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+ servings
Chinese Lemon Chicken

Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken That Beats Takeout Every Time

Enjoy this delicious Chinese Lemon Chicken recipe that brings takeout flavors home in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Marination Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 lb Chicken Tenderloins Can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
  • 1 large Egg A flax egg can be a plant-based substitute.
For the Marinade
  • 3 tbsp Soy Sauce Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari if needed.
  • 2 tbsp Chinese Shaoxing Wine Can substitute with rice vinegar.
For the Coating
  • 1 cup Corn Starch Can be substituted with potato starch.
  • 1 cup Vegetable Oil Can substitute with canola oil.
For the Sauce
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1 tbsp Ginger Minced.
  • 1 cup Chicken Stock Low-sodium is preferred.
  • 3 tbsp Lemon Juice Fresh lemons are preferable.
  • 1 tbsp Sugar Adjust to taste.
  • 1 tbsp Honey Adjust to taste.
  • to taste Salt Enhance flavor as needed.
For Garnishing
  • 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds Can use other seeds or nuts.
  • 2 stalks Green Onions Chopped.
  • 1 slices Lemon Optional for garnish.

Equipment

  • frying pan
  • Shallow Bowl
  • baking tray
  • Large Spoon
  • Measuring Cups
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg, soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine until well combined. Add the chicken tenderloins, ensuring they are coated thoroughly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
  2. Spread a layer of corn starch on a baking tray. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess liquid. Roll each piece in the corn starch for an even coating.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat to 325°F. Fry chicken in batches for 5–6 minutes, turning until golden-brown. Drain on paper towels.
  4. In a separate pan, heat oil and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add chicken stock, soy sauce, lemon juice, sugar, honey, and salt. Simmer until dissolved.
  5. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir into the sauce until thickened. Toss cooked chicken pieces in the sauce to coat.
  6. Transfer to a plate, garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and optional lemon slices. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 6mg

Notes

For best results, keep chicken and sauce separate until serving to maintain crispiness.

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