Dinner

Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe

Name: Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 egg; 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1 pinch black pepper; 1 tablespoon canola oil (for batter); 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for sauce); Canola oil (for frying, amount as needed); 1/2 cup lemon juice; 1/4 cup sugar; 2/3 cup water

BySana Jeannette October 28, 2025October 28, 2025

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Introduction

Chinese Lemon Chicken is a delightful dish featuring crispy, tender chicken coated in a tangy and sweet lemon sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or to impress guests with its bright, flavorful glaze.

A white oval plate holds a dish with two main parts side by side: on the left are five golden-yellow pieces of fried chicken cut into strips and covered in a shiny lemon sauce, each strip showing a crispy texture underneath the sauce; on the right is a mound of white, fluffy rice with a soft and slightly grainy texture. Two thin slices of lemon with bright yellow skin and pale inner flesh rest on the rice, adding a fresh touch. The plate is set on a wooden table with a white marbled texture as the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 egg

1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 pinch black pepper

1 tablespoon canola oil, plus more for frying
1/2 cup cornstarch, divided

1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup sugar

2/3 cup water

Instructions

Step 1: Slice each chicken breast in half butterflied, making two thinner pieces from each breast.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, kosher salt, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon canola oil to create the egg mixture.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup cornstarch and 1/4 cup flour, mixing well.
Step 4: Heat enough canola oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches about 375°F (190°C).
Step 5: Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then dredge it thoroughly in the cornstarch and flour mixture.

Step 6: Fry the chicken pieces for 3 to 4 minutes or until they turn golden and crisp. Remove from the pan and drain excess oil.
Step 7: In the same pan, add lemon juice, sugar, water, and the remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Whisk to combine.
Step 8: Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and becomes smooth.

Step 9: Slice the fried chicken into thin strips, then serve topped with the warm lemon sauce.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, double-dredge the chicken by repeating the dipping and coating process before frying.
Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright and natural flavor in the sauce.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables to complete the meal.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken and lemon sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in an oven or toaster oven to maintain crispiness and warm the sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before combining.

How to Serve

A white bowl contains a dish with two main parts: on the right side, there is a mound of soft, white rice with a fluffy texture, while on the left side, there are golden-yellow glazed chicken strips arranged in one layer, with the glaze giving them a shiny and smooth look. Two thin lemon slices with a bright yellow peel and pale inner flesh are placed on top of the rice and chicken for garnish. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and offer a juicier texture, though the cooking time may vary slightly.

How do I prevent the chicken from becoming soggy?

Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan. Drain excess oil after frying and serve the sauce just before eating to keep the chicken crispy.