Tangy Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe That Sizzles with Flavor

Crispy, golden chinese lemon chicken promises a delightful culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Fragrant citrus notes blend perfectly with tender chicken pieces, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Succulent meat coated in a light, crispy batter captures the essence of classic Chinese cuisine.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-favorite dish with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Each bite delivers a zesty punch that’ll transport you straight to the vibrant streets of guangzhou.

Bright lemon sauce adds a tangy twist that elevates the entire dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this irresistible meal that brings restaurant-quality cooking right to your kitchen.

What Makes Chinese Lemon Chicken So Bright and Bold

• Savor Crispy Perfection: Enjoy a golden, crunchy exterior that delivers an irresistible texture with every bite, making this chicken an absolute crowd-pleaser.
• Master Quick Restaurant-Style Cooking: Create a professional-quality dish right in your kitchen without complex techniques, bringing restaurant flavors home with simple steps.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Adjust the lemon sauce sweetness or spice level to match your taste preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable for different palates.
• Wow Guests with Impressive Presentation: The glossy lemon sauce and garnished chicken look stunning, perfect for impressing family and friends at dinner gatherings.

Ingredients for Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Fresh meat cut into uniform bite-sized pieces for consistent cooking and crispy coating.

• Eggs: Provides a smooth binding agent for the chicken coating.
• Cornstarch, All-Purpose Flour, Salt, Black Pepper: Creates a seasoned dry coating mixture for crispy exterior.

• Vegetable Oil: Allows deep frying of chicken at high temperature for golden and crispy result.

• Lemon Juice: Provides tangy and bright citrus flavor to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and liquid base for the sauce.
• Sugar: Balances the tartness of lemon and creates a sweet-sour profile.
• Soy Sauce: Contributes umami and savory notes to the sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: Enhances the sauce's complexity and tang.

• Garlic, Ginger: Releases aromatic flavors and adds depth to the sauce.
• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Provides fresh, crunchy texture and visual appeal to the final dish.

Quick Steps to Zesty Lemon Chicken Magic

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Pieces

Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks that are roughly equal in size. This ensures each piece cooks evenly and gets a perfect crispy coating.

Step 2: Create Egg Wash

Whisk eggs in a medium bowl until smooth and well-blended. This will help the dry coating stick to the chicken pieces.

Step 3: Make Crispy Coating

• Cornstarch
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create a flavorful dry coating.

Step 4: Coat Chicken

Dip each chicken piece into the egg wash, making sure it’s completely covered. Then roll the piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to create a thick, even layer of coating.

Step 5: Heat Cooking Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or wok. Heat the oil to 350°F, which is the ideal temperature for achieving a crispy, golden exterior.

Step 6: Fry Chicken Pieces

Carefully place coated chicken into the hot oil. Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and prevent overcrowding, which can make the chicken soggy.

Step 7: Check Chicken Doneness

Fry chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until it turns a beautiful golden brown. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Step 8: Drain Excess Oil

Remove chicken using a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain away extra oil.

Step 9: Prepare Lemon Sauce

• Fresh lemon juice
• Chicken broth
• Sugar
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar

Step 10: Enhance Sauce Flavor

Sauté minced garlic and grated ginger in the sauce for one minute to release their aromatic qualities.

Step 11: Thicken Sauce

Simmer the sauce over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until it becomes slightly thickened and develops a glossy appearance.

Step 12: Coat Chicken

Pour the hot lemon sauce over the crispy chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly covered.

Step 13: Add Final Touches

Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the chicken for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Step 14: Serve Immediately

Plate and serve the chicken right away while it’s still crisp and the sauce is warm.

Tips for Tangy Sauce and Crispy Chicken Perfection

• Ensure Uniform Chicken Cuts: Slice chicken breasts into equal-sized pieces to guarantee consistent cooking and crispy coating throughout.
• Prevent Oil Splatter: Use tongs or a slotted spoon when frying to maintain safe distance from hot oil and reduce potential splashes.
• Test Oil Temperature: Drop a small piece of bread into oil – if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready for perfect deep frying without absorbing excess grease.
• Maintain Crispy Texture: Serve chicken immediately after coating with sauce to preserve the crunchy exterior and prevent sogginess.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Adjust sauce thickness by slowly adding cornstarch slurry if needed, stirring continuously to avoid lumps and achieve perfect glaze.

