Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
Classic Lemon Chicken with crispy battered chicken thighs in a sweet and tangy sauce makes this Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe a treat. You can skip the delivery and the wait and make it at home! Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish in no time.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of lemon juice, sugar, and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering balance of tangy and sweet.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it at family gatherings, parties, or just as a comforting weeknight meal.
- Crispy Texture: The batter gives the chicken a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the sauce.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add vegetables or change up the spices for a personal touch.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, gather these essential tools before you start. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating this delicious meal.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Frying pot
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Slotted spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Frying pot: This deep pot allows for even frying, ensuring your chicken gets crispy without being oily.
- Mixing bowls: They are essential for marinating the chicken and mixing the sauce, keeping everything organized.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precision in measuring ensures you get the right flavor balance in your dish.
Ingredients
Classic Lemon Chicken with crispy battered chicken thighs in a sweet and tangy sauce makes this Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe a treat. You can skip the delivery and the wait and make it at home!
For the Chicken
- 1 lb chicken thighs (cut into cubes)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
For the Sauce
- 1/3 c lemon juice
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 c water
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp lemon zest
For Battering
- 1/4 c flour
- 1/2 c cornstarch
For Frying
- oil for frying
How to Make Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Add soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to your chicken in a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Let it marinate for 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the chicken is marinating, mix lemon juice, sugar, water, 2 teaspoons of cornstarch, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Set aside for later use.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Add flour and 1/2 cup of cornstarch to the bowl of marinated chicken. Toss well until all pieces are evenly coated.
Step 4: Heat Oil for Frying
In a frying pot filled with oil about three inches deep, heat on medium-high until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Add the chicken in batches to avoid crowding. Cook until golden brown. Transfer cooked pieces to a skillet where you’ll toss them with the sauce.
Step 6: Combine Chicken with Sauce
Once all chicken is cooked, turn off the oil. In the skillet on medium-high heat, add your prepared sauce. Coat all chicken pieces quickly until thickened.
Step 7: Serve
Serve immediately with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy your homemade Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe!
How to Serve Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
Serving your homemade Chinese Lemon Chicken is an enjoyable experience that can be tailored to suit various tastes. The crispy chicken paired with the tangy sauce can be complemented with a variety of sides and garnishes.
With Steamed Rice
- Steamed white rice – A classic pairing that absorbs the flavors of the lemon sauce beautifully.
- Jasmine rice – Its fragrant aroma enhances the overall dining experience.
With Vegetables
- Stir-fried broccoli – Adds a crunchy texture and bright color to your plate.
- Sautéed snap peas – Provides a sweet contrast to the savory chicken.
Garnished with Green Onions
- Chopped green onions – Sprinkle on top for a fresh, mild onion flavor that elevates the dish.
Served in a Lettuce Wrap
- Lettuce leaves – Use them as wraps for a fun, low-carb twist on serving this dish.
How to Perfect Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
To make your Chinese Lemon Chicken truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.
- Marinate properly – Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Use high-quality oil – Opt for oils with high smoke points like vegetable or peanut oil for frying, ensuring crispy results.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot – Fry the chicken in small batches to maintain oil temperature and achieve even cooking.
- Thicken sauce perfectly – Cook the sauce until it reaches your desired thickness before coating the chicken; this prevents sogginess.
- Serve immediately – Enjoy your dish right after cooking for the best texture and freshness.
- Experiment with flavors – Feel free to add spices like ginger or garlic for added depth in taste.
Best Side Dishes for Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Chinese Lemon Chicken can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Fried Rice – A flavorful addition made from leftover rice, veggies, and soy sauce, perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- Egg Rolls – Crispy fried rolls filled with vegetables or meat provide a satisfying crunch alongside.
- Chow Mein Noodles – Soft noodles stir-fried with vegetables create a comforting component to your meal.
- Cucumber Salad – A refreshing salad that balances the richness of lemon chicken with its crispness and light dressing.
- Miso Soup – This warm broth offers a savory complement that works well as a starter before enjoying your main dish.
- Spring Rolls – Light and crispy, these rolls filled with vegetables can be served cold or warm, adding variety to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many home cooks make simple mistakes when preparing this dish. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overcrowding the pot: Cooking too much chicken at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in greasy chicken. Fry in small batches to keep it crispy.
- Skipping the marinade: Neglecting to marinate your chicken means missing out on flavor. Always allow at least 30 minutes for marination.
- Not using enough oil: Using insufficient oil can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure your pot has about three inches of oil for proper frying.
- Ignoring sauce thickness: Cooking the sauce too long can make it too thick or burnt. Stir quickly and just cook until it thickens slightly.
- Serving without sides: Serving lemon chicken alone can feel incomplete. Pair it with steamed rice or vegetables for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Chinese Lemon Chicken in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- The dish is best consumed within 2 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe:
What is the secret to crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken?
The key is to coat the chicken thoroughly with cornstarch and flour before frying. This creates a crispy texture that holds up well against the tangy sauce.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option; however, chicken thighs tend to stay juicier during cooking.
How do I customize this Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe?
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition and color. Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by modifying sugar levels as per your taste.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe is perfect for meal prep, as it keeps well and reheats nicely without losing flavor.
What do I serve with Chinese Lemon Chicken?
Pair this dish with steamed rice, fried rice, or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal that balances flavors and textures.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. Its sweet and tangy sauce pairs beautifully with various sides. Feel free to customize ingredients based on your preferences! Whether you’re enjoying it during a family dinner or prepping meals for the week, this recipe offers comfort and satisfaction.
Chinese Lemon Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe, featuring crispy battered chicken thighs enveloped in a sweet and tangy sauce. This dish is not just a takeout favorite; it’s easy to prepare at home, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can master this comforting meal that impresses family and friends alike. The satisfying crunch of the chicken pairs beautifully with the zesty lemon sauce, creating an irresistible combination that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs (cut into cubes)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Marinate chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch for 30 minutes.
- Mix lemon juice, sugar, water, cornstarch, and lemon zest for the sauce.
- Coat marinated chicken in flour and cornstarch.
- Heat oil in a frying pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken in batches until golden brown; transfer to a skillet.
- Add sauce to skillet and coat the chicken until thickened.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice and vegetables.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
