Inspired by the richness of Chinese cuisine, I have carefully curated this Chinese Lemon Chicken Salad to showcase the perfect balance of sweet, fragrant, and tangy notes, all while incorporating the goodness of tender chicken.

With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, this lemon chicken salad is a feast for the senses and a breeze to prepare.

Let’s dive into the recipe and discover the magic that lies within.

✏️ About This Recipe

In Chinese cuisine, some cold dishes are the equivalent of salads. They serve as appetizers, allowing family and guests to enjoy some delicious bites while sipping on drinks or rice wine, all while eagerly waiting for the main dishes to be prepared in the kitchen. These cold dishes come in many forms, from roasted peanuts to an array of pickles and even braised beef and chicken salads, just like the one we’re making with this recipe. It’s the perfect time for socializing, sharing stories, and relishing the company of loved ones while indulging in these delicious starters.

In our modern society, family gatherings may be less frequent, however, that’s where these cold dishes, especially the meat-based ones, step in as a perfect solution for quick, light, and healthy meals. Packed with high protein and low carbs, they offer a fantastic way to indulge in nutritious goodness without spending hours in the kitchen.

Traditionally, lemon is not widely used in Chinese cuisine. We relied on Chinese black vinegar or rice vinegar to add that tangy kick to our dishes. But as modern Chinese cooking evolves, lemon has burst onto the scene, gaining popularity for its refreshing, zesty flavor, health benefits, and fantastic presentation. The younger generation, in particular, has embraced this citrus gem with open arms, making it a trendy addition to many modern Chinese dishes. ?

🍳 Ingredients

• Chicken: Chicken legs or thighs work best for this recipe, offering tender juiciness due to their fat and meat content. Feel free to remove the skin if desired, or use boneless chicken thighs as an alternative.
• Lemon: Lemon brings that tangy kick and freshness to the recipe, but if you prefer, Chinese black vinegar or balsamic vinegar can be excellent alternatives.
• Fried Garlic: Freshly fried garlic is like a flavor bomb. It’s super fragrant and makes the oil so tasty. Forget those store-bought versions that fall flat; making your own is a piece of cake, and it stays fresh in the fridge for ages. You can add it to just about anything. From stir-fries to soups and sauces.
• Chilli: Chili is optional because not everyone can handle the heat. But some chili varieties aren’t super spicy, they just add vibrant color to your dish. Plus, they’re a great source of vitamin C.

🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Boiling the chicken

Start by filling a pot with enough water to cover the chicken by about 2cm. Place the pot over medium-high heat and boil the chicken for about 10-15 minutes.

To check if the chicken is done, take a chopstick or fork and poke it into the thigh. If the juices run clear, you’ve got perfectly cooked chicken.

Step 2: Frying garlic

As the chicken boils away, grab a small saucepan and fry the chopped garlic in oil until it turns golden.

Step 3: Mixing the sauce

Combine fried garlic and oil from Step 2, lemon juice, soy sauce, sugar, and chili in a small bowl. Give it a good stir until everything’s beautifully blended.

Step 4: Preparing the chicken

Dive those boiled chicken pieces into ice water for 5-10 minutes to lock in their juiciness. Then, shred the chicken into pieces.

Step 5: Let’s mix it up

Throw in the lemon pieces, fresh coriander, shredded chicken, and sauce into the bowl. Now, give them all a jolly good mix. Let the flavors mingle and dance together. Your Chinese Lemon Chicken Salad is ready to dazzle your taste buds.

📍Recipe Tips

• If you have steam equipment available, you can steam the chicken for 15 minutes to keep it juicy and flavorful, much better than boiling.
• When shredding the chicken, consider wearing gloves to avoid greasy hands. The shredded chicken absorbs the sauce more effectively. alternatively, Feel free to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for a different texture.
• If you find that the shredded chicken isn’t fully cooked, simply pop it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes to ensure it’s perfectly done. Quick and easy fix to get that tender chicken just right.
• Since this is a cold dish, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time and keep it ready. When it’s time to serve, simply mix in the sauce, and you’re good to go.
• The amount of garlic and garlic oil you add is entirely up to your taste preference. As for me, I absolutely love loading up on lots of them. Begin with one tablespoon and go ahead and add more to your liking.

🔎 FAQs

Q: Why do you soak the chicken in ice water?

A: Placing the chicken in ice water results in a quick cooling process that lends the chicken skin a delightful “crunchy” texture. Moreover, it helps firm up the meat and seal it in its juicy goodness. This step is optional. Let the chicken cool naturally until it’s safe to shred without burning your hands.

Q: what to do with the chicken cooking water?

A: You can reuse that chicken water. It’s an excellent soup base for noodles or miso soup.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

A: Yes, feel free to get creative with the vegetable selection. You can add bell peppers or thinly sliced cucumber for extra crunch and color.

Q: Can I make the salad ahead of time for a party or gathering?

A: Definitely! This salad can be prepared in advance, with the chicken and sauce kept separately. Combine them just before serving to maintain the best flavors and textures.

🍗 More Chicken dishes

• Another Chinese chicken salad: Tender poached chicken with ginger sauce
• Shredded chicken salad with peanut sauce: Shredded chicken salad
• Chicken with superfood Ginger and sesame oil: Sesame Oil Chicken

Time to whip up this delicious Chicken Lemon Salad, and enjoy every delicious bite!

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