If you have ever craved a dish that perfectly balances tangy citrus and crispy chicken, this Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine tender chicken pieces coated in a wonderfully crunchy outside layer, then drenched in a glossy, zesty lemon sauce that feels bright and refreshing with every bite. This recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors right into your kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels eager to enjoy a classic meal bursting with flavor and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe lies not just in its taste but in the thoughtful selection of ingredients. Each one plays a key role in delivering the perfect balance between crispy texture and vibrant citrus flavor, while also adding depth and color to the finished dish.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken: Using breast or thighs gives you tender, juicy bites perfect for coating and frying.
- Shaoxing wine: Adds a subtle, authentic depth to the marinade that lifts the chicken’s flavor.
- Salt and white pepper: Essential for seasoning with mild heat and savory balance.
- Garlic powder and sesame oil: Provide aromatic notes that enhance the dish’s overall profile.
- Cornstarch and flour: Create the crispy coating that makes each bite satisfyingly crunchy.
- Turmeric powder (optional): A small pinch adds a golden hue, making the chicken look as delightful as it tastes.
- Cold beer or seltzer: Helps make the batter light and airy, contributing to that perfect crunch.
- Lemon juice, zest, and slices: For the tangy sauce that delivers all the brightness and zing this recipe is famous for.
- Granulated sugar and water: Balance the tartness of lemon with just the right amount of sweetness.
How to Make Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing your chicken chunks with Shaoxing wine, salt, garlic powder, sesame oil, white pepper, and cornstarch. This marinade not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also helps tenderize it and provides the perfect base for the crisp coating. Allow the chicken to rest for at least 15 minutes so it soaks in all those tasty notes.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter or Dry Coating
You have two options here, depending on your preferred style: for a light and airy texture, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, white pepper, turmeric, sesame oil, and cold beer or seltzer into a smooth batter. Alternatively, if you want a super crispy, more textured coating, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, white pepper, turmeric, and sesame oil as a dry rub.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat a neutral oil like peanut or canola to 350°F (175°C). Then, either dip your marinated chicken into the batter or toss it in the dry coating before carefully frying in batches. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, which should take about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to keep it crisp and avoid oiliness.
Step 4: Make the Lemon Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine fresh lemon juice, water, sugar, salt, and lemon zest. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, allowing the sugar to dissolve fully and the flavors to meld. Then, stir in a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce until it becomes glossy and luscious. This sauce is the star that brings the whole dish together with its signature vibrant, tart-sweet pop.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Finally, toss your freshly fried chicken in the warm lemon sauce until every piece is beautifully coated. Garnish with lemon slices for an extra touch of citrus aroma and color, then serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.
How to Serve Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding lemon slices on top of your chicken infusion not only makes the dish look irresistible but also adds a zesty aroma to every bite. Sprinkle a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest for even more citrus fragrance and a pop of color that will brighten the entire plate.
Side Dishes
Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice, which soaks up the luscious lemon sauce perfectly. For a well-rounded meal, consider serving alongside lightly sautéed vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or baby bok choy to add freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or make weekday dinner extra special, try plating the chicken on a bed of mixed greens or serve it in lettuce cups for a fun, handheld twist. You can also drizzle additional lemon sauce artistically over the plate and garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions to add bursts of color and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days, though the crispiness may soften as the sauce continues to soak into the coating.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken and lemon sauce separately in airtight containers. This prevents the chicken from becoming soggy. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Reheating
The best way to reheat leftover Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe is to warm the chicken pieces in a hot oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness. Heat the lemon sauce separately on the stove and then toss them together before serving to recapture that fresh, vibrant flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring a bit more juiciness and richness, which pairs beautifully with the lemon sauce. Just keep the pieces uniform in size for even cooking.
Is it necessary to use Shaoxing wine in the marinade?
Shaoxing wine adds authentic depth, but if you don’t have it on hand, a dry sherry or a splash of rice wine vinegar can make a good substitute.
What if I don’t have beer or seltzer for the batter?
If you prefer, you can substitute cold sparkling water for beer or seltzer to keep the batter light and crispy while avoiding alcohol altogether.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour blends and cornstarch for the batter and coating. Make sure your soy sauce or any additional seasonings are also gluten-free.
How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
Use the dry coating option, fry at the right temperature, and avoid overcrowding the pan. Also, draining on paper towels immediately after frying helps maintain that perfect crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a big warm hug on a plate, effortlessly combining crispy, juicy chicken with a sunshine-bright lemon sauce. Once you try it, you’ll find it’s not just a meal but an experience worth sharing with family and friends. Go ahead and give it a try tonight—you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Chinese Lemon Chicken is a deliciously crispy fried chicken dish coated in a tangy, glossy lemon sauce. Perfectly marinated and fried to golden perfection, this recipe balances the zestiness of fresh lemon juice with a slightly sweet, savory sauce, making it an irresistible entrée to serve with steamed rice or vegetables.
Ingredients
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
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)
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
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
Frying Oil
- Neutral oil for frying (such as peanut, vegetable, or canola oil)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken chunks with Shaoxing wine, salt, garlic powder, sesame oil, white pepper, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, white pepper, turmeric powder if using, sesame oil, and cold beer (or seltzer/club soda) until smooth and well combined.
- Heat the Oil: Heat neutral oil in a deep pan or wok to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the correct temperature for optimal frying.
- Fry the Chicken (Batter Option): Dip the marinated chicken pieces into the prepared batter, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Carefully fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, cooking each batch for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Alternative Crispy Coating: If not using the batter, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, white pepper, turmeric, and sesame oil in a bowl. Toss the marinated chicken in this dry mix until coated evenly, then fry as above until crispy and golden.
- 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.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry prepared earlier and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 1-2 minutes. Remove the sauce from heat immediately to prevent burning.
- Coat the Chicken: Toss the fried chicken pieces in the lemon sauce until they are evenly coated with the tangy, glossy glaze.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the coated chicken with slices of lemon. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, ensure oil temperature remains steady at 350°F during frying.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to taste for more or less tanginess.
- Using cold beer or seltzer in the batter adds lightness and crispiness.
- Turmeric powder is optional but adds a subtle color and flavor.
- Marinating the chicken for longer than 15 minutes (up to 1 hour) can enhance the flavor even more.
- Drain fried chicken well to avoid sogginess when tossed in lemon sauce.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or jasmine rice.
