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Chinese Lemon Chicken

Chinese Lemon Chicken
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Chinese Lemon Chicken is a vibrant and delicious dish featuring tender, crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy lemon sauce. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe balances a crisp texture with bright citrus flavor using simple pantry ingredients. Easy to prepare and customizable for various dietary needs, it’s a delightful meal that brings the taste of Chinese cuisine to your home kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 large egg
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Lemon Sauce

  • 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • 1/4 cup water or chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well during frying.
  2. Coat the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together the egg and a splash of water to create an egg wash. Toss the chicken pieces in the egg wash, then dredge thoroughly in cornstarch until fully coated.
  3. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat to about 350°F. Fry the chicken in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  4. Make the Lemon Sauce: In a saucepan, combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, and water or chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil while stirring constantly. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly for a glossy finish.
  5. Combine and Serve: Toss the fried chicken pieces in the warm lemon sauce until they are evenly coated. Serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor.

Notes

  • Dry your chicken well to help the coating crisp up during frying.
  • Maintain oil temperature around 350°F to avoid greasy or undercooked chicken.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, most natural flavor.
  • Fry chicken in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady and ensure crispiness.
  • Adjust sauce thickness by adding more cornstarch slurry if too thin, or more water if too thick.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chinese Lemon Chicken, lemon chicken recipe, crispy lemon chicken, gluten-free lemon chicken, Chinese cuisine, fried chicken with lemon sauce

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