Chinese Lemon Chicken is a delightful dish that combines crispy, tender chicken pieces with a tangy, sweet lemon sauce. This homemade version rivals your favorite takeout, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It's a quick and easy recipe that's sure to impress at any dinner table.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 egg, lightly beaten
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornstarch
Oil for frying (canola or vegetable oil)
For the Lemon Sauce:
½ cup fresh lemon juice
¼ cup sugar
¼ cup water
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
For Garnish:
Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds
Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a bowl, lightly beat the egg.
Coat the Chicken: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten egg, then dredge in the flour-cornstarch mixture, ensuring an even coating.
Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces in batches, ensuring they do not overcrowd the pan. Fry until the chicken is golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Make the Lemon Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the lemon juice, sugar, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the crispy chicken to the saucepan and toss to coat the chicken evenly with the lemon sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving plate. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.
Calories: 306 kcal
Protein: 24g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 72mg
Sodium: 134mg
Potassium: 444mg
Fiber: 0.2g
Sugar: 13g
Vitamin A: 35 IU
Vitamin C: 9mg
Calcium: 8mg
Iron: 1mg