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Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe

Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe

4.8 from 26 reviews

Chinese Lemon Chicken is a classic takeout favorite featuring crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet and tangy lemon sauce. This homemade version is easy to make and tastes even better than the restaurant dish.

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
  • sliced green onions for garnish

For the lemon sauce:

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
  • zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Dip chicken pieces in beaten egg, then coat in flour mixture.
  2. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, fry chicken until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
  3. Make the Lemon Sauce: Simmer chicken broth, lemon juice, sugar, soy sauce, and zest. Thicken with cornstarch slurry.
  4. Coat the Chicken: Toss fried chicken in lemon sauce until coated.
  5. Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Serve over steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
  • For a lighter option, bake or air-fry the chicken before tossing in the lemon sauce.

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