Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
If you’ve ever craved the sweet, tangy, and utterly irresistible flavor of takeout right in your own kitchen, you’re in for a treat! This Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken is a show-stopping main course, boasting juicy, golden chicken pieces cloaked in a glossy, lemony sauce that’s the perfect balance of sweet and zingy. Every mouthful is pure joy — satisfyingly crisp on the outside with a bright, fresh finish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this is one of those dishes that leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken starts with quality ingredients you can easily find at the store. Each one is essential for building the signature crunchy coating, tender bite, and luminous sauce that make this dish a family favorite.
- Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender, juicy bites that cook evenly and stay moist.
- Salt: Just a touch brings all the flavors of the dish to life — don’t skip it!
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick and aroma, balancing the lemon sauce’s brightness.
- Cornstarch: The secret to that shatteringly crisp exterior — it’s a game-changer for homemade fried chicken.
- Eggs: These help the coating cling to each piece, ensuring the crunchiest bite possible.
- Vegetable Oil: Has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, perfect for frying chicken to golden perfection.
- Fresh Ginger: Brings a warming, slightly spicy note that deepens the sauce’s flavor.
- Garlic: A must for savory depth — mince finely so it melts into the sauce.
- Lemon Juice: Use freshly squeezed juice for the brightest, most vibrant punch of citrus.
- Sugar: Sweetens the tart lemon and forms that classic sticky glaze everyone loves.
- Soy Sauce: Just a splash delivers that unmistakable umami richness.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds a gentle tang and rounds out the sweet and sour combination.
- Cornstarch Slurry: Thickens the lemon sauce to the perfect silky texture — don’t skip this step.
- Sliced Green Onions and Lemon Zest: Sprinkle on top for a fresh pop of flavor and color.
How to Make Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, creating the ideal size for perfect frying and easy eating. Season them with salt and pepper — it may seem simple, but this step ensures the flavors soak all the way into each tender morsel. Taking a moment to prep now guarantees every bite of your Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken is seasoned just right.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Set up a quick breading station with cornstarch and beaten eggs. Dredge each piece of chicken in cornstarch first to create a dry layer, then dip it gently in the eggs to help the coating stick when frying. This double-coating is what gives Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken its signature crunch.
Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection
In a large skillet or wok, heat your vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding (which helps keep things extra crispy), and let each side cook for about 3–4 minutes until beautifully golden and crunchy. Move the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain while you continue frying the rest.
Step 4: Make the Lemon Sauce
After frying, carefully pour out most of the oil, leaving just a tablespoon in the pan. Sauté the minced garlic and ginger for a quick 30 seconds — this transforms their flavor and scents your whole kitchen. Next, add in the lemon juice, sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Let it all come to a simmer, then whisk in the cornstarch slurry, watching as the sauce transforms into a glossy, thick glaze bursting with fresh citrus.
Step 5: Toss and Garnish
Add the crispy chicken back to the pan, tossing carefully so every piece is glistening with lemon sauce. Finish with a generous sprinkle of sliced green onions and lemon zest. Serve immediately for the most satisfying, piping-hot crunch. Congratulations — you’ve just created restaurant-quality Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken at home!
How to Serve Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken
Garnishes
For a burst of color and flavor, top your Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken with thinly sliced green onions and bright curls of lemon zest. These little touches don’t just look beautiful on the plate — they elevate every bite with freshness and zing.
Side Dishes
Steamed white rice is the classic pairing, soaking up the luscious lemon sauce without overpowering the main event. For a lighter take, try a side of stir-fried baby bok choy or broccoli. The subtle greens make the chicken (and its vivid sauce) truly pop.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken on a large platter, arranging the chicken pieces in neat rows and showering with extra garnishes. Or, load individual bowls for a fun, takeout-at-home vibe, adding a lemon twist or even some toasted sesame seeds for crunch. Don’t hesitate to tuck a few steamed buns alongside for dipping and scooping up every last drop of sauce!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If possible, keep the sauce and chicken separate to help preserve maximum crunch, but the leftovers are still delicious even when combined.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this dish! Let the chicken cool completely, spread on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. The sauce can be frozen in a separate container (allow a bit of room for expansion). For best texture, freeze for up to one month.
Reheating
To revive the magic, reheat the chicken in a 375°F oven for 10–12 minutes or until hot and crispy again. Warm the sauce in a small saucepan on the stove or in the microwave, then toss together just before serving. Avoid microwaving the coated chicken, as this results in a softer coating rather than that signature crisp.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken. They stay juicy and add a bit more flavor because of their higher fat content — just adjust the cooking time as needed since thigh pieces may take a minute or two longer.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
You can prep the sauce and chop the chicken a day ahead, but for peak crispiness, fry the chicken right before serving. If prepping in advance, store the chicken and sauce separately and combine just before eating.
How do I adjust the sauce sweetness or tanginess?
Taste as you go! For a sweeter sauce, add another teaspoon of sugar; for extra tang, another squeeze of lemon juice will do the trick. That’s the beauty of homemade Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken — you control the balance.
Can I make this gluten free?
Yes! Simply use a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and double-check that your cornstarch is gluten free. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten free, making it easy to enjoy without worry.
What can I do with leftover lemon sauce?
Don’t toss it! The extra lemon sauce is delicious as a drizzle over steamed veggies, a dipping sauce for dumplings, or even as a tangy glaze for grilled shrimp or tofu the next day.
Final Thoughts
Every time I make Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken, it’s an instant celebration at the table — and I’m willing to bet it’ll be the same for you. With a crunchy, golden coating and a vibrant sauce that just begs for one more bite, this dish is a surefire winner for takeout lovers and home cooks alike. Give it a try and let it bring a little joy (and zing!) to your weeknight dinner rotation.
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Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken with this easy-to-follow recipe. Enjoy tender, golden-brown chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy lemon sauce – a perfect balance of savory and citrusy goodness!
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Lemon Sauce:
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger (minced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ⅓ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water
Garnish:
- Sliced green onions and lemon zest
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Coat in cornstarch, then dip in beaten eggs.
- Fry the Chicken: Fry in oil until crispy, then drain on paper towels.
- Make the Lemon Sauce: Sauté ginger and garlic, add lemon juice, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and cornstarch slurry. Cook until thickened.
- Combine: Toss fried chicken in the sauce until coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with green onions and lemon zest. Serve hot.
Notes
- Serve immediately for the crispiest texture.
- This dish pairs well with steamed white rice or stir-fried vegetables.
- Adjust sugar and lemon juice to taste for a sweeter or tangier sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
