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A close-up of crispy, battered pieces of Chinese Lemon Chicken coated in a thick, glistening orange sauce.

Chinese Lemon Chicken


  • Author: jekof.com
  • Total Time: 45 min
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

A recipe for crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet and tangy lemon sauce.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons cold water (slurry)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture until coated.
  2. Dip the coated chicken pieces into the beaten egg, letting excess drip off.
  3. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
  4. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-6 minutes per batch. Remove chicken and drain on paper towels.
  5. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, lemon juice, water, and lemon zest. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  6. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 1 minute.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss gently to coat evenly with the lemon sauce.
  8. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can double-fry the chicken: fry once until light golden, remove, let rest for 5 minutes, then fry again until deep golden brown.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor in the sauce.
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 25 min
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 35
  • Sodium: 350
  • Fat: 18
  • Saturated Fat: 3
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 40
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 30
  • Cholesterol: 100

Keywords: Chinese Lemon Chicken, lemon sauce, crispy chicken, sweet and sour chicken, Asian recipe