Description
Sizzling Chinese Lemon Chicken brings zesty citrus notes dancing across crispy golden poultry, creating a perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors. Delightful restaurant-style magic waits on your plate, ready to transport you through authentic Chinese culinary traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Coating Ingredients:
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Sauce and Garnish Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- ¼ cup honey (or sugar)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water for slurry)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by generously seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance its flavor profile.
- Thoroughly coat the seasoned chicken pieces with