Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe

If you’ve ever craved that restaurant-style juicy, crispy, and tangy delight, you’re going to fall in love with this Chinese Lemon Chicken! Each golden bite is bursting with zesty lemon flavor, and it comes together surprisingly easily at home—just right for your next homemade takeout night.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Chinese Lemon Chicken shine is its balance of straightforward ingredients and clever techniques. Each item plays a key part—so don’t skip anything! These ingredients bring out that legendary crispy coating, succulent chicken, and a glossy lemon sauce with the perfect sweet-sour finish.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, these are the perfect canvas for all that lemony goodness.
• Eggs: Lightly beaten to help the coating stick and add that classic airy crunch.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out the flavors.
• All-Purpose Flour: Teams up with cornstarch for a tender, golden crust.
• Cornstarch: For extra crispy and light chicken—don’t just rely on flour!
• Oil for Frying (Canola or Vegetable): Choose a neutral, high smoke-point oil for foolproof frying.
• Lemon Juice: The star of the sauce—freshly squeezed, if possible, gives unbeatable brightness.
• Sugar: Balances the tartness of the lemon and gives that signature sweet finish.
• Water: Creates the just-right thickness and shine for the sauce.
• Sesame Seeds: Adds a nutty aroma and that extra “wow” factor on top.
• Sliced Green Onions: Fresh, crunchy, and mildly peppery—these add color and lift every bite.
• Grated Lemon Zest: A pop of citrus fragrance that really finishes the dish.

Variations

Chinese Lemon Chicken is delicious as written, but don’t be afraid to make it your own! Whether you’re swapping out ingredients for allergies or simply tailoring it to what you have on hand, the possibilities are absolutely endless.

• Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts: Swap in boneless skinless chicken thighs for super juicy, richer flavor and an even more tender bite.
• Gluten-Free Crunch: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour and double-check your cornstarch for a totally gluten-free version—crunch still guaranteed!
• Make It Spicy: Add a big pinch of chili flakes or a squirt of Sriracha to the lemon sauce if you’re in the mood for a fiery kick.
• Air Fry or Bake: For a lighter version, cook the coated chicken in an air fryer or a hot oven on a wire rack instead of deep frying; the texture changes slightly but still tastes fantastic.

How to Make Chinese Lemon Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Coating

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, and pepper to create the perfect base for the crispy coating. In a separate dish, stir together the flour and half a cup of cornstarch—this combination is the secret to that famously delicate, shattering crust.

Step 2: Dredge the Chicken

Dip each piece of chicken first in the egg mixture, then coat it thoroughly in the flour-cornstarch blend. Don’t rush—make sure every piece is evenly coated for an all-around crispiness that’s worth it!

Step 3: Fry to Crispy Perfection

Heat about three inches of oil in a deep pan to 350°F. Working in batches (about 7-8 pieces at a time), carefully lower the chicken into the hot oil, cooking for around 5 minutes until golden brown and perfectly crisp. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Bright Lemon Sauce

While the chicken cooks, whisk the lemon juice, sugar, and water in a small saucepan, bringing the mixture to a simmer. In a separate bowl, mix the remaining tablespoon of cornstarch with a splash of cold water, and then stir this slurry into your lemon mixture. Return to a boil and stir until the sauce thickens into a glossy, pourable glaze.

Step 5: Toss and Finish

Pour the hot lemon sauce over your crispy chicken and toss gently to coat each piece. Stir in the grated lemon zest for an instant boost of citrus aroma, then scatter over the sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately for maximum flavor and crunch!

How to Serve Chinese Lemon Chicken

Garnishes

For that classic finishing touch, sprinkle a flurry of sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top just before serving. If you really want to up the ante, a few lemon slices or even a swirl of extra lemon zest will make this Chinese Lemon Chicken look every bit as wonderful as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This dish absolutely loves to be paired with a big bowl of fluffy steamed rice or lightly fried rice, soaking up every last drop of that irresistible sauce. Add a side of stir-fried broccoli, snow peas, or even simple sautéed bok choy for a fresh, vibrant meal that feels straight from your favorite restaurant.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Chinese Lemon Chicken skewered on mini appetizer picks for parties, or layer it over crisp salad greens for a bright and crunchy lunch. A sprinkle of black sesame seeds alongside the white ones adds a dramatic, gourmet finish that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Chinese Lemon Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. While the coating softens a bit, the flavor remains delicious—perfect for a quick lunch the next day!

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze leftovers, let the coated chicken cool completely before transferring to a freezer bag or container. Store the sauce separately if possible for the best texture. Write the date, and enjoy within 1–2 months for best flavor and crispness.

Reheating

For those irresistible crispy edges, reheat the Chinese Lemon Chicken in a hot oven (around 375°F) for 10–12 minutes, spreading the chicken pieces out on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, then toss together and serve fresh.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for that perfect combination of crisp, juicy, sweet, and tangy in a homemade meal, you truly can’t beat Chinese Lemon Chicken. It’s a dish full of bold flavor and happy dinnertime memories—give it a try, and I can almost guarantee it’ll earn a permanent spot in your kitchen rotation!

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