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