This Chinese Lemon Chicken recipe brings the delightful combination of crispy battered chicken pieces and a tangy, sweet lemon sauce straight to your kitchen. Forget the takeout and enjoy a homemade version that’s both quick and flavorful! With juicy, golden-brown chicken coated in a zesty lemon sauce, it’s a perfect dish to serve for dinner, paired with steamed rice and vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love how Chinese Lemon Chicken captures that classic restaurant flavor with just a few ingredients. The crispy chicken pieces are tender on the inside and perfectly crunchy on the outside. The lemon sauce is the star of the dish, balancing sweetness and tang in every bite. It’s quick to make, requiring only an hour from start to finish, and it’s way better than waiting for delivery!
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
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1 lb chicken thighs, cut into cubes
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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2 tablespoons cornstarch
For the Lemon Sauce:
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1/3 cup lemon juice
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3 tablespoons sugar
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1/2 cup water
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2 teaspoons cornstarch
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1 teaspoon lemon zest
For the Breading:
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1/4 cup flour
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1/2 cup cornstarch
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Oil for frying
Directions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
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In a bowl, combine the soy sauce and 2 tablespoons cornstarch.
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Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Lemon Sauce:
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In a small bowl, mix together the lemon juice, sugar, water, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, and lemon zest. Set the sauce mixture aside.
3. Coat the Chicken:
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After marinating, add the flour and 1/2 cup cornstarch to the bowl with the chicken. Toss the chicken well to coat it evenly with the flour-cornstarch mixture.
4. Fry the Chicken:
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In a pot or deep frying pan, heat about 3 inches of oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
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Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can cause the chicken to stick together and make it oily. Fry until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch.
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Once cooked, transfer the chicken pieces to a skillet or paper towel-lined plate to drain.
5. Make the Sauce:
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After all the chicken is cooked, turn off the oil and set the skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the prepared lemon sauce to the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for a few seconds until it thickens up.
6. Coat the Chicken with the Sauce:
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Add the fried chicken pieces to the skillet with the sauce and toss well to coat the chicken in the flavorful lemon sauce. Cook for just a few more seconds until the sauce has thickened and clings to the chicken.
7. Serve:
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Serve the Chinese Lemon Chicken immediately with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 6 servings, perfect for family dinners or meal prep. It takes 15 minutes to prep, 15 minutes to cook, and 30 minutes for marinating, for a total time of 1 hour.
Variations
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Spicy Lemon Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or chili paste to the sauce for a spicy kick.
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Lighter Option: To reduce calories, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Coat the chicken with the flour-cornstarch mixture, place on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
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Vegetarian Version: Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken for a plant-based version of this dish.
Storage and Reheating
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Storing Leftovers: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of water to the sauce to help loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts for a leaner option. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lemon sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before adding to the cooked chicken.
What can I serve with this dish?
Serve Chinese Lemon Chicken with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even a side of fried rice for a complete meal.
Can I freeze the chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken (without the sauce) for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, reheat and toss with freshly made sauce.
Can I make this dish less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet flavor, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the lemon sauce or add a bit more lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
Conclusion
This Chinese Lemon Chicken recipe is a perfect homemade version of the takeout classic—crispy chicken coated in a tangy, sweet, and refreshing lemon sauce. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Print
Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Chinese Lemon Chicken features crispy, golden-brown battered chicken thighs tossed in a sweet and tangy lemon sauce. A perfect homemade alternative to takeout, with all the flavor and none of the wait!
Ingredients
1 lb chicken thighs, cut into cubes
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp cornstarch (for marinade)
⅓ cup lemon juice
3 tbsp sugar
½ cup water
2 tsp cornstarch (for sauce)
1 tsp lemon zest
¼ cup flour
½ cup cornstarch (for batter)
Oil for frying
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, add the chicken cubes, soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Toss to coat, then cover with plastic wrap and let it marinate for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Sauce
While the chicken is marinating, mix together the lemon juice, sugar, water, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Set the sauce aside.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
After the chicken has marinated, add the flour and ½ cup of cornstarch to the chicken. Toss to coat the chicken pieces evenly.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
In a pot, heat oil about 3 inches deep over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry the pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch.
Once fried, transfer the chicken pieces to a skillet or pan.
Step 5: Coat with the Sauce
Turn off the oil and set the skillet with the fried chicken on medium-high heat.
Add the prepared lemon sauce to the skillet and toss the chicken in the sauce for just a few seconds until it thickens.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the crispy lemon chicken immediately with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
Avoid Overcrowding the Pot: Fry the chicken in batches to prevent the pieces from sticking together and to keep the oil temperature consistent.
Customize the Sauce: Adjust the sweetness or tartness of the sauce by adding more sugar or lemon juice, depending on your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinate Time:: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
