Chinese Lemon Chicken 

Chinese Lemon Chicken is a delightful dish that combines crispy, tender chicken pieces with a tangy, sweet lemon sauce. This popular Chinese takeout favorite is surprisingly easy to prepare at home, offering a refreshing alternative to the usual sweet and sour options. The bright citrus flavor, complemented by the savory chicken, makes for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)

• 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup cornstarch

• Oil for frying (such as canola or vegetable oil)

For the Lemon Sauce:

• ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ⅔ cup low-sodium chicken broth

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For Garnish:

• 2 green onions (chopped)

• 1 lemon (cut into wedges)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces.

   • In a shallow bowl, combine the beaten eggs with salt and pepper.

   • In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and cornstarch.

   • Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then dredge in the flour-cornstarch mixture, ensuring an even coating.

2. Fry the Chicken:

   • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

   • Add the coated chicken pieces in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side.

   • Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

3. Make the Lemon Sauce:

   • In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

   • Add the lemon juice, sugar, chicken broth, and salt.

   • Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.

   • In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry.

   • Slowly add the cornstarch slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 1–2 minutes.

4. Combine and Serve:

   • Add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan, tossing to coat evenly with the lemon sauce.

   • Transfer the coated chicken to a serving platter.

   • Garnish with chopped green onions and lemon wedges.

   • Serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 323 kcal

• Protein: 27 g

• Fat: 14 g

• Saturated Fat: 1 g

• Cholesterol: 127 mg

• Sodium: 156 mg

• Potassium: 471 mg

• Carbohydrates: 40 g

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sugar: 11 g

• Vitamin A: 115 IU

• Vitamin C: 9.2 mg

• Calcium: 20 mg

• Iron: 1.4 mg