Craving the vibrant flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout but want to enjoy it in the comfort of your own kitchen? Look no further! This incredible Chinese lemon chicken recipe brings the authentic taste of the restaurant right to your home in under 40 minutes. Imagine perfectly crispy deep-fried chicken pieces, each bite coated in a tantalizing sweet and sour Chinese lemon sauce that dances on your palate. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions, then serve alongside a steaming bed of fluffy rice for a meal so satisfying, you’ll be ditching those takeout menus for good. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this surprisingly simple yet utterly delicious Asian lemon chicken masterpiece!
Chicken in lemon sauce is a culinary delight known for its irresistible citrus notes and perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. If you’re a fan of classic dishes like orange chicken, then this Chinese lemon chicken recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite. We’re talking about succulent, crispy nuggets of chicken, each one enveloped in a homemade tangy Chinese lemon sauce that rivals any restaurant version. Not only does it deliver that authentic, craveable flavor you love, but it also costs significantly less to prepare at home. This recipe consistently earns rave reviews and is a guaranteed hit in my kitchen, bringing smiles to everyone at the dinner table.
Mastering Asian-inspired recipes at home doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, many of my go-to dishes, like Easy Orange Chicken, Easy Beef Lo Mein, and Authentic Kung Pao Chicken, prove just how accessible and rewarding homemade Asian cuisine can be. This lemon chicken recipe continues that tradition, offering a straightforward path to an extraordinary meal.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
This easy Chinese lemon chicken recipe isn’t just another meal; it’s an experience that consistently delights. Here’s why it will quickly become a cherished favorite in your recipe rotation:
- Perfectly Sweet and Tangy Harmony: The star of this dish is undoubtedly its sauce. Crafted with precision, it offers an exquisite balance of sweetness from sugar and bright tanginess from fresh lemon. This delightful interplay of flavors is never overpowering, ensuring each bite is refreshing and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of complex flavor profile that makes your taste buds sing!
- An Undeniable Family Favorite: Prepare for enthusiastic requests for “more lemon chicken!” Kids adore the crispy, bite-sized chicken nuggets, and adults will be equally smitten with the rich, flavorful sauce. It’s a dish that successfully bridges the gap between picky eaters and gourmet palates, making weeknight dinners or special occasions effortlessly enjoyable for everyone.
- Simple & Quick to Prepare: Despite its impressive restaurant-quality taste, this Chinese lemon chicken comes together remarkably fast. From prep to plate, you can have this delicious meal ready in under 40 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you still want to enjoy a wholesome, homemade dinner. Forget long waits for delivery; gourmet is just minutes away.
- Utilizes Everyday Pantry Ingredients: You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that the majority of ingredients needed for this recipe are probably already in your pantry or easily accessible at any local grocery store. No exotic or hard-to-find items are required, simplifying your shopping list and making this delicious meal a truly convenient option for any home cook.
- Customizable to Your Liking: While the recipe provides a perfect base, it’s also wonderfully adaptable. Want a little more heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Prefer a different cut of chicken? Boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully. This flexibility ensures the dish can be tailored to suit individual preferences, making it truly yours.
- More Affordable Than Takeout: Enjoying authentic Chinese food doesn’t have to break the bank. By making lemon chicken at home, you get to savor superior quality ingredients and flavor without the hefty price tag of restaurant delivery. It’s a budget-friendly way to satisfy your cravings for Asian cuisine.
Essential Asian Lemon Chicken Ingredients
Crafting the perfect Chinese lemon chicken begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish truly special. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
- Chicken Tenders: These are my preferred choice for their inherent tenderness and quick cooking time. Cut them into uniform, bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and a perfect chicken-to-sauce ratio in every mouthful. While tenders are excellent, feel free to substitute with boneless, skinless chicken breast or boneless, skinless chicken thighs, also cut into similar-sized pieces. Chicken breast offers a leaner option, while thighs provide a slightly richer flavor and juicier texture.
- The Essential Marinade: This crucial step infuses the chicken with flavor and contributes significantly to its signature crispy texture. You’ll combine cubed chicken with a simple yet effective mixture of:
- Cornstarch: Key for creating that desirable crispy crust when fried, as well as helping the flour adhere.
- Soy Sauce: Adds a savory depth and umami flavor that is fundamental to Asian cuisine. Opt for a low-sodium version if you’re watching your salt intake.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, helping the cornstarch and flour cling to the chicken, which is essential for a golden, crispy exterior.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
This marinade ensures the chicken is tender and seasoned from the inside out before it even hits the hot oil.
- Oil for Frying: A neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point is essential for deep frying. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are excellent choices that will allow the chicken to fry to a beautiful golden crisp without imparting unwanted flavors.
