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Delicious plate of Chinese lemon chicken with vibrant sauce and garnishes

Chinese Lemon Chicken

Chinese lemon chicken brings vibrant flavors to your table with a delightful combination of tangy citrus and tender chicken. This dish captivates your taste buds while being simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the chicken

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs Beaten
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil For frying

For the sauce

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch For thickening sauce
  • 1 tablespoon water

Garnish

  • Green onions For garnish
  • Sesame seeds For garnish

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and better flavor absorption.
  • In a bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
  • In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.

Frying the Chicken

  • Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then coat it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
  • Heat oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  • Add the chicken in batches and fry until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 4-5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and let it drain on paper towels.

Making the Sauce

  • In another pan, combine the chicken broth, lemon juice, sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
  • Mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Slowly add this to the boiling sauce, stirring constantly until it thickens.
  • Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until fully coated.

Serving

  • Serve immediately, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

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Notes

Use fresh lemons for the best flavor. You can double-fry the chicken for added crispiness. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Keyword Crispy Chicken, Easy Recipes, Lemon Chicken, Tangy Sauce, Weeknight Dinner