Chinese Lemon Chicken

Introduction

Chinese Lemon Chicken is a delightful, crispy dish that features tender chicken coated in a flavorful, tangy lemon sauce. This dish strikes the perfect balance between sweet and sour, with the zesty lemon brightening the savory chicken while the crispy coating adds a satisfying crunch.

I first made this dish when I was craving my favorite take-out, and it turned out to be so much better than I expected. The kitchen filled with the mouthwatering scent of citrus and sizzling chicken, and the result was a plate of perfectly crispy chicken pieces drenched in a luscious lemon sauce. What’s great about this recipe is how easy it is to make at home with simple ingredients, and it’s just as delicious as anything you’d get from a restaurant.

What’s also fantastic about this dish is its versatility. You can serve it over steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even noodles for a complete meal. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a dinner party, Chinese Lemon Chicken is sure to impress!

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Weeknight meals
• Special occasions
• Chinese food enthusiasts
• Meal prep

Why You’ll Love This Chinese Lemon Chicken

Here’s why Chinese Lemon Chicken will become your new favorite:

• Crispy Chicken: The chicken is coated in a light, crispy batter that provides the perfect texture contrast to the tangy lemon sauce.
• Bright and Tangy Flavor: The lemon sauce is the star of the dish, offering a delicious balance of sweet and sour that perfectly complements the chicken.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients, this dish comes together quickly and can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness or acidity of the sauce to match your taste preferences.
• Versatile: Serve this dish with rice, noodles, or vegetables for a complete meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Chinese Lemon Chicken:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 egg, beaten
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Lemon Sauce:

• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
• Lemon zest (for garnish)
• Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are tender and easy to work with, making them perfect for a crispy coating.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice provides the bright, tangy flavor that makes this dish shine.
• Cornstarch: Used to coat the chicken and thicken the sauce, cornstarch gives the chicken a crisp texture and helps the sauce adhere.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a salty, umami element to the sauce, balancing the sweetness from the sugar.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Chinese Lemon Chicken:

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Coat the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, whisk the cornstarch, flour, and a pinch of salt. Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten egg, then dredge it in the cornstarch-flour mixture, ensuring it is well-coated.
3. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in batches and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Make the Lemon Sauce:

4. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small saucepan, whisk together the lemon juice, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and optional sesame oil and ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
5. Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and continue to simmer for another 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little water to thin it out.
6. Coat the Chicken: Once the sauce is thickened, pour it over the fried chicken and toss gently to coat all the pieces evenly.

Serve:

7. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the lemon chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with lemon zest and sliced green onions, if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

How to Serve Chinese Lemon Chicken

Chinese Lemon Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides:

• With Rice: Serve the lemon chicken with steamed white rice, brown rice, or fried rice to soak up the tangy sauce.
• With Vegetables: Serve alongside stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a healthy, colorful meal.
• With Noodles: Pair the chicken with lo mein, rice noodles, or chow mein for a filling meal.
• As an Appetizer: Serve the chicken on its own as an appetizer at a Chinese-inspired dinner or gathering.

Additional Tips for Chinese Lemon Chicken

Here are some tips to ensure your Chinese Lemon Chicken is perfect every time:

• Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest will provide the best flavor, so avoid using bottled lemon juice if possible.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the chicken to become soggy instead of crispy.
• Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more sugar; if you like it tangier, increase the lemon juice or rice vinegar.
• Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed right after it’s made to maintain the crispy texture of the chicken.
• Make the Sauce Ahead: You can prepare the lemon sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it before tossing with the chicken.

Recipe Variations for Chinese Lemon Chicken

Here are 10 variations you can try for Chinese Lemon Chicken:

• Spicy Lemon Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or a bit of chili sauce to the sauce for some heat.
• Orange Lemon Chicken: Replace some of the lemon juice with fresh orange juice for a citrusy twist.
• Honey Lemon Chicken: Add a tablespoon of honey to the sauce for a sweeter, more complex flavor.
• Crispy Baked Lemon Chicken: Instead of frying, bake the coated chicken pieces at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes for a healthier version.
• Lemon Chicken with Cashews: Add roasted cashews to the sauce for added texture and flavor.
• Lemon Chicken with Snow Peas: Toss some snow peas into the sauce for an extra burst of color and crunch.
• Lemon Chicken with Garlic: Add minced garlic to the sauce for a more savory depth of flavor.
• Lemon Chicken with Broccoli: Add steamed broccoli to the dish for a more complete meal.
• Lemon Chicken with Pineapple: Add fresh pineapple chunks to the sauce for a tropical, sweet contrast to the tangy lemon.
• Lemon Chicken Stir-fry: Toss the crispy chicken with stir-fried vegetables and noodles for a hearty, one-pan meal.

Freezing and Storage for Chinese Lemon Chicken

• Freezing: While the chicken can be frozen, the crispy coating may lose its texture once reheated. To freeze, place the cooked chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
• Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet to preserve the crispy texture.

Special Equipment for Chinese Lemon Chicken

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Chinese Lemon Chicken easier:

• Wok or Skillet: A wok or large skillet is perfect for frying the chicken evenly.
• Tongs or Slotted Spoon: Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the pan and drain excess oil.
• Saucepan: A small saucepan is needed to make the lemon sauce.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate measurements for the sauce ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions for Chinese Lemon Chicken

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
   Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, more flavorful version of this dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   The chicken can be fried ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a day. Reheat the chicken in the oven to maintain its crispiness, and then toss it in the sauce before serving.
3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Yes, use a gluten-free flour and cornstarch for the batter and gluten-free soy sauce for the sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
4. Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
   Yes, feel free to add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce or reduce it for a tangier flavor.
5. How do I know when the chicken is done?
   The chicken is done when it’s golden brown and crispy on the outside and fully cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

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Conclusion

Chinese Lemon Chicken is a delightful, crispy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender chicken, crispy coating, and tangy lemon sauce, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for Chinese takeout. Whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or vegetables, it’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. The bright, zesty flavors make this dish a refreshing choice for any meal.

This recipe is as easy to make as it is delicious, perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Whether you’re feeding the family or entertaining guests, Chinese Lemon Chicken will add a burst of flavor to your table.

I’d love to see how your Chinese Lemon Chicken turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!