If you have ever craved that perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and crispy all in one bite, you are going to absolutely love this Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe. This dish captures the essence of the classic takeout favorite with tender, golden chicken pieces smothered in a luscious homemade lemon sauce that’s bright and irresistible. Every ingredient works in harmony, delivering a burst of vibrant flavors that feel comforting and fresh at the same time. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or impressing friends, this recipe is a beautiful way to bring a delicious slice of Asian-inspired cuisine right to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful combination of ingredients that create textures and flavors you’ll savor. Each component plays a crucial role, from the crispy coating on the chicken to the perfectly balanced lemon glaze that glistens with just the right amount of sweetness and tang.
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy frying and perfect bite-size morsels.
- ½ cup cornstarch: Creates an irresistibly crispy crust that locks in moisture.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: Acts as the binder that helps the coating stick to the chicken.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Balances the cornstarch to give a golden finish.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors in the chicken and coating.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick of warmth to the coating.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Ensures that crispy, golden crust we all crave.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for sauce): Helps sauté the garlic and ginger, bringing out their aromatic qualities.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Provides fragrant, savory depth to the lemon sauce.
- ½ teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Adds a subtle warmth and zing.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Builds the savory base of the sauce.
- â…“ cup fresh lemon juice: The star ingredient that brightens and balances the sauce beautifully.
- â…“ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the sauce, creating that delicious glaze.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Infuses the sauce with natural sweetness and a smooth finish.
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce: Adds a salty umami undertone that complements the lemon perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry): Thickens the sauce to that perfect glossy consistency.
- Lemon zest and sliced green onions for garnish (optional): Brighten the presentation and add a fresh pop of flavor.
How to Make Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Coat the Chicken
Begin by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure every mouthful is tender and easy to eat. In a medium bowl, mix together the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. This mixture will give your chicken that signature crispy texture. Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then dredge thoroughly in the dry mix, making sure every piece is well coated. This step is crucial for that perfect crunch.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat—this depth helps the chicken fry evenly and stay crispy. Fry the coated chicken in batches, taking care not to overcrowd the pan, which can lead to soggy chicken. Each batch needs roughly 4 to 5 minutes, or until beautifully golden and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken pieces to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Sauce
Using a clean pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for just about 30 seconds until they release those incredible fragrances. Pour in the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, sugar, honey, and soy sauce, stirring everything together. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry to thicken—the secret to that glossy, clingy sauce.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Once your sauce has thickened beautifully, return the fried chicken pieces to the pan. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every crispy bite in that vibrant lemon glaze. This step melds all the flavors and textures together, turning simple chicken into something truly spectacular.
How to Serve Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes bring your dish to life, both visually and for an extra flavor boost. Sprinkle lemon zest on top for aromatic citrus notes, and add sliced green onions for a pop of color and subtle oniony sharpness. These simple additions elevate the dish to restaurant-quality presentation that makes every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
Chinese Lemon Chicken tastes divine when paired with fluffy steamed rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables or a light Asian slaw to add crisp freshness. For something heartier, fried rice or vegetable lo mein works beautifully. The key is to keep the sides simple enough to let that lemon chicken shine.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, try serving this dish on a bed of crispy fried wonton strips or nestle it into lettuce cups for a hands-on meal. Another idea is to drizzle extra lemon sauce artistically around the plate or serve it family-style in a large, decorative bowl with chopsticks ready. Little touches like these make the experience more fun and memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your meal, store any leftover Chinese Lemon Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy those bright flavors without cooking again. Be sure to separate the chicken from any sides if possible to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep this Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe on hand for longer, freezing is a great option. Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers. The chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your leftovers is to warm the sauce gently in a skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken and toss until heated through. Avoid microwaving directly as it may make the chicken lose its crispiness. For an extra crispy finish, reheat the chicken on a baking sheet in a hot oven for a few minutes before combining with the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a juicier and slightly richer flavor. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and follow the same coating and cooking steps. They may take a minute or two longer to cook through depending on thickness.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce. The cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so these changes keep the texture and flavor just right for gluten-free diets.
Is the sauce sweet or tangy?
This Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe has a beautiful balance of both sweetness and tanginess. The lemon juice brings fresh tang, while sugar and honey provide a smooth sweetness, making the sauce perfectly harmonious.
Can I bake instead of fry the chicken?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative though the texture will be less crispy. Coat the chicken as usual and place on a greased wire rack atop a baking sheet. Bake at 425°F for about 20 minutes until cooked and lightly browned, then toss with the sauce.
What’s a good alternative side for low carb eaters?
For a low-carb option, serve the chicken with steamed broccoli, sautéed green beans, or cauliflower rice. These choices keep the meal balanced without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels special yet simple enough to make on a weeknight. From the crispy, tender chicken to the luscious lemon sauce, it delivers a wonderful blend of flavors that everyone will enjoy. I can’t encourage you enough to give this recipe a go—it’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation, bringing a little burst of joy and brightness to your mealtime.
Print
Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Chinese Lemon Chicken recipe features crispy battered chicken pieces tossed in a tangy and sweet lemon sauce. Perfect for a homemade takeout-style meal, it’s easy to prepare and delivers vibrant flavors with a refreshing citrus punch.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Lemon Sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for sauce)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ½ cup chicken broth
- â…“ cup fresh lemon juice
- â…“ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Garnish
- Lemon zest (optional)
- Sliced green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the coating: In a medium bowl, combine the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper to create the dry mixture for coating the chicken.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each bite-sized chicken piece into the beaten eggs ensuring thorough coverage, then dredge them in the cornstarch-flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat well.
- Fry the chicken: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches for about 4–5 minutes per batch until they turn golden and are cooked through. Remove and drain cooked chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the lemon sauce: In a clean pan, heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer the sauce: Add the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, sugar, honey, and soy sauce to the pan. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the sauce: Gradually add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) while stirring continuously. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce and toss them thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly with the lemon glaze.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh lemon zest and sliced green onions if desired. Serve hot accompanied by steamed rice or your favorite vegetables.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, consider double-frying the chicken pieces by frying them once until lightly golden, letting them rest briefly, then frying again until deeply crispy.
- Adjust the balance of sweetness and tartness by modifying the amount of sugar or lemon juice in the sauce to your preference.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari and use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
