Craig Claibornes Lemon Chicken Recipes

CRAIG CLAIBORNE'S FRIED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Put the chicken pieces in a mixing bowl and add enough milk to cover. Stir in the Tabasco sauce and refrigerate for at least one hour, or overnight.
• Combine the flour, salt and pepper in a flat baking dish or, preferably, in a large, heavy paper bag or strong plastic bag. Drain the chicken pieces, but don't pat them dry. Put them in the dish or the paper or plastic bag with the flour. Turn the pieces or shake to coat them thoroughly.
• Heat the lard or oil with the butter in a heavy skillet, preferably cast-iron, large enough to hold half of the chicken pieces in one layer so they don't touch. Add half of the chicken pieces, skin side down, in one layer. Turn the heat to high and cook uncovered until golden brown.
• Turn the pieces and reduce the heat to medium low. Cook until golden brown. The total cooking time should be 20 to 25 minutes. Remove the cooked pieces of chicken and drain on paper towels. Repeat the process with the remaining chicken. (If this is made the day before, you do not have to refrigerate overnight.)

CRAIG CLAIBORNE'S LEMON CHICKEN

Steps:

• Place chicken in a shallow dish. Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, salt and gin or vodka, and pour over chicken. Toss to coat, and let sit for 30 minutes.
• Drain chicken and discard marinade. Add chicken pieces to beaten egg whites, and toss to coat. Pour water-chestnut flour on a plate and dredge chicken in flour.
• Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Pour peanut oil in skillet one-half inch in depth, and heat to 350 degrees. Add chicken in batches. Brown one side, turn and brown other. Drain.
• combine sugar, vinegar, broth, cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water, MSG and lemon juice and zest in pan. Bring to a boil. Stir until thickened.
• Cut chicken into one-inch crosswise slices, and place on top of lettuce on a serving platter. If necessary, keep it warm in oven.
• Add vegetables and fruit to sauce. Remove from heat and stir in extract. Pour over chicken.