Description
This Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken recipe features tender bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a light, crispy batter, then tossed in a vibrant, tangy lemon sauce with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish offers a delightful combination of textures and zesty citrus notes that will impress any crowd.
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
- Vegetable oil, for frying
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
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
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with rice flour.
- Patting the chicken dry is essential to get a crisp coating that sticks well.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for even frying and crispy texture.
- If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar or honey amount slightly.
- Serve immediately after tossing in sauce to keep the coating crispy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
