Description
Chinese Lemon Chicken is a crispy, golden delight coated in a bright and zesty lemon glaze. This homemade version of the classic takeout dish delivers crunchy fried chicken pieces tossed in a tangy-sweet sauce made from fresh lemon juice, soy sauce, garlic, and honey. Perfect for serving over rice or noodles, it’s a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s easy to make, highly customizable, and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
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1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 eggs, beaten
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1/2 cup cornstarch
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Lemon Sauce:
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1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
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1 tbsp lemon zest
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1/4 cup sugar or honey
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1/4 cup chicken broth or water
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
For Garnish:
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Sliced green onions
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Sesame seeds
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Lemon slices (optional)
Instructions
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Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
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Set up a dredging station with one bowl of beaten eggs and another bowl of mixed cornstarch and flour.
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Dip each piece of chicken in the egg, then coat in the flour mixture.
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Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
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In a saucepan, combine lemon juice, zest, sugar (or honey), garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, and broth. Bring to a simmer and stir until sugar dissolves.
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Add the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens.
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Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until well coated.
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Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and lemon slices. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for a juicier bite, or chicken breast for a leaner option.
For a lighter version, bake or air fry the coated chicken until crispy.
Store sauce separately if making ahead to keep chicken crispy.
Adjust sugar and lemon to suit your desired sweet-tart balance.
Add red chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Keywords: lemon chicken, Chinese takeout, crispy chicken, homemade lemon chicken, sweet and sour