Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe

This Chinese Lemon Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun weekend dinner. Crispy chicken strips are coated in a sweet and tangy lemon sauce, making for a satisfying and flavorful dish that rivals your favorite takeout.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Chinese Lemon Chicken:

For the Chicken:

• Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, butterflied for even cooking.
• Eggs: Used to create an egg wash for the chicken.
• Salt and black pepper: To taste.
• Olive oil: For frying the chicken.
• Cornstarch and all-purpose flour: Creates a light and crispy coating for the chicken.

For the Lemon Sauce:

• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
• Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed, for a bright and zesty flavor.
• Sugar: Granulated, adds sweetness and balances the tartness of the lemon juice.
• Low sodium chicken broth: Adds flavor and moisture to the sauce.
• Salt: To taste.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce.

For Garnish:

• Green onions: Chopped, for garnish and a mild onion flavor.
• Lemon wedges: For serving, adds an extra citrusy boost.

How to Make Chinese Lemon Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. This will help them cook more evenly.

Step 2: Make the Dredging Station

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, combine the cornstarch and flour, and mix well.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

Dredge each chicken cutlet in the egg mixture, then coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken cutlets to the skillet in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Make the Lemon Sauce

Drain any leftover oil from the skillet. Add the butter to the skillet and melt it over medium heat. Add the lemon juice, sugar, chicken broth, salt, and cornstarch. Whisk everything together until smooth and cook until the sauce thickens.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Slice the fried chicken cutlets into thin strips. Pour the lemon sauce over the chicken strips and toss to coat evenly. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately with rice and lemon wedges.

How to Serve Chinese Lemon Chicken

• Main Course: Serve this Chinese Lemon Chicken with a side of steamed white or brown rice and your favorite vegetables.
• Appetizer: Cut the chicken into smaller pieces and serve as an appetizer with toothpicks or skewers.
• Salad: Slice the chicken and add it to your favorite salad for a protein boost and a flavorful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover lemon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

Freezing:

Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

Reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer to maintain its crispiness. Heat the sauce separately on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it? Yes, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. However, the chicken may not be as crispy as the fried version.

Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, you can substitute the chicken with firm tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture before coating and cooking.

How can I make this dish spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade or the lemon sauce.

There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Chinese Lemon Chicken that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

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