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Chinese Lemon Chicken

Chinese Lemon Chicken
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This Chinese Lemon Chicken recipe features tender, crispy chicken bites coated in a golden crust and tossed in a vibrant, tangy lemon sauce. Quick and easy to prepare, it balances sweet, sour, and savory flavors for a delightful weeknight meal. Perfectly paired with rice or vegetables, it’s a family-friendly dish bursting with fresh citrus goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

  • 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup cornstarch (or arrowroot powder for gluten-free)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Lemon Sauce

  • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 1/4 cup sugar (or honey for honey lemon glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 2 cloves garlic, grated or finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)

Optional Garnishes and Additions

  • Chopped scallions
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Thin lemon slices
  • Sliced fresh chili or chili flakes (for spicy version)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Dip each piece into the beaten eggs, then thoroughly coat with cornstarch until fully covered to ensure a crispy exterior.
  2. Fry the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a pan or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels to eliminate excess oil.
  3. Make the lemon sauce: In a separate pan, whisk together fresh lemon juice, sugar, soy sauce, grated garlic, grated ginger, and water or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring to dissolve the sugar and blend flavors.
  4. Thicken the sauce: Gradually add the cornstarch slurry to the simmering lemon sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
  5. Combine and serve: Toss the crispy fried chicken pieces in the thickened lemon sauce until evenly coated. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with scallions, toasted sesame seeds, or lemon slices as desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright, natural acidity.
  • Fry chicken in small batches to maintain hot oil temperature and crispiness.
  • Prepare the sauce after frying to keep it hot and thick when combined.
  • Adjust sugar gradually to balance sweetness and tartness to your liking.
  • Serve immediately for optimal crisp texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chinese lemon chicken, lemon chicken recipe, crispy chicken, tangy chicken, quick dinner, gluten-free lemon chicken

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