Chinese Lemon Chicken is a crispy, golden-fried chicken dish coated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly savory lemon sauce. This restaurant-style favorite is easy to make at home with simple ingredients and delivers the perfect balance of crunch and citrusy goodness. Serve it over rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a delicious meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and flavorful – Lightly battered chicken with a crunchy texture and vibrant lemon sauce.
- Quick and easy – A homemade version of a takeout favorite in under 30 minutes.
- Balanced flavors – Sweet, tangy, and slightly savory, making it irresistible.
- Perfect for meal prep – Reheats well for a delicious leftover meal.
- Pairs well with sides – Serve with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Cornstarch
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Egg
- Soy sauce
- Water
- Salt and pepper
- Oil for frying
For the Lemon Sauce:
- Fresh lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Sugar
- Chicken broth
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Cornstarch
- Garlic (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the batter – In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, baking powder, egg, soy sauce, water, salt, and pepper to form a smooth batter.
- Coat the chicken – Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them in the batter.
- Fry the chicken – Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy, then drain on paper towels.
- Make the lemon sauce – In a saucepan, combine lemon juice, zest, sugar, chicken broth, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Bring to a simmer.
- Thicken the sauce – Mix cornstarch with a little water, then stir into the sauce until it thickens.
- Coat the chicken – Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately – Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions and serve over rice.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Healthier version – Skip frying and air-fry or bake the chicken instead.
- Spicy twist – Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch instead of flour.
- Extra crispy – Double fry the chicken for extra crunch.
- Honey lemon chicken – Replace some sugar with honey for a richer flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze fried chicken separately from the sauce for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to keep the chicken crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs are juicier and work well for this recipe.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Add a little more cornstarch mixed with water and simmer until it reaches the desired thickness.
What oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work best due to their high smoke points.
Can I make this dish without frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or air-fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.
How do I prevent the batter from falling off?
Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is best, but bottled can work in a pinch.
What’s the difference between lemon chicken and orange chicken?
Lemon chicken has a tangy, citrusy flavor, while orange chicken is sweeter and has a caramelized taste.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Store the sauce in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheat before using.
What should I serve with lemon chicken?
Rice, stir-fried vegetables, or lo mein noodles pair perfectly.
How do I make it less sweet?
Reduce the sugar and add more soy sauce or vinegar for a tangier flavor.
Conclusion
Chinese Lemon Chicken is an easy, restaurant-quality dish that’s crispy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as a quick dinner or meal prep for the week, this dish is sure to satisfy your takeout cravings. Give it a try and bring a touch of Chinese cuisine to your kitchen!
Print
Chinese Lemon Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese, Asian-Inspired
Description
This Chinese Lemon Chicken features crispy, golden-fried chicken coated in a tangy, sweet, and zesty lemon sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to make at home and pairs perfectly with rice or steamed vegetables. A delicious balance of crunchy texture and citrusy flavor!
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Lemon Sauce:
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1/4 cup honey (or sugar)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water for slurry)
- 1 tsp lemon zest (for extra flavor)
For Garnish:
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Lemon slices
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Batter
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In a bowl, mix cornstarch with the chicken to lightly coat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, flour, water, and baking powder to create a smooth batter.
- Dip the cornstarch-coated chicken into the batter, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Sauce
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and water.
- Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry and lemon zest. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken & Serve
- Toss the crispy chicken in the lemon sauce or drizzle it over the top.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and lemon slices.
- Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Extra Crispy Tip: Double-fry the chicken for extra crunch. Fry once at 325°F, then refry at 375°F for a crispier texture.
- Baked or Air Fryer Option: Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, or air fry at 375°F for 15 minutes.
- Adjust Sweetness: Reduce honey for a tangier sauce or add more for extra sweetness.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best texture.