Name: Delicious Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe for Quick Meals
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: Vegetable oil (for frying, about 1 inch deep in skillet); 2 egg whites; 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; ¼ cup cornstarch; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon fine sea salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ¾ cup chicken broth (low sodium); ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium); 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; Lemon slices; Thinly sliced green onions; Sesame seeds

Chinese Lemon Chicken is one of the most beloved dishes in Chinese cuisine, known for its crispy texture and a tangy, sweet lemon sauce. This dish features golden-fried chicken pieces coated in a delightful lemon glaze, garnished with fresh lemon slices, green onions, and sesame seeds. With a perfect balance of flavors, it’s an easy recipe that serves four in just 35 minutes, making it an ideal option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Chinese Lemon Chicken

This Chinese Lemon Chicken recipe is a favorite for many reasons. First, it combines a crispy texture with a deliciously tangy sauce that pleases the palate. Second, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Additionally, it’s versatile; you can easily turn it into a Lemon Chicken Stir-Fry or pair it with Lemon Chicken with Broccoli. For those craving a sweet and savory experience, this dish is the answer. Plus, it’s a gluten-free option that fits well into many diets. Lastly, the vibrant presentation makes it an eye-catching dish for entertaining guests.

Ingredients for Chinese Lemon Chicken

Gather these items:

Vegetable oil (for frying, about 1 inch deep in skillet)
2 egg whites
1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
¼ cup cornstarch
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¾ cup chicken broth (low sodium)
⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Lemon slices
Thinly sliced green onions
Sesame seeds

How to Make Chinese Lemon Chicken Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil to 350°F, ensuring the oil is about 1 inch deep for frying.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy and then add the chicken pieces, tossing to coat each piece evenly.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, sea salt, and black pepper.
Step 4: Dredge the egg-coated chicken pieces in the cornstarch-flour mixture, shaking off any excess to ensure an even crispy coating.
Step 5: Fry the chicken in batches in the hot oil, cooking each batch for about 3 to 4 minutes until the pieces are golden brown and crispy. Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 6: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine chicken broth, lemon juice, granulated sugar, honey, lemon zest, and soy sauce, stirring gently.
Step 7: In a small bowl, stir together cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Bring the sauce mixture to a simmer and slowly stir in the slurry, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 8: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the sesame oil for added fragrance and flavor.
Step 9: Toss the fried chicken pieces in the warm lemon sauce until well coated, ensuring each piece is covered with the tangy glaze.
Step 10: Garnish with lemon slices, thinly sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving for enhanced presentation and flavor.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Chinese Lemon Chicken

Keep these in mind:

Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying to achieve that crispy texture.
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the best Lemon Chicken marinade for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Balance the sweetness of the sauce with a little more lemon juice if you prefer a zestier flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Chinese Lemon Chicken

For a complete meal, serve this dish with Lemon Chicken with Rice or stir-fried vegetables. You can also pair it with Lemon Chicken with Broccoli for a healthy twist. Another popular option is to serve it as a part of a family-style dinner, encouraging everyone to enjoy the vibrant flavors together.

Delicious Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe for Quick Meals - Chinese Lemon Chicken - main visual representation

How to Store and Reheat Chinese Lemon Chicken

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to retain its crispy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese Lemon Chicken

What’s the secret to perfect Chinese Lemon Chicken?

The secret lies in preparing the chicken correctly and ensuring the oil is hot enough to fry. This will help you achieve the desired crispy texture. Additionally, using fresh lemon juice and zest enhances the flavor of the sauce, making it vibrant and delicious.

Can I make Chinese Lemon Chicken ahead of time?

While the chicken is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Simply fry the chicken right before serving to maintain its crispiness.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chinese Lemon Chicken?

Common mistakes include not frying the chicken at the right temperature, which can lead to sogginess. Ensure your oil is at 350°F and fry in small batches. Also, avoid overcooking the sauce, as it should be thick but not too thick.

Variations of Chinese Lemon Chicken You Can Try

There are many delicious variations to this dish! Try a Sweet and Sour Lemon Chicken by adding pineapple to the sauce. You can also create a Healthy Lemon Chicken Stir-Fry by tossing in colorful vegetables like bell peppers and snap peas. For a quick twist, consider a Lemon Chicken Takeout Recipe style, using pre-cooked chicken for an even faster meal.

For more tips on cooking chicken, check out this guide. If you’re interested in gluten-free options, you can read about gluten-free cooking. For a fun twist on traditional recipes, visit this page for ideas.