1 kg
• Crushed pepper – 1 teaspoon
• Ginger garlic paste – 2 tablespoons
• Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
• Curd – 1/2 cup

For Cooking:

• Oil – 2 tablespoons
• Butter – 1 tablespoon
• Black pepper – 1 teaspoon
• Bay leaf (or allspice leaf) – 2
• Cinnamon sticks – 2
• Cardamom – 2
• Cloves – 3
• Finely chopped garlic – 1 tablespoon
• Crushed pepper – 1 teaspoon
• Garam masala powder – 1/2 teaspoon
• Corn flour – 1 tablespoon (mixed in 1/3 cup of water)
• Green chili – 1

For Garnishing:

• Lemon wedges – 4
• Coriander leaves – 2 tablespoons

Method of Preparation

1. Wash and clean the chicken pieces thoroughly.
2. Marinate the chicken with the ingredients listed under marination.
3. Mix well and let it rest for 1 hour.
4. Heat oil and butter in a pan. Add bay leaves, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper one by one.
5. Once the whole spices splutter, add finely chopped garlic and sauté until golden brown.
6. Add the marinated chicken pieces and fry them on high flame for 2 to 3 minutes, flipping occasionally.
7. Once the chicken is fried, add the remaining marinade and cook on low flame for 15 minutes.
8. Then, add corn flour mixed in water and stir well.
9. Allow the curry to boil, then add garam masala, green chili, and crushed pepper.
10. Garnish with coriander leaves and lemon wedges.
11. Important: Do not boil the curry with lemon wedges, as it may turn bitter.
12. Serve hot with pasta and enjoy!

Lemon pepper chicken is a perfect balance of tangy and spicy flavors, making it an excellent addition to your dinner table. Try this simple yet delicious recipe and impress your family with your cooking skills!