Chinese Lemon Chicken is a delicious and popular dish that features crispy chicken coated in a tangy and sweet lemon sauce. Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or a takeout-inspired meal at home, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why This Chinese Lemon Chicken Is the Best
- Tangy Lemon Sauce: The sauce is a perfect blend of tangy and sweet flavors, enhancing the crispy chicken.
- Crispy Chicken: The chicken is fried to a golden brown, giving it a satisfying crunch.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with simple ingredients, this dish is easy to prepare and doesn’t require any special ingredients.
- Beautiful Presentation: The dish is garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, making it visually appealing and appetizing.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or looking for a delicious and flavorful dinner option, Chinese Lemon Chicken is the perfect choice. The combination of tangy sauce, crispy chicken, and fresh garnishes makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for cutting into bite-sized pieces, which cook quickly and absorb the sauce well.
- Egg, Salt, Pepper, and Cornstarch-Flour Mixture: The egg helps coat the chicken, while the cornstarch and flour mixture create a crispy, golden coating when fried.
- Lemon Juice, Sugar, and Water: These ingredients form a tangy, sweet lemon sauce that glazes the crispy chicken, giving it a vibrant citrusy flavor.
Tips for Making the Best Chinese Lemon Chicken
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality chicken and lemons.
- Fry Evenly: Ensure the chicken is fried evenly to achieve a golden brown exterior.
- Coat Generously: Coat the chicken generously with the lemon sauce to ensure each bite is flavorful.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top the dish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for added flavor and visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions
- With Steamed Rice: Serve Chinese Lemon Chicken with steamed white rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
- With Stir-Fried Vegetables: Pair with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snow peas for extra nutrition.
- With a Side Salad: Add a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- With Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges for a refreshing and tangy contrast.
- With Fresh Bread: Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Chinese Lemon Chicken. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Tangy, flavorful, and packed with deliciousness, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Be sure to check out these other delicious dinner recipes!
Chinese Lemon Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts boneless skinless
- 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp cornstarch divided
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 1 tbsp canola oil
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing each one in half to create thinner pieces.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, salt, pepper, and oil to make a coating mixture for the chicken. In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup cornstarch and 1/4 cup flour, mixing well.
- Heat canola oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat, aiming for about 375°F. Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture, then coat them in the flour mixture. Fry the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes, or until it’s golden and crispy.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and drain the excess oil. Add the lemon juice, sugar, water, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the pan, whisking to combine. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens and becomes smooth.
- Slice the chicken into thin strips and drizzle the lemon sauce over the top before serving.
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