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Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 130 reviews

This Chinese Lemon Chicken recipe features crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces coated with a tangy, sweet lemon sauce. Perfect as a satisfying main dish, it combines marinated chicken thighs fried to perfection and tossed in a vibrant lemon glaze for a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 1 lb chicken thighs (cut into cubes)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch (for marinade)
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch (for coating)
  • Oil for frying (about 3 inches deep)

For the Lemon Sauce

  • 1/3 cup lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken thigh cubes with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 2 tablespoons cornstarch. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate for 30 minutes to infuse flavor and tenderize.
  2. Prepare the Lemon Sauce: While the chicken marinates, combine lemon juice, sugar, water, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Stir thoroughly to dissolve the sugar and cornstarch, then set aside.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Add 1/4 cup flour and 1/2 cup cornstarch to the marinated chicken. Toss the pieces thoroughly to ensure an even, thick coating, which will help achieve a crispy texture when fried.
  4. Heat the Oil: In a deep pot or wok, heat oil about 3 inches deep over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Maintaining this temperature is key to crispy, non-greasy chicken.
  5. Fry the Chicken: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully add chicken pieces to the hot oil. Fry until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked inside, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Avoid overcrowding as that lowers the oil temperature and results in greasy chicken.
  6. Drain and Transfer: Use a slotted spoon to remove fried chicken and place the pieces into a clean skillet. This skillet will be used to toss the chicken with the lemon sauce.
  7. Cook the Sauce: Once all the chicken is fried and the oil is turned off, place the skillet on medium-high heat. Pour in the prepared lemon sauce and stir constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, only a few seconds.
  8. Toss Chicken in Sauce: Quickly add the fried chicken pieces back into the skillet with the thickened lemon sauce. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is well coated with the tangy glaze.
  9. Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately for best texture and flavor. This lemon chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.

Notes

  • Maintain oil temperature between batches to keep chicken crispy and prevent sogginess.
  • Use fresh lemon zest for a more vibrant lemon flavor.
  • Adjust sugar in the sauce to your preferred level of sweetness.
  • Ensure chicken pieces are evenly coated for consistent frying results.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of crispy chicken and luscious sauce.

Keywords: Chinese lemon chicken, fried chicken, lemon sauce, crispy chicken, easy Chinese recipe

Find it online: https://lieblingsmahlzeit.com/chinese-lemon-chicken-recipe/