The moment that lemony glaze hits the chicken, you’ll be hooked. It’s the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, with just a hint of savory depth. The chicken itself, tender and crispy from being lightly fried, soaks up that glossy sauce, creating a burst of flavor in every bite. It’s like a little party in your mouth! You’ll find that the citrusy tang of the lemon brightens the whole dish, making it feel fresh and light, even though it’s full of flavor. And don’t even get me started on the aromatics—garlic and ginger play their part, bringing in that subtle warmth that’s so typical of Chinese cuisine. It’s a simple dish, but somehow, the flavors come together in the most satisfying way, making you want to go back for seconds (or thirds—no judgment here!). Trust me, once you try it, this dish will quickly become a weeknight favorite. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up—you don’t need any fancy ingredients, just things you likely already have in your pantry!
Key Ingredients for Chinese Lemon Chicken
To make this Chinese Lemon Chicken truly sing, you’ll need just a handful of key ingredients. Each one brings its own little magic to the dish, creating a balance of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more. Here’s the breakdown:
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
The star of the show! Tender and lean, this chicken forms the perfect base for the crispy coating and vibrant lemon glaze. It’s quick to cook and soaks up the flavor of the sauce beautifully.
Soy Sauce
A must-have for that deep umami flavor. The soy sauce adds a savory richness that balances out the sweetness of the honey and the tartness of the lemon.
Rice Vinegar
Adds just a touch of acidity to the dish, cutting through the richness of the chicken and the sweetness of the glaze. It brightens the overall flavor profile and brings everything together.
Cornstarch
This little ingredient helps create a crispy coating on the chicken. It ensures that the chicken holds that satisfying crunch, even once it’s coated in the tangy lemon sauce.
Baking Soda
It helps tenderize the chicken, ensuring that each bite is juicy and soft. This small ingredient makes a big difference in the texture!
All-Purpose Flour
Used alongside the cornstarch, flour helps form the crispy batter that gives the chicken its crunch. It also helps the sauce adhere better, creating that glossy finish.
Salt
A seasoning staple! The salt enhances all the other flavors and brings out the natural sweetness of the chicken and the tart lemon.
White Pepper
Adds a bit of subtle heat without overwhelming the dish. White pepper is a go-to in Chinese cooking for that delicate spiciness.
Vegetable Oil
The oil is essential for frying the chicken, giving it that golden, crispy exterior. It also acts as the base for sautéing the garlic and ginger in the sauce.
Fresh Lemon Juice
The zingy, tart element that makes this dish so refreshing. Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and a fresh, tangy punch that ties the sauce together.
Honey
Sweetness is key! The honey balances out the acidity of the lemon and the saltiness of the soy sauce, making the sauce rich and smooth.
Lemon Zest
For an extra pop of citrusy flavor! The zest brings an aromatic, fresh lemon scent that lifts the entire dish.
Garlic (Minced)
A kitchen favorite, garlic adds that savory, aromatic punch. It caramelizes slightly in the sauce, adding depth and a warm, inviting fragrance.
Fresh Ginger (Grated)
A little bit of ginger goes a long way! It brings a subtle spiciness and warmth that adds complexity to the sauce and complements the garlic and lemon.
Water
Helps to thin out the sauce to just the right consistency, allowing it to coat the chicken perfectly without being too thick or too runny.
Sugar
A touch of sweetness that helps balance out the acidity of the lemon and the saltiness of the soy sauce. It rounds out the flavor profile, giving the sauce a rich, glossy texture.
Each of these ingredients plays an essential part, working together to create that irresistible combination of crispy chicken, savory sauce, and tangy sweetness.
How to Make Chinese Lemon Chicken
- STEP 1: Cut the boneless skinless chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
- STEP 2: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Stir to form a smooth mixture.
- STEP 3: Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss them gently to coat evenly with the marinade. Let the chicken sit for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- STEP 4: In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper. Stir to combine thoroughly.
- STEP 5: Heat 1/4 cup of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- STEP 6: While the oil is heating, coat each piece of marinated chicken in the flour-cornstarch mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly covered.
- STEP 7: Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- STEP 8: Fry the chicken in batches if necessary, turning them occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- STEP 9: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- STEP 10: In a separate saucepan, combine 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger, 1/4 cup of water, and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
- STEP 11: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the ingredients together until the sauce begins to simmer and the sugar has dissolved.