- The Irresistible Asian Lemon Sauce: This sweet and sour concoction is the heart of the dish, transforming simple fried chicken into a vibrant culinary experience. It’s a dynamic blend of:
- Chicken Broth: Forms the liquid base of the sauce, adding a layer of savory richness.
- Soy Sauce: Contributes umami, depth, and a touch of saltiness, balancing the lemon and sugar.
- Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest: The stars of the show! Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides bright, tangy acidity, while lemon zest offers an intense aromatic citrus punch, making the lemon flavor truly pop. Avoid bottled lemon juice for the best results.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances the tartness of the lemon, creating that signature sweet and sour profile. Adjust to your sweetness preference.
- Cornstarch: A crucial thickening agent that transforms the liquid mixture into a glossy, clingy sauce that beautifully coats each piece of crispy chicken.
- Aromatics (Garlic & Ginger): Finely minced garlic and grated fresh ginger provide a warm, pungent, and aromatic backbone to the sauce, adding complex layers of authentic Asian flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Used to fine-tune the overall seasoning of the sauce to perfection.
- Flavorful Garnish: These additions are not just for aesthetics; they add fresh flavor and texture. Before serving, I generously sprinkle the finished dish with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch and thinly sliced green onions for a fresh, mild onion bite and a pop of color. Serving with extra lemon slices allows for an optional extra squeeze of fresh citrus, enhancing the overall brightness.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Chinese Lemon Chicken at Home
Creating this delectable Chinese lemon chicken is a straightforward process when you follow these steps. Let’s transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal:
- Step 1: Prepare Your Frying Station. Begin by ensuring your cooking area is ready for deep frying. Pour enough oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet to allow the chicken to be fully submerged or at least half-submerged. Heat the oil to precisely 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Using a kitchen thermometer is highly recommended for accuracy, as proper oil temperature is key to crispy, perfectly cooked chicken.
- Step 2: Marinate and Dredge the Chicken. In a medium bowl, combine your uniformly cubed chicken pieces with the cornstarch, soy sauce, egg, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated. Allow this mixture to marinate for a minimum of 10 minutes; this short rest helps the flavors meld and the coating adhere better. While the chicken is marinating, place the all-purpose flour in a shallow dish or plate. After marinating, individually dredge each chicken cube in the flour, ensuring it is completely and evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Step 3: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection. Carefully add the dredged chicken cubes to the preheated oil. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy chicken. Fry the chicken for approximately 4-5 minutes, or until it is beautifully crisp and golden brown on all sides, and cooked through. Once fried, remove the chicken with a slotted spoon or spider, and transfer it to a wire rack set over paper towels to drain any excess oil. This step is crucial for maintaining crispiness. Set the fried chicken aside.
- Step 4: Whisk Together the Chinese Lemon Sauce. While the chicken is frying or resting, prepare the star of the dish: the lemon sauce. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chicken broth, soy sauce, granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Whisk all the ingredients together vigorously until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Set this bowl aside, ready for cooking.
- Step 5: Cook the Aromatic Sauce. Heat a clean medium pan or wok over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once shimmering, add the finely grated ginger and chopped garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Pour the prepared lemon sauce mixture into the pan. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously. Cook for another couple of minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken and achieves a glossy consistency. If it becomes too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water or broth to thin it slightly.
- Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce. Gently transfer all the crispy fried chicken back into the pan with the thickened lemon sauce. Using tongs or a spatula, carefully toss the chicken pieces until each one is completely and evenly coated in the rich, glossy sauce. Ensure the chicken is warmed through but avoid overcooking, which could diminish its crispiness.
- Step 7: Garnish and Serve Immediately. For the final flourish, sprinkle the coated chicken generously with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Give it one last gentle toss to distribute the garnishes. Serve this delectable Chinese lemon chicken immediately while it’s still warm, with fresh lemon wedges on the side for an optional extra burst of citrus. It pairs perfectly with steamed white rice, fried rice, or your favorite Asian-inspired side dishes.
Expert Tips for the Best Chinese Lemon Sauce Chicken
Achieving restaurant-quality Chinese lemon chicken at home is easier than you think with a few key tips:
- Uniform Chicken Pieces: Ensure your chicken is chopped into similar-sized pieces. This consistency is vital for even cooking, preventing some pieces from being undercooked while others are overdone or dry. Aim for roughly 1-inch cubes.
- Don’t Skip the Marinade: Allowing the chicken to marinate in the cornstarch, soy sauce, egg, salt, and pepper mixture for at least 10 minutes is crucial. This step not only infuses flavor but also helps create a tender interior and a crispier exterior when fried, as the cornstarch forms a light protective barrier.
