Description
This Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken recipe features tender chicken pieces fried to golden perfection and coated in a tangy, glossy lemon sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that delivers a satisfying crunch and vibrant citrus flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Batter
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or rice flour for gluten-free option)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Lemon Sauce
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 3 tablespoons sugar or honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Other
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the batter sticks properly and fries up crispy.
- Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, and a pinch of salt. Beat the eggs separately, then combine with the dry ingredients to form a slightly thick batter.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Dip each chicken piece into the batter, then carefully lower into the hot oil. Fry in batches until golden and crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Drain the fried chicken pieces on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare the Lemon Sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine fresh lemon juice, sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Heat gently while stirring until the sugar dissolves and the sauce slightly thickens to a glaze-like consistency.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the fried chicken pieces in the warm lemon sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the glossy, tangy glaze. Serve immediately to maintain the chicken’s crispiness.
Notes
- For a gluten-free variation, substitute all-purpose flour with rice flour and use gluten-free soy sauce.
- Adjust sweetness in the lemon sauce by varying the amount of sugar or honey according to your preference.
- Ensure the chicken is thoroughly dried before battering for the crispiest coating.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F for even frying.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the crisp texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