- STEP 12: Let the sauce cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- STEP 13: Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or acidity by adding more honey or lemon juice if desired.
- STEP 14: Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, pour it over the fried chicken pieces, tossing gently to coat the chicken evenly.
- STEP 15: Serve the Chinese Lemon Chicken immediately, garnished with additional lemon zest or fresh herbs if desired.
Serving Suggestions for Chinese Lemon Chicken
Pair with Steamed Rice
There’s nothing better than a bowl of fluffy steamed rice to soak up that sweet and tangy lemon sauce. It’s simple, but it creates the perfect balance of flavors. If you’re feeling a little fancy, go ahead and serve it with some jasmine rice—its floral aroma adds a subtle depth that elevates the dish!
Add a Side of Sautéed Veggies
A colorful veggie side like stir-fried broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas will complement the crispy chicken beautifully. The crunchiness of the veggies contrasts nicely with the tender chicken, and the slight bitterness of the greens balances out the sweet sauce. It’s an easy way to sneak in some extra nutrition too!
Top with Fresh Herbs and a Sprinkle of Sesame Seeds
For a fresh, vibrant finish, top your Chinese Lemon Chicken with a handful of fresh cilantro or green onions. A little sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds an extra layer of texture and flavor, giving your dish a beautiful, restaurant-worthy presentation.
How to Store Chinese Lemon Chicken
If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), storing your Chinese Lemon Chicken properly will help preserve its crispy texture and flavor. Chicken tends to get soggy in the fridge, but you can help it stay crispy by popping it in the oven to warm up. Store the chicken and the sauce separately—in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze them for longer storage. The chicken may lose a bit of its crispiness as it sits, but reheating it in the oven will help restore some of that crunch. If you prefer, you can also freeze the sauce in a separate container.
When it’s time to eat, thaw both the chicken and sauce in the fridge overnight. To reheat, warm the chicken in the oven to get that crispy texture back, and heat the sauce on the stovetop until it’s hot and bubbly. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy your delicious Chinese Lemon Chicken even after a busy week!
Conclusion
Well, there you have it – your new go-to recipe for Chinese Lemon Chicken! From the crispy, golden chicken to that vibrant, tangy sauce, this dish is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to sit at your dinner table. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something that feels a little more special, this recipe checks all the boxes. And honestly, it’s so easy to make, you might just find yourself whipping it up again and again!
I hope you enjoy making this as much as I do. The flavors are so addictive, and the best part is, you can adjust the sauce to your taste – a little more honey for sweetness, a bit more lemon for that punch, or even a touch of extra garlic if you’re like me and love the savory kick.
I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! If you have any questions, need tips along the way, or just want to share your thoughts after making it, drop me a comment. Your feedback and thoughts are always welcome – I’m here to help! Enjoy, and happy cooking!
Chinese Lemon Chicken
Description
Crispy, tender chicken coated in a tangy, zesty lemon sauce that strikes the perfect balance of sweet and sour. This Chinese Lemon Chicken is a mouthwatering explosion of bright flavors, making each bite a refreshing, savory experience!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Cut the boneless skinless chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
-
In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Stir to form a smooth mixture.
-
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss them gently to coat evenly with the marinade. Let the chicken sit for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
-
In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper. Stir to combine thoroughly.
-
Heat 1/4 cup of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
-
While the oil is heating, coat each piece of marinated chicken in the flour-cornstarch mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly covered.
-
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
-
Fry the chicken in batches if necessary, turning them occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
-
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
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In a separate saucepan, combine 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger, 1/4 cup of water, and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
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Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the ingredients together until the sauce begins to simmer and the sugar has dissolved.
-
Let the sauce cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
-
Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or acidity by adding more honey or lemon juice if desired.
-
Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, pour it over the fried chicken pieces, tossing gently to coat the chicken evenly.
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Serve the Chinese Lemon Chicken immediately, garnished with additional lemon zest or fresh herbs if desired.
Note
- Make sure to let the chicken sit in the marinade for the full 15 minutes to tenderize and absorb the flavors.
- Coating the chicken with a mixture of flour and cornstarch creates a crispy exterior, so don't skip this step for the best texture.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes or sesame oil to the sauce.
- Frying the chicken in batches ensures each piece gets evenly cooked and crispy.
- To make the dish less greasy, you can drain the chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels.