- Monitor Oil Temperature for Perfect Crispiness: For perfectly crispy chicken that isn’t greasy, the oil temperature is paramount. Make sure your oil is adequately heated, ideally reaching at least 350-375 degrees F (175-190 degrees C), before adding the chicken. An oil thermometer is your best friend here.
- Beware of Overheated Oil: If the oil is too hot (above 375°F), it can cause the exterior of the chicken to burn rapidly before the inside has a chance to cook through. Conversely, oil that isn’t hot enough will result in soggy, greasy chicken that absorbs too much oil.
- Fry in Batches: If you’re using a smaller pot or cooking a larger quantity of chicken, you’ll need to cook the chicken in batches. Overcrowding the pan drastically lowers the oil temperature, leading to less crispy results. Give the chicken enough space to fry properly.
- Drain Excess Oil: After frying, immediately transfer the golden, crispy chicken pieces to a wire rack set over paper towels. This allows excess oil to drip away, keeping your chicken light and crisp.
- Fresh Lemon is Non-Negotiable: For the most vibrant and authentic flavor in your lemon sauce, always use fresh lemons for both the juice and the zest. Bottled lemon juice often contains preservatives and lacks the bright, nuanced flavor and aromatic oils that fresh zest provides, making a significant difference in the final taste profile.
- Adjust Sauce Thickness with Cornstarch: The cornstarch slurry is key to thickening the sauce. If you prefer a thicker, more viscous sauce that clings even more generously to the chicken, you can add a tiny bit more cornstarch (mixed with an equal part cold water) to the simmering sauce, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Mise en Place is Your Friend: Before you even start cooking, have all your ingredients measured, chopped, and ready. This “mise en place” approach makes the cooking process smooth, efficient, and enjoyable, especially when frying and making the sauce simultaneously.
- Serve Immediately: For the ultimate experience, serve your Chinese lemon chicken hot off the stove. The crispiness of the chicken and the warmth of the sauce are best enjoyed fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese Lemon Chicken
While chicken tenders are an excellent choice due to their inherent tenderness and consistent size, you absolutely have flexibility here! Chicken tenders are essentially a part of the chicken breast, known for being very supple. You can certainly chop whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Alternatively, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are another fantastic option; they offer a slightly richer flavor and tend to stay juicier, even with deep frying. Just ensure whichever cut you choose is trimmed of any excess fat and cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Yes, if you’re looking to reduce oil or prefer to avoid deep-fried foods, baking your Asian lemon chicken is a wonderful and healthier alternative. While the chicken won’t achieve quite the same level of exterior crispiness as deep-frying, it will still be delicious and eliminate a significant amount of fat and oils from the final dish. To bake lemon chicken, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Prepare the chicken by marinating and dredging it as directed in the recipe. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is golden brown and has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Once the chicken is baked, prepare the lemon sauce according to the instructions and then toss the cooked chicken with the warm sauce.
Absolutely! While this recipe is not originally written as gluten-free, it can be easily adapted to be a delicious gluten-free lemon chicken dish with just a few simple substitutions. For the chicken marinade and the sauce, you will need to replace regular soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative such as tamari, coconut aminos, or liquid aminos. All of these options provide similar umami flavor without the gluten. For dredging the chicken, ensure you use a certified gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (many excellent options are available that mimic the texture of wheat flour). Cornstarch is typically gluten-free, but it’s always a good practice to double-check the packaging to confirm, especially if you have severe gluten sensitivities.
To properly store leftover Chinese lemon chicken, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. When it comes to reheating, you have a couple of options. You can gently reheat it in the microwave until warmed through, or for a slightly better texture, reheat it in a saucepan over medium-low heat on the stovetop. It’s important to note that while the flavor will still be fantastic, the chicken will likely not be as crispy as when it was freshly made due to the sauce and refrigeration. For best results, consider reheating in an air fryer or oven for a few minutes to crisp up the chicken if you have time.
The quintessential Chinese lemon sauce used in this recipe is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and savory elements, designed to perfectly complement the crispy chicken. The base of this vibrant sauce is typically chicken broth, which provides a savory foundation. Key flavor components include fresh lemon zest and juice for that unmistakable bright citrus tang, and soy sauce to add depth and umami. Aromatic elements like finely minced ginger and garlic are crucial for infusing the sauce with warm, pungent notes. Granulated sugar balances the acidity, creating the signature sweet and sour profile. Finally, cornstarch is essential as a thickening agent, ensuring the sauce is glossy and clings beautifully to every piece of chicken.