Chinese Lemon Chicken Variations You’ll Want to Repeat

• Spicy Citrus Chicken: Add red chili flakes and orange zest to the flour mixture for a fiery, tangy kick that elevates the classic recipe.
• Honey Garlic Chicken: Replace sugar with honey, increase garlic quantity, and add a splash of rice wine for a rich, sweet-savory profile.
• Herb-Infused Lemon Chicken: Mix dried thyme, rosemary, and parsley into the coating for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired version that brings fresh herbaceous notes.
• Coconut Crispy Chicken: Incorporate shredded coconut into the flour mixture and use coconut oil for frying, creating a tropical crunch with a subtle nutty flavor.

Side Dishes That Match Lemon Chicken’s Brightness

• Pair Refreshing White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the zesty lemon sauce and cut through the chicken's richness.
• Create Citrus-Infused Rice Side: Prepare jasmine or basmati rice with lemon zest and fresh herbs to echo the bright flavors of the chicken dish.
• Balance with Crunchy Asian Slaw: Whip up a tangy coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a rice vinegar dressing to provide a cool, crisp contrast to the hot, crispy chicken.
• Match with Chilled Green Tea: Brew a light, unsweetened green tea to cleanse the palate and balance the dish's savory and tangy notes.

Storing and Reheating Chinese Lemon Chicken Right

• Store leftover lemon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chicken and sauce separate to maintain crispiness.
• Wrap cooled chicken pieces individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread chicken on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, restoring some crispiness.
• Quickly revive crispy texture by reheating in a hot skillet with a touch of oil.

Lemon Chicken Questions? We’ve Got You Covered

• How do I ensure my chicken stays crispy after adding the sauce?

Pat the chicken dry before frying and add sauce just before serving to maintain the crispy texture.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and can provide more moisture and flavor to the dish.

• What if I don't have rice vinegar?

White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be good substitutes with similar tangy profiles.

• How do I know the oil is at the right temperature for frying?

Use a digital thermometer to check 350°F, or drop a small piece of bread in the oil – it should sizzle and brown within 15 seconds.

Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent Chinese Lemon Chicken promises a zesty culinary adventure that dances between tangy and savory flavors. Crispy golden-brown chicken pieces gleam with a silky citrus sauce, inviting you to savor each delightful bite of this classic Chinese comfort dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Protein:

• 2 lbs (900 g) boneless chicken breasts
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (60 g) cornstarch

Lemon Sauce:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) chicken broth
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

Coating and Seasoning:

• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Green onions, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

1. Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, creating uniform chunks for consistent cooking and crispy coating.
2. Whisk eggs in a medium bowl, creating a smooth binding agent for the chicken coating.
3. Mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper in a separate shallow dish to create a seasoned dry coating mixture.
4. Dip each chicken piece into whisked eggs, ensuring complete coverage, then roll in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere a thick, even layer.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok to 350°F, preparing for deep frying.
6. Carefully place coated chicken pieces into hot oil, frying in batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent overcrowding.
7. Fry chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring crispy exterior and fully cooked interior.
8. Remove chicken with slotted spoon, drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
9. For lemon sauce, combine lemon juice, chicken broth, sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a saucepan.
10. Sauté minced garlic and grated ginger in the sauce for 1 minute to release aromatic flavors.
11. Simmer sauce over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
12. Pour hot lemon sauce over crispy chicken, coating evenly.
13. Garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
14. Serve immediately while chicken remains crisp and sauce is warm.

Notes

• Ensure chicken pieces are similar in size for uniform cooking and crispy coating, preventing uneven browning.
• Pat chicken dry before coating to help breading adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
• Use a thermometer to maintain precise oil temperature, preventing greasy or undercooked chicken.
• For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with rice flour or gluten-free blend, maintaining the same crispy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg