Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Chinese Lemon Chicken is a vibrant and tangy dish that perfectly balances crispy chicken with a zesty lemon sauce. It’s a quick and flavorful meal that’s sure to brighten up your dinner table.

Ingredients

• 2 cups chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/3 cup lemon sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Oil for frying

Instructions

1. Step 1: Toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch until evenly coated.
2. Step 2: Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat and fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the lemon sauce and soy sauce together.
4. Step 4: Remove the chicken from the oil and drain excess oil on paper towels.
5. Step 5: Toss the fried chicken in the lemon-soy sauce until well coated.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with lemon slices or green onions if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, double coat the chicken in cornstarch before frying.
• Adjust the lemon sauce sweetness by adding a bit of honey or sugar if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
• Try adding steamed broccoli or snap peas for a balanced meal with some greens.

Storage

Store leftover lemon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispiness and avoid sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken coated with cornstarch at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for a healthier option, though it may be less crispy than frying.

Is there a substitute for cornstarch?

Arrowroot powder or potato starch can be used as alternatives to cornstarch for coating the chicken and achieving a crispy texture.

Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 135 reviews

Chinese Lemon Chicken is a delicious and tangy dish featuring crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a vibrant, zesty lemon sauce. This recipe combines a crunchy texture with a bright citrus flavor, perfect as a main course served over rice or vegetables.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Lemon Sauce

• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Coat each piece evenly in cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
2. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels.
3. Make the Lemon Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine lemon juice, soy sauce, sugar, water, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
4. Thicken the Sauce: Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry and continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
5. Toss Chicken in Sauce: Place the fried chicken in a large bowl. Pour the hot lemon sauce over the chicken and toss well to coat all pieces evenly.
6. Serve: Serve immediately with steamed rice and garnish with lemon slices or chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

• For extra crispiness, dip the chicken pieces in beaten egg before coating with cornstarch.
• You can adjust the sweetness or tartness of the sauce by adding more sugar or lemon juice to taste.
• Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor rather than bottled.
• Be careful not to overcrowd the frying pan to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
• This dish pairs well with steamed broccoli or snap peas for a balanced meal.

Keywords: Chinese Lemon Chicken, fried chicken, lemon sauce, crispy chicken, Asian cuisine