Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Coat each piece evenly in cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
- 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.
- 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.
- Thicken the Sauce: Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry and continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://cookedbycleo.com/crispy-chinese-lemon-chicken-recipe/
