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Chinese Lemon Chicken

Chinese Lemon Chicken

Chinese Lemon Chicken is a quick and easy dish combining crispy, tender chicken pieces coated in a zesty, flavorful lemon sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this homemade recipe delivers bright citrus notes and savory crunch in less time than takeout. It’s versatile, adaptable to dietary preferences, and brings restaurant-quality freshness to your table.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch or all-purpose flour
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Lemon Sauce

  • 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 3 tbsp sugar or honey
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/4 cup water or chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well and becomes crispy.
  2. Coat the Chicken: In a bowl, lightly toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch or flour until each piece is evenly coated but not clumped with thick batter.
  3. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  4. Make the Lemon Sauce: In a saucepan, combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, sugar or honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and water or chicken broth. Simmer gently over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
  5. Combine and Coat: Toss the crispy fried chicken pieces into the lemon sauce, coating each bite thoroughly. Serve immediately while hot and glossy with the tangy lemon glaze.

Notes

  • Pat chicken dry to ensure the coating crisps perfectly.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright, tangy flavor.
  • Do not overcrowd the skillet when frying; fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
  • Adjust sweetness by starting with less sugar and adding more if desired.
  • Whisk lemon sauce well while simmering to avoid lumps and encourage even thickening.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese
  • Diet: Gluten Free (using cornstarch)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg

Keywords: Chinese lemon chicken, crispy lemon chicken, easy Chinese recipe, gluten free lemon chicken, homemade lemon chicken