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Chinese Lemon Chicken

Chinese Lemon Chicken

Chinese Lemon Chicken is a quick and easy dish featuring tender, crispy chicken pieces coated in a bright, tangy lemon sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this flavorful recipe combines a perfectly balanced lemon sauce with golden fried chicken, delivering a delightful mix of zest, sweetness, and savory crunch to satisfy the whole family.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Batter

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or rice flour for gluten-free option)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs, beaten

Lemon Sauce

  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 3 tbsp sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce if needed)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger

Frying and Garnish

  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional garnish)
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and pat dry with paper towels to ensure the batter sticks well.
  2. Make the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, and salt. Beat eggs separately, then combine all to form a smooth batter that will cling to the chicken pieces.
  3. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat to 350-375°F. Dip each chicken piece in the batter, then carefully place into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  4. Prepare the Lemon Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine lemon juice, sugar or honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens and turns glossy, about 3 minutes.
  5. Combine and Serve: Toss the fried chicken pieces in the lemon sauce until fully coated. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best vibrant flavor; avoid bottled lemon juice.
  • Maintain oil temperature between 350-375°F to ensure a crispy coating.
  • Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and greasy results.
  • Let fried chicken rest on paper towels to drain excess oil and keep crispiness.
  • Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less sugar/honey to balance the lemon’s tartness.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese
  • Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free flour and soy sauce)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: Chinese Lemon Chicken, Lemon Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Chinese Dinner, Gluten-Free Lemon Chicken, Quick Chinese Recipe, Tangy Chicken Dish