Chinese Lemon Chicken

One of my all-time favorite dishes to whip up at home is Chinese Lemon Chicken. This delightful dish brings a burst of tangy flavor that can brighten even the dreariest of days. I remember the first time I tried it at a local Chinese restaurant; I was blown away by the combination of crispy chicken and a zesty lemon sauce. It was love at first bite! Now, I often make it for family gatherings or cozy weeknights at home. The aroma that fills the kitchen while it cooks is simply irresistible.

With each bite, you get that satisfying crunch from the chicken, followed by the refreshing zing from the lemon sauce. It’s the kind of dish that not only satisfies the taste buds but also warms the heart. Whether you’re enjoying it alone or sharing it with loved ones, Chinese Lemon Chicken is sure to become a favorite at your table too!

Ingredient List for Chinese Lemon Chicken

When it comes to making Chinese Lemon Chicken, the ingredients play a crucial role in bringing this dish to life. Each component works harmoniously to create a vibrant and delicious meal that everyone will love. Let’s dive into the key players that make this dish special.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for frying, it creates that perfect crispy texture on the chicken.
• Egg Whites: These help coat the chicken, providing a light batter that adheres to the meat.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish, offering a lean protein that cooks quickly and stays tender.
• Cornstarch: A critical ingredient for achieving that crispy coating.
• All-Purpose Flour: Works alongside cornstarch to form the batter.
• Fine Sea Salt: Enhances the flavor of the chicken.
• Black Pepper: Adds a touch of spice.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory base for the sauce.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: The star ingredient that gives the dish its refreshing flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the tartness of the lemon.
• Honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness.
• Lemon Zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami.
• Water: Used to create a slurry for thickening the sauce.
• Sesame Oil: A finishing touch that adds rich flavor.
• Lemon Slices: For garnish, adding a pop of color.
• Green Onions: Offers a fresh crunch as a garnish.
• Sesame Seeds: Used for garnish, enhancing the visual appeal.

How to Prepare Chinese Lemon Chicken

Getting started on Chinese Lemon Chicken is easier than you might think! Follow along as I guide you through each step. By the end, you’ll have a delicious dish that’s sure to impress.

1. Begin by heating a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want the oil to reach about 350°F, which is perfect for frying. The oil should be approximately one inch deep, ensuring that the chicken pieces can fry evenly.
2. While the oil heats up, prepare the chicken. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg whites until they become frothy. This egg wash will help the coating stick to the chicken breasts. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they’re uniform for even cooking.
3. In another bowl, combine the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, fine sea salt, and black pepper. This mixture will create a light and crispy coating for the chicken. Make sure to mix them well so the flavors are evenly distributed.
4. Take each piece of egg-coated chicken and dredge it in the flour mixture. Make sure to shake off any excess to avoid clumping. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture.
5. Carefully add the chicken in batches to the hot oil. Fry them for about three to four minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on the color; you want them to be beautifully browned.
6. Once done, transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the excess oil. This helps keep the chicken crispy. Repeat the frying process until all the chicken is cooked.
7. Now, let’s make the sauce! In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, granulated sugar, honey, lemon zest, and soy sauce. Stir well to combine and let the mixture come to a simmer.
8. While the sauce is heating, prepare a slurry by mixing the cornstarch and water in a separate bowl. This will help thicken the sauce. Once the sauce has simmered, gradually stir in the slurry while continuously whisking.
9. Let the sauce cook for another two to three minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. Remove it from the heat and stir in the sesame oil for added flavor.
10. Finally, toss the fried chicken pieces in the warm lemon sauce until they are well coated. For a finishing touch, garnish the dish with lemon slices, thinly sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately!

Helpful Hints

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Chinese Lemon Chicken turns out perfectly every time.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating in a skillet helps maintain the crispiness.
• Freezing: Not recommended. The fried coating can become soggy when defrosted.
• Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and combine them just before serving.
• Variations: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to the frying pan for extra flavor and nutrition.

What Goes Well With This Chinese Lemon Chicken

Serving Chinese Lemon Chicken can be a fun experience as there are plenty of delicious options to complement its flavors. Below are some wonderful pairings and serving suggestions:

• Steamed Rice: A classic choice, fluffy white rice absorbs the tangy lemon sauce beautifully.
• Fried Rice: For a heartier meal, serve it alongside stir-fried rice with vegetables.
• Vegetable Stir-Fry: Fresh, crisp veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas add color and nutrition.
• Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed with sesame oil pairs perfectly.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or even casual get-togethers with friends.
• Leftovers: Enjoy it as a quick lunch the next day or make it the star of a meal prep plan.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Chinese Lemon Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the crispiness of fried chicken with the zesty flavor of lemon. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings joy to any dining occasion. I encourage you to try making it at home, as it’s sure to impress your family and friends. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare and how much flavor it delivers. So go ahead, give it a shot, and enjoy this delicious dish!

Chinese Lemon Chicken

The ultimate comfort food that combines crispy fried chicken with a tangy lemon sauce. Chinese Lemon Chicken is an easy weeknight dinner that's bursting with flavor. Perfect for sharing with family or friends, you won't want to miss out on this delightful dish!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan
• Skillet
• Chef's Knife
• Saucepan
• Whisk

Ingredients

  

• 2 egg whites Egg Whites
• 1.5 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
• 0.25 cup Cornstarch
• 0.25 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 0.5 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 0.75 cup Chicken Broth low sodium
• 0.33 cup Fresh Lemon Juice
• 0.25 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
• 1 cup Lemon Slices for garnish
• 1 cup Thinly Sliced Green Onions for garnish
• 1 cup Sesame Seeds for garnish

Instructions

 

• In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (about 1 inch deep).
• In a medium bowl, whisk egg whites until frothy. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat.
• In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch, all-purpose flour, fine sea salt, and black pepper.
• Dredge the egg-coated chicken in the cornstarch mixture, shaking off excess.
• Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes per batch. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
• For the sauce, combine chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, granulated sugar, honey, lemon zest, and soy sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
• In a separate bowl, stir together cornstarch and water to make a slurry and set aside.
• Bring sauce to a simmer, then stir in the slurry. Cook until sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil.
• Toss fried chicken pieces in the warm lemon sauce until well coated.
• Garnish with lemon slices, green onions, and sesame seeds before serving, if desired.

Notes

• Refrigerator: Chinese Lemon Chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the air fryer for a few minutes to keep the chicken crispy.
• Freezer: Not recommended, as the fried coating can become soggy when defrosted.

Keyword Chinese Chicken Dish, Crispy Chicken recipe, Easy Lemon Chicken, Lemon Chicken Recipe