If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances tangy brightness with crispy, golden goodness, this Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Each tender piece of chicken is marinated and fried to a delightful crunch before being tossed in a luscious lemon sauce that dances on your palate. The vibrant lemon flavor paired with the savory crispiness makes this dish a standout classic, whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests. Let me take you through the easy steps to create this irresistible Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe yourself, and I promise, you’ll love every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe requires a handful of simple ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From the tenderizing Shaoxing wine to the zesty fresh lemon juice, every component is essential in building the perfect balance of taste and texture in this dish.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs: Choose your preferred cut for tender, juicy chicken chunks that soak up the flavors.
- Shaoxing wine: Adds a subtle depth and authentic touch to the marinade.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
- Garlic powder: Brings a gentle warm aroma without overpowering the lemon.
- Sesame oil: A hint adds a nutty undertone to the batter and chicken.
- White pepper: For mild spiciness that complements rather than dominates.
- Cornstarch: Crucial for achieving that irresistible crispy coating on the chicken.
- Neutral oil (peanut, vegetable, or canola): Perfect for frying to a golden crisp.
- All-purpose flour: Works with cornstarch to create the light, crunchy batter.
- Baking powder: Helps provide a light, airy texture to the batter.
- Turmeric powder (optional): Adds a subtle golden hue to the coating.
- Cold beer or plain seltzer: Gives the batter a perfect lightness and crispness.
- Fresh lemons (juice and slices): The star ingredient for that vibrant, tangy sauce and garnish.
- Lemon zest: Boosts the lemon flavor with fragrant oil from the peel.
- White granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of the lemon with a touch of sweetness.
- Water: Used in the lemon sauce to create a perfect syrupy consistency.
How to Make Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by cutting the chicken into bite-sized chunks; roughly 1½ inches works best for even cooking. Then, toss these chunks in a marinade of Shaoxing wine, salt, garlic powder, sesame oil, white pepper, and a tablespoon of cornstarch. This combo not only infuses flavor deeply but also tenderizes the chicken, making each bite juicy and delicious. Let the chicken absorb these flavors for at least 15 minutes — it’s worth the wait!
Step 2: Prepare the Batter or Crispy Coating
Depending on your preference for texture, you can choose to coat the chicken in a traditional beer batter or a dry crispy mixture. For the batter, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, white pepper, turmeric (if you want that lovely golden color), sesame oil, and cold beer or seltzer until smooth. This batter will envelop each chicken piece in a light, airy coating after frying.
If a drier, crunchier crust is your style, toss the marinated chicken in a mix of cornstarch, flour, salt, white pepper, turmeric, and sesame oil instead. Both methods promise crispy, flavorful chicken – the choice is yours!
Step 3: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat your neutral oil in a deep pan or wok to 350°F (175°C). Carefully dip each piece of marinated chicken into your chosen coating and fry in batches. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to maintain the oil temperature for maximum crispness. Fry each batch for about 4-5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and beautifully golden brown. Drain the pieces on paper towels to remove excess oil, preparing them to be sauced up!
Step 4: Whip Up the Tangy Lemon Sauce
The magic of this Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe lies in the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine fresh lemon juice, water, sugar, salt, and lemon zest. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil to marry the flavors beautifully. Then stir in a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, cooking until it turns glossy and luscious — just about 1-2 minutes. This sauce carries the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness and will coat your crispy chicken to perfection.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Toss the freshly fried chicken in the warm lemon sauce until every piece is gloriously coated. The crispy chicken perfectly absorbs the bright sauce, making each bite a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Now you’re ready to enjoy a true Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe sensation in your own home!
How to Serve Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To make your dish look as stunning as it tastes, garnish with thin slices of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of lemon zest. These little touches amp up the citrus aroma and make your plate pop with color. A few fresh herbs like chopped scallions or cilantro can add a fresh contrast if you desire.
Side Dishes
The crisp and tangy notes of this chicken pair wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up all that zesty lemon sauce. For veggies, steamed broccoli or sautéed snow peas add a lovely fresh crunch that complements the dish’s texture beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe atop a bed of thinly sliced cabbage or lettuce for added crunch and a fresh base. Alternatively, pile the chicken on a platter surrounded by colorful stir-fried vegetables for a vibrant, family-style feast. Serving it with lemon wedges on the side encourages everyone to add an extra splash of citrus according to their taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe is a treat the next day! Store the chicken and lemon sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to keep the crispiness intact. They should be good for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and lemon sauce, but it’s best to freeze them separately for maximum freshness. Wrap the chicken pieces tightly and place the sauce in a sealed container. Frozen portions will keep well for up to 1 month.
Reheating
To reheat and maintain crunchiness, warm the chicken in a hot oven or air fryer rather than the microwave, then pour over warmed lemon sauce. This method brings the dish back to life without sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving in frying, making them a great choice for the Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe.
What if I don’t have Shaoxing wine?
No worries! You can substitute Shaoxing wine with dry sherry or even a splash of rice vinegar mixed with water for a similar depth of flavor.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free beer or seltzer in the batter to make this dish safe for gluten sensitivities.
Can I make the lemon sauce less sweet?
Definitely! Adjust the sugar quantity in the sauce to suit your taste — a little less sugar will make the lemon pop even more vividly.
How do I get the chicken extra crispy?
The key is to maintain the oil temperature around 350°F and fry the chicken in small batches to avoid cooling down the oil, which keeps the coating wonderfully crispy.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe is a deliciously bright and crispy dish that never fails to impress. Its combination of zesty lemon sauce coating crunchy chicken makes it a comforting yet refreshing meal you’ll want again and again. Give this recipe a try, and I’m sure it will become a cherished staple in your kitchen as it is in mine!
Print
Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Chinese Lemon Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken pieces marinated and fried to a crispy golden brown, then coated in a tangy, glossy lemon sauce. Perfectly balanced flavors of citrus brightness and savory seasoning make this dish a delightful main course served best with steamed rice. The recipe offers two coating options: a light beer batter or a crispy dry coating, catering to different texture preferences.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1½ inch (4 cm) chunks
- 2 teaspoons Shaoxing wine
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon sesame oil
- â…› teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Batter Option:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- â…› teaspoon baking powder
- â…› teaspoon white pepper
- Pinch turmeric powder (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ cup cold beer (mild lager preferred, or plain seltzer/club soda)
For the Crispy Coating Option:
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- â…› teaspoon white pepper
- Pinch turmeric powder (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon sesame oil
For Frying:
- Neutral oil for frying (such as peanut, vegetable, or canola oil)
For the Lemon Sauce:
- Juice of 1 to 2 fresh lemons (about ¼ cup lemon juice)
- ½ lemon, sliced for garnish
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- â…“ cup water
- ¼ cup white granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1½ tablespoons cornstarch mixed into a slurry with 1½ tablespoons water
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken chunks with Shaoxing wine, salt, garlic powder, sesame oil, white pepper, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Mix thoroughly to coat each piece well. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes, letting the flavors infuse and the chicken tenderize.
- Prepare the Batter (Optional): In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, white pepper, turmeric powder (if using), sesame oil, and cold beer or seltzer until you achieve a smooth batter with no lumps. This batter will create a light and crispy coating.
- Heat the Oil: Pour neutral oil into a deep pan or wok and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy to ensure proper frying temperature.
- Fry the Chicken with Batter: Dip the marinated chicken pieces into the prepared batter, allowing excess to drip off. Carefully place the pieces into the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 4-5 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Crispy Coating (Alternative): Mix cornstarch, flour, salt, white pepper, turmeric powder (optional), and sesame oil in a bowl. Toss the marinated chicken in this dry mix until evenly coated.
- Fry the Chicken with Dry Coating: Fry the coated chicken pieces in the preheated oil as described above, cooking in batches and ensuring the chicken achieves a crispy texture. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Lemon Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine lemon juice, water, sugar, salt, and lemon zest. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continuously stir the sauce until it thickens and becomes glossy, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Remove the saucepan from heat.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Toss the fried chicken in the lemon sauce, making sure each piece is evenly coated with the tangy mixture.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the lemon chicken with fresh lemon slices. Serve immediately, pairing it with steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure oil temperature is maintained at 350°F (175°C) for best frying results; too hot will burn the coating, too low will absorb excess oil.
- The beer or seltzer in the batter makes the coating extra light and crispy, but the dry coating option is excellent for those who prefer a crunchier texture.
- You can substitute Shaoxing wine with dry sherry if unavailable.
- Adjust lemon juice quantity according to your preferred tartness.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor and aroma.
- Serve immediately after tossing with sauce to retain crispiness.
- Leftovers can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to maintain texture.
