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Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe

Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
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This Chinese Lemon Chicken recipe delivers a perfect balance of crispy fried chicken coated in a golden batter with a tangy, bright lemon sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for quick weeknight dinners or casual family meals. The dish offers a refreshing citrus punch that complements the crunchy texture, bringing the authentic flavors of Chinese takeout to your kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken and Batter

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or rice flour for gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 large egg
  • Salt, a pinch
  • Vegetable oil, for deep frying (about 3 cups)

For the Lemon Sauce

  • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup water or chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut boneless chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and pat dry to ensure the batter adheres better and the chicken fries up crispy.
  2. Make the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, beat the egg then mix it into the dry ingredients. Add a splash of water to form a thick, smooth batter that will evenly coat the chicken pieces.
  3. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Dip each piece of chicken into the batter, then carefully lower into the hot oil. Fry in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 4–5 minutes. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  4. Prepare the Lemon Sauce: In a saucepan, combine fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and water or chicken broth. Bring to a simmer while stirring until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Toss Chicken in Sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces to the lemon sauce, tossing gently to coat thoroughly. Heat together for an additional minute to blend the flavors without losing crispiness.
  6. Serve Immediately: Plate the chicken promptly and garnish with fresh lemon slices or chopped scallions for added color and flavor.

Notes

  • Maintain oil temperature around 350°F to ensure crispy chicken without grease absorption.
  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for the brightest lemon flavor.
  • Fry chicken in small batches to avoid overcrowding and keep oil temperature stable.
  • To thicken the sauce, add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) while simmering.
  • Serve the chicken immediately after coating in sauce for maximum crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chinese Lemon Chicken, crispy lemon chicken, quick dinner recipe, gluten-free lemon chicken, weeknight dinner, Chinese takeout at home, tangy lemon sauce

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/chinese-lemon-chicken-recipe/