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Chinese Lemon Chicken

A delightful dish featuring crispy chicken coated in a tangy and sweet lemon sauce, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Servings 4 servings
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the chicken

  • 1 lb chicken thighs (cut into cubes)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch For marinating the chicken
  • 1/4 c flour For coating the chicken
  • 1/2 c cornstarch Additional for coating the chicken
  • Oil for frying Use enough to deep fry the chicken

For the sauce

  • 1/3 c lemon juice Freshly squeezed for best flavor
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 c water
  • 2 tsp cornstarch To thicken the sauce
  • 1 tsp lemon zest

Instructions

Preparation

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken cubes with soy sauce and 2 tbsp of cornstarch. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate for 30 minutes.
  • While the chicken is marinating, prepare the sauce by mixing lemon juice, sugar, water, 2 tsp cornstarch, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Set aside.
  • After marination, add flour and 1/2 c cornstarch to the bowl with the chicken and toss to coat.

Cooking

  • Heat oil in a pot until it is about three inches deep and reaches 350 degrees.
  • Carefully add the chicken in small batches to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot.
  • Fry until the chicken is golden brown, then transfer to a skillet.
  • Turn off the oil and set the skillet to medium-high heat. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet.
  • Mix the chicken pieces well in the sauce, cooking for just a few more seconds until the sauce thickens slightly.

Serving

  • Serve your Chinese Lemon Chicken immediately alongside steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.

Notes

Avoid overcrowding the frying pot for best results and use fresh lemon juice for superior flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Calories: 450kcal
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: Chinese Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Easy Dinner, Lemon Chicken, Marinated Chicken