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Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe

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4.1 from 11 reviews

A flavorful Chinese Lemon Chicken recipe featuring crispy battered chicken pieces tossed in a tangy homemade lemon sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. Perfectly balanced with a sweet and sour taste, this dish is ideal for a family dinner or casual get-together.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Battering

  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1 inch pieces)
  • 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • Oil for frying (canola or vegetable oil)

Lemon Sauce & Garnish

  • 1/3 cup lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Prepare the egg mixture: In a bowl, place the lightly beaten eggs with salt and pepper, stirring to combine evenly.
  2. Mix the dry coating: In a shallow bowl or plate, combine the all purpose flour and 1/2 cup cornstarch; stir well to mix.
  3. Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the egg mixture, then roll it in the flour and cornstarch mixture to coat thoroughly. Repeat for all chicken pieces.
  4. Heat the oil: Pour about 3 inches of oil into a deep pan and heat it to 350°F (175°C) for deep frying.
  5. Fry the chicken: Fry 7-8 pieces of coated chicken at a time in the hot oil for about 5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining chicken pieces.
  6. Make the lemon sauce: While frying the chicken, combine the lemon juice, sugar, and water in a small saucepan and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
  7. Thicken the sauce: Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry. Pour this into the simmering lemon mixture.
  8. Cook the sauce: Bring the sauce to a boil and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until thickened to a glossy consistency.
  9. Toss chicken with sauce: Place the crispy fried chicken in a large bowl and pour the thickened lemon sauce over it. Stir to coat evenly.
  10. Garnish and serve: Stir in the grated lemon zest, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

  • Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to ensure the chicken crisps evenly without absorbing excess oil.
  • Use freshly grated lemon zest for more vibrant aromatic flavor.
  • For a lighter dish, chicken can be baked instead of fried, though texture will differ.
  • Prepare sauce while frying to save time and keep chicken crispy when served.
  • Ensure chicken pieces are uniformly cut to cook evenly.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese

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