While you can freeze cooked chicken and sauce, for the best quality, we recommend freezing the crispy chicken and the lemon sauce separately. This approach helps to preserve the texture of the chicken. To do so, allow both the fried chicken and the prepared sauce to cool completely. Store the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container, and the sauce in a separate airtight container. Both can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer until it’s crispy and warmed through. Gently reheat the sauce in a saucepan on the stovetop until simmering. Then, combine the reheated chicken with the warm sauce, garnish, and serve as directed for a meal that’s nearly as good as fresh.
This flavorful Chinese lemon chicken pairs perfectly with a variety of classic Asian-inspired sides. The most popular choice is steamed white rice, which provides a neutral base to soak up all that delicious sauce. For an extra layer of flavor, consider serving it with homemade fried rice or even healthier cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Beyond rice, fresh steamed vegetables offer a wonderful contrast in texture and nutrition. Some excellent choices include crisp-tender steamed green beans, vibrant broccoli florets, or stir-fried bok choy. You could also serve it with a simple side salad with an Asian vinaigrette, or even a light noodle dish like a plain lo mein to round out a complete and satisfying meal.
Explore More Homemade Chinese Takeout Recipes
If you loved this Chinese Lemon Chicken and are eager to explore more of your favorite Asian flavors from the comfort of your kitchen, you’re in luck! Here are some other fantastic homemade Chinese takeout-inspired recipes that are sure to become staples in your repertoire:
- Spicy Chinese Szechuan Chili Chicken: For those who crave a fiery kick, this Szechuan Chili Chicken delivers bold, aromatic heat with tender chicken pieces.
- Irresistible Crispy Honey Chicken: A classic sweet and savory dish featuring unbelievably crispy chicken coated in a sticky, golden honey sauce.
- Flavorful Sweet and Spicy Asian Chicken: A versatile recipe balancing sweetness with a delightful spice, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
- Easy Homemade Popcorn Chicken: Small, crunchy, and incredibly addictive chicken bites that are perfect as an appetizer or a fun main course.
I genuinely hope you find as much joy in preparing and savoring all the recipes I share with you, especially this truly delicious Homemade Chinese Lemon Chicken. I encourage you to try it out, experience its wonderful flavors, and share your experience. Your ratings and comments mean the world to me!
If you make this recipe and absolutely love it, please consider leaving a star rating and a comment below to let me know how it turned out for you. Your feedback is incredibly valuable! Don’t forget to use my hashtag when you share your delicious creations on Instagram – I’d love to see your culinary triumphs! Also, be sure to follow Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK |INSTAGRAM |PINTEREST for all my latest social posts, exciting new recipes, and cooking inspiration. Happy cooking!
Chinese Lemon Chicken
Ingredients
To fry the chicken
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins, cubed
- 2 tbsps. cornstarch
- 1 tbsp. soy sauce, lite sodium
- 1 whole egg
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground pepper
- 1 cup all purpose flour, for dredging
- Oil, to deep fry
To make the lemon sauce
- ⅓ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp. soy sauce
- 3 tbsps. granulated sugar
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- ¼ tsp Salt & pepper, each, to taste
- 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
- 1 tsp ginger, finely grated
- 1 tsp garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 2 stalks green onion, chopped
- Lemon wedges, to garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken with cornstarch, soy sauce, egg, salt, and pepper. Marinate for 10 minutes.
- Dredge the marinated chicken cubes in all-purpose flour, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Deep fry the chicken cubes in oil heated to 375°F (190°C) until crisp and golden, about 4-5 minutes. Set aside on a wire rack to drain.
- Meanwhile, in a separate medium bowl, combine the chicken broth, soy sauce, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Whisk well and set aside.
- Heat a medium pan with 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Add ginger and garlic; sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the sauce mixture and cook for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce slightly thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Transfer the fried chicken back to the pan with the sauce and toss gently until all chicken pieces are evenly coated.
- Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Toss lightly and serve immediately while warm, with fresh lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Chop the chicken into similar sized pieces for even cooking.
- Allow the chicken to marinate in the cornstarch, soy, egg, salt and pepper mixture before dredging in flour and frying.
- For perfectly crispy chicken, make sure the oil is adequately heated before adding the chicken. Be sure the temperature of the oil reaches at least 350 degrees F.
- If the oil is too hot, it may splatter and will burn the outside of the chicken before the inside is cooked through.
- If you have a smaller pot, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
- Drain the fried chicken pieces on paper towels to absorb the excess oil.
- Use fresh lemon for the sauce as it will have superior flavor to bottled lemon juice.
- For a thicker sauce, you can use a bit more cornstarch.
Nutrition
Love this recipe? Show some love by rating and leaving a comment!