If you have a craving for something bright, tangy, and perfectly crispy, this Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to dinner. Imagine tender pieces of chicken coated in a light, crunchy batter, then tossed in a glossy, sweet, and citrusy lemon sauce that makes your taste buds dance with every bite. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a comforting hug on a plate, but with that exciting zing that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this recipe hits all the right notes with its harmony of flavors and satisfying texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that ideal balance of crispy, juicy, and zesty deliciousness you expect from this classic dish.
- Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken cut into bite-sized pieces ensures even cooking and the perfect amount of tender meat in each bite.
- Cornstarch: This creates the light, crispy coating that makes the chicken irresistibly crunchy.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs help the coating stick beautifully to the chicken, giving it a nice, consistent crust.
- All-purpose flour: Just a touch softens the crunch to keep the coating light yet sturdy.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances the overall flavor of the chicken without overpowering it.
- Vegetable oil: Essential for frying the chicken to golden perfection and sautéing the aromatic ginger and garlic for the sauce.
- Garlic and fresh ginger: These add a fragrant and slightly spicy kick, elevating the lemon sauce beyond ordinary citrus flavors.
- Chicken broth: A savory base that deepens the flavor of the lemon sauce while keeping it nice and saucy.
- Fresh lemon juice: The star of the show, bringing that fresh, tangy brightness that defines this recipe.
- Granulated sugar and honey: These balance the tartness of the lemon juice with a smooth, natural sweetness.
- Soy sauce: Adds a subtle umami flair that rounds out the sauce with a touch of complexity.
- Cornstarch slurry: A simple mix of cornstarch and water that thickens the sauce perfectly so it clings to every crispy piece.
- Lemon zest and sliced green onions: Optional but highly recommended garnishes for a pop of color and added freshness.
How to Make Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Coat the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for uniform cooking. In a medium bowl, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper. Beat the eggs separately, then dip each chicken piece into the eggs, followed by the dry mixture. This double-step coating ensures that each bite has a beautiful, crispy shell that locks in moisture and flavor.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, which could make the pieces soggy. Fry each batch for approximately 4–5 minutes until the chicken turns a gorgeous golden brown and is cooked through. Transfer the chicken to paper towels to drain any excess oil. This frying technique creates that signature crunchy texture that makes this recipe irresistible.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Sauce
Using a clean pan, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Then, add the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, sugar, honey, and soy sauce. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously to thicken the sauce into a luscious glaze that will coat your chicken perfectly.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Add the fried chicken pieces back into the pan with the simmering lemon sauce. Toss everything together carefully to make sure each crispy piece is fully coated in that bright, glossy sauce. This step is where the magic happens, turning simple fried chicken into a vibrant, citrusy delight.
How to Serve Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe to restaurant-worthy status, a sprinkle of freshly grated lemon zest adds a zesty punch that amplifies the citrus flavors. Thinly sliced green onions not only offer a burst of color but also contribute a mild oniony freshness that balances the sweetness in the sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when paired with fluffy jasmine rice or steamed white rice, which soak up every last drop of the delicious lemon sauce. For a balanced meal, consider steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy—they add vibrant color and a fresh crunch that complements the tender chicken perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe over a bed of crispy fried rice or even alongside a simple noodle dish tossed with scallions and sesame seeds. You could also present it in lettuce wraps for a refreshing, hand-held bite that’s perfect for sharing at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chinese Lemon Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the chicken and sauce together helps maintain the fresh, tangy flavor and ensures the coating stays as crisp as possible after reheating.
Freezing
While the chicken is best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispness, you can freeze leftovers by separating the chicken pieces and sauce. Freeze the chicken and sauce in separate airtight containers or freezer bags for up to one month. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the sauce in a pan over medium heat and add the chicken pieces, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the coating soggy. Instead, you can also re-crisp the chicken in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes before tossing back into the warm sauce.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor, but you might want to adjust the cooking time slightly since thigh pieces can take a bit longer to cook through.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap regular soy sauce for tamari and use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make this dish gluten-free without sacrificing any flavor or crunch.
Can I prepare the chicken coating ahead of time?
While it’s best to coat the chicken right before frying to keep the batter fresh, you can prepare the dry mix and beaten eggs ahead to save time during cooking.
What can I use instead of fresh lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is ideal for that bright, authentic taste, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch — just use a bit less and adjust the sweetness to taste.
How can I make the chicken extra crispy?
For an ultra-crispy finish, try the double-fry method: fry the chicken once until golden, let it cool briefly, then fry it again for a couple of minutes just before tossing in the sauce.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to bring a little sunshine to your dinner table, this Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe is a fantastic way to do just that. The balance of crispy chicken with a luscious lemon glaze is simply unbeatable, and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved classic. Don’t hesitate—grab those ingredients and treat yourself and your loved ones to a flavorful meal that feels both familiar and exciting at the same time.
Print
Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Chinese Lemon Chicken recipe features crispy, bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a light batter and fried to perfection, then tossed in a tangy and sweet lemon sauce. This dish is a perfect blend of zesty lemon, garlic, and ginger, delivering a vibrant, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop. Serve it hot with rice or steamed vegetables for a complete Asian-inspired dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Lemon Sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for sauce)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Garnish (Optional)
- Lemon zest
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Coating: In a medium bowl, mix together cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This dry mixture will give the chicken a crispy texture once fried.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is evenly coated, then dredge into the cornstarch-flour mixture, pressing lightly so the coating sticks well to each piece. Set aside.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Fry the chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, cooking each batch for about 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a clean skillet or pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, granulated sugar, honey, and soy sauce. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
- Thicken the Sauce: Slowly add the cornstarch slurry while continuously stirring to prevent lumps. Continue to simmer the sauce for 1–2 minutes until it thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Return the fried chicken pieces to the pan with the lemon sauce and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with lemon zest and sliced green onions if desired. Serve the lemon chicken hot alongside steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, consider double-frying the chicken pieces by frying them twice for a crunchier texture.
- You can adjust the sweetness or tartness of the lemon sauce by varying the amount of sugar or lemon juice to your taste.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute tamari for soy sauce and use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice may alter the taste.
- Drain the fried chicken well on paper towels to avoid excess oil in the final dish.
