Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Chinese Lemon Chicken is a bright and tangy dish that perfectly balances crispy chicken with a zesty lemon sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that brings a refreshing twist to your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup lemon sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Coat the chicken pieces evenly with cornstarch.
- Step 2: Heat oil in a pan and fry the coated chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the lemon sauce with soy sauce to enhance the flavor.
- Step 4: Toss the fried chicken gently in the lemon-soy sauce mixture until well coated.
- Step 5: Serve immediately with steamed rice or your choice of sides.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken in cornstarch before frying.
- Use fresh lemon juice mixed with honey and garlic to make your own lemon sauce for a fresher taste.
- Add steamed broccoli or snap peas for a colorful, nutritious side.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve the chicken’s crispiness and avoid sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Coat the chicken with cornstarch and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked.
Is lemon chicken spicy?
Traditional lemon chicken is tangy and slightly sweet but not spicy. You can add a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce if you prefer some heat.
PrintChinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
Chinese Lemon Chicken is a deliciously crispy fried chicken dish tossed in a tangy and sweet lemon sauce, offering a perfect balance of savory and citrus flavors. This classic Chinese-American favorite is quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch, for coating
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Lemon Sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Coat each piece evenly with cornstarch to ensure a crispy texture when fried.
- Fry the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make the lemon sauce: In a saucepan, combine water, lemon juice, sugar, soy sauce, and lemon zest. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Toss chicken in the sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces to the lemon sauce, tossing gently to coat evenly with the glossy sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the lemon chicken to a serving plate and garnish with additional lemon zest or sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately hot, ideally with steamed rice or vegetables.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-dip chicken pieces in cornstarch before frying.
- Adjust sugar and lemon juice to balance sweetness and tartness according to your taste.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the frying pan to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in a skillet or oven to maintain texture.
Keywords: Chinese Lemon Chicken, fried chicken, lemon sauce, Chinese-American recipe, crispy chicken
