Chinese Lemon Chicken
This Chinese Lemon Chicken offers tender, crispy chicken coated in a deliciously sweet and tangy lemon sauce. With its bright flavors and satisfying texture, it’s a delightful homemade version of a takeout classic that’s easy to prepare for a fresh, flavorful meal!
Servings 4
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.