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**Spicy Lemon Chicken Recipe**

**Preparation Time**: 15 minutes

**Cooking Time**: 40 minutes

**Total Time**: 55 minutes

**Servings**: 4-6

**Introduction**:

Spicy Lemon Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with zesty freshness of lemon and aromatic spices. It's a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed as a main dish with rice or bread, or even used as a condiments or side dish. This recipe brings together traditional Indian spices with a tangy twist, making it a favorite among spice enthusiasts.

**Importance of Ingredients**:

• **Chicken**: Provided high-quality protein and essential nutrients like B vitamins and selenium.
• **Lemon**: Adds a refreshing tanginess and boosts the flavor profile of the dish.
• **Spices (Turmeric, Chilli Powder, Garam Masala, Coriander Powder)**: Contribute to the rich aroma and depth of flavors in the dish.
• **Ginger Garlic Paste**: Enhances the savory base and adds aromatic complexity to the marinade and sauce.

**Occasions and Who Can Enjoy It**:

Spicy Lemon Chicken is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and special occasions. It's spicy and tangy flavors appeal to both adults and children who enjoy bold, flavorful dishes. It can be served as a part of a festive spread or enjoyed as a comforting meal any day of the week.

**Benefits and Uses of Having This Recipe**:

• **Versatility**: Can be served as a main dish with rice or bread, or used as a side dish or condiment.
• **Long Shelf Life**: The preserved version can last up to a month in the refrigerator, making it a convenient option for meal planning.
• **Flavor Enhancement**: The flavors intensify over time, making it tastier with each passing day.

**Ingredients**:

• 500g Raw Chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt, to taste
• 20-50g Ginger Garlic Paste
• 50g Red Dry Chilli Powder (adjust to taste)
• 2 spoons Turmeric Powder
• 3 Lemons
• 150-250m Oil (for frying)
• 2 Spoons Garam Masala Powder
• 2-3 Spoons Coriander Powdr (Dhaniya Powder)
• 1 Cup Water

**Cooking Instructions**:

1. **Preparation**:

• Start by washing the chicken pieces thoroughly under running water. Drain and set aside.

2. **Marination (Optional but recommended)**:

• In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with turmeric powder and salt. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors. For enhanced taste, you can marinate for up to 30 minutes.

3. **Cooking the Chicken**:

• Heat a pan or kadai over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces. If desired, you can add a splash of water to prevent sticking and to help cook the chicken evenly.
• Cook the chicken until it is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. As the chicken cooks, it will release moisture. Continue cooking until this moisture evaporates and the chicken pieces start to turn golden brown.
• Once cooked, remove the chicken pieces from the pan and set them aside.

4. **Frying the Chicken**:

• In the same pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the cooked chicken pieces in batches. Fry the chicken pieces until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside. This step adds, a delicious texture and enhances the flavor of the chicken.
• Once fried, remove the chicken pieces from the oil and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Set aside.

5. **Preparing the Spicy Masala**:

• In the same pan used for frying (remove excess oil if desired, leaving about 2 tablespoons), add ginger garlic paste. Fry the paste until the raw aroma dissipates and it turns golden brown.

6. **Combining Flavors**:

• Return the fried chicken pieces to the pan with the ginger garlic paste. Mix well to coat the chicken pieces evenly.
• Add red dry chilli powder, garam masala powder, and coriander powder to the chicken. Stir continuously to ensure all pieces are well coated with the spices. Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.

7. **Finishing Touches**:

• Turn off the heat and remove the pan from the stove. Allow the chicken to cool down slightly.
• Once cooled, check the seasoning and adjust salt and chilli powder if necessary. Squeeze the juice of three lemons over the chicken, mixing well to incorporate. The lemon juice adds a tangy freshness to the dish.

8. **Final Steps**:

• Let the chicken cool completely to room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste.
• Once cooled, transfer the spicy lemon chicken to a clean, dry container or jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a month.
• Serve the spicy lemon chicken as a delicious accompaniment to rice or roti. The flavors will intensify over time, making it even tastier with each passing day.

Additional Tips:

• For a richer flavor, you can add a bit more coriander powder during the frying stage.
• Ensure the chicken is completely cooled before adding lemon juice to prevent the dish from turning sour too quickly.
• This recipe works well with both boneless and bone-in chicken pieces. Bone-in pieces add an extra crunch after frying.

Enjoy your homemade spicy lemon chicken pickle with your favorite meals. The combination of spices and tangy lemon makes it a delightful addition to any dining experience.

**Storage and Reheating Instructions**:

**Storage**:

After preparing Spicy Lemon Chicken, it's important to store it properly to maintain its flavor and freshness. Follow these steps for optimal storage:

1. **Cooling**: Allow the cooked Spicy Lemon Chicken to cool completely at room temperature before storing it.
2. **Container**: Transfer the cooled chicken into an airtight container or a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Ensure there is enough space in the container to prevent overcrowding, which can affect the texture of the chicken.
3. **Refrigeration**: Store the Spicy Lemon Chicken in the refrigerator. It can typically be kept for up to a month if stored properly. Make sure to place it in the coldest part of the refrigerator, such as the back or bottom shelf.
4. **Labeling**: For easy identification, label the container with the date of preparation before placing in the refrigerator.

**Reheating**:

When you're ready to enjoy the Spicy Lemon Chicken again, follow these reheating instructions to preserve its taste and texture:

1. **Thawing (if frozen)**:

If you have frozen the Spicy Lemon Chicken, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or defrost it in the microwave using the appropriate setting.

2. **Stovetop Method**:

•  Heat a non-stick or skillet over medium heat.
• Add a small amount of oil or ghee to the pan.
• Once the oil is hot, add the refrigerated or thawed Spicy Lemon Chicken to the pan.
• Stir and cook the chicken gently until it is heated through, stirring occasionally to ensure even reheating. This method helps retain the crispy texture of the chicken.

3. **Microwave Method**:

• Place the desired amount of Spicy Lemon Chicken in a microwave-safe dish.
• Cover the dish loosely with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap.
• Microwave on medium-high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chicken is thoroughly heated. Be careful not to overcook, as this can dry out the chicken.

4. **Oven Method (for larger quantities)**:

• Preheat your oven to around 350°F (175°C).
• Place the Spic Lemon Chicken in an oven-safe dish.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Heat in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.

**Tips for Reheating**:

• **Moisture Retention**: Add a splash of water or lemon juice while reheating to help maintain moisture and prevent the chicken from become dry.
• **Flavor Enhancement**: Sprinkle a bit of fresh coriander leaves or a squeeze of lemon juice over the reheated chicken to refresh the flavors.
• **Serve Warm**: Serve the reheated Spicy Lemon Chicken immediately for the best taste and texture.

By following these storage and reheating instructions, you can ensure that your Spicy Lemon Chicken remains delicious and enjoyable even after storing it. Adjust the reheating method based on your preference and equipment availability for best results.

**Health Benefits and Uses**:

• **Protein Rich**: Chicken provides essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair and growth.
• **Vitamin C**: Lemon juice adds a boost of vitamin C, which supports immune health and enhances iron absorption.
• **Anti-inflammatory Spices**: Turmeric and ginger garlic paste have anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit overall health.

**Cooking Tips and Variations**:

• **Bone-in Chicken**: Use bone-in chicken for added flavor and texture.
• **Spice Level**: Adjust the amount of red dry chilli powder to suit your taste preferences.
• **Storage**: Ensure the chicken is completely cooled before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

**Nutritional Information (per servings)**:

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g

**Presentation and Servings**:

• Serve the Spicy Lemon Chicken garnished with fresh coriander leaves and lemon wedges for an appealing presentation.
• This recipe serves 4-6 people, making it ideal for family meals or gatherings.