Print

Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe

Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 18 reviews

This Chinese Lemon Chicken recipe features crispy, golden-brown chicken thighs tossed in a tangy and sweet lemon sauce. Perfectly marinated and fried to perfection, this dish is a delightful balance of zesty lemon flavor and a crunchy coating, served best with steamed rice and vegetables for a delicious homemade Chinese meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade and Coating

  • 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into cubes
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch (for marinade)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch (for coating)
  • Oil for frying

For the Lemon Sauce

  • 1/3 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the cubed chicken thighs with 1 tbsp soy sauce and 2 tbsp cornstarch. Mix well to evenly coat the chicken and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let it marinate refrigerated for 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
  2. Prepare the Lemon Sauce: While the chicken marinates, whisk together the lemon juice, sugar, water, 2 tsp cornstarch, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Set this mixture aside; it will thicken into a sauce when heated.
  3. Coat the Chicken: After marinating, add the all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup cornstarch to the chicken and toss thoroughly until each piece is evenly coated, creating a crispy outer layer when fried.
  4. Heat Oil for Frying: In a deep pot or wok, heat oil about three inches deep over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Proper temperature is crucial to achieve a crispy texture without greasy chicken.
  5. Fry the Chicken in Batches: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces in small batches to avoid crowding. Fry until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken and drain briefly on paper towels.
  6. Cook the Lemon Sauce: After frying all the chicken and turning off the oil, place a skillet on medium-high heat. Pour in the prepared lemon sauce and cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze.
  7. Toss Chicken in Sauce: Add the crispy fried chicken pieces to the skillet with the thickened lemon sauce. Toss the chicken gently to coat evenly with the sauce and heat through for just a few seconds more.
  8. Serve: Serve the lemon chicken immediately while hot and crispy, paired with steamed rice and your choice of vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest, most authentic lemon flavor.
  • Maintaining the frying oil temperature prevents greasy chicken and ensures a crispy texture.
  • Frying in small batches prevents the chicken from sticking together and helps retain oil temperature.
  • Customize sweetness by adjusting sugar according to your taste preference.
  • Leftover chicken can be reheated gently but is best enjoyed fresh for crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chinese lemon chicken, crispy lemon chicken, fried chicken with lemon sauce, easy Chinese recipes, homemade lemon chicken

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/chinese-lemon-chicken-recipe/