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–+ servings
Chinese Lemon Chicken

Crispy Homemade Chinese Lemon Chicken for Quick Weeknight Dinners

This Chinese Lemon Chicken recipe brings sweet and tangy flavors to your dinner table with crispy chicken thighs, perfect for quick weeknight meals.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 lb chicken thighs Use boneless, skinless thighs for extra flavor and tenderness.
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce Substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option.
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch Acts as a batter for crispiness and can be replaced with arrowroot starch.
  • 1/4 cup flour Aiding crispiness; rice flour can be used for gluten-free cooked chicken.
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch Adds extra crunch to the batter.
  • Oil for frying Vegetable or canola oil works great.
For the Sauce
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice Freshly squeezed is best for flavor.
  • 3 tbsp sugar Adjust to taste or use honey as a natural alternative.
  • 1/2 cup water Chicken broth can enhance flavor instead.
  • 2 tsp cornstarch Thickens the sauce.
  • 1 tsp lemon zest Optional for a milder taste.

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • shallow dish
  • deep pot or skillet
  • Whisk
  • Thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chinese Lemon Chicken
  1. In a large bowl, combine chicken thighs with soy sauce and cornstarch. Mix thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together lemon juice, sugar, water, cornstarch, and lemon zest if using.
  3. Toss the marinated chicken with flour and remaining cornstarch until well coated.
  4. Heat oil in a pot or skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. In a large skillet, add the fried chicken and pour the lemon sauce over it. Stir gently and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  6. Serve immediately, pairing with steamed rice and seasonal vegetables.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the most vibrant sauce flavor.

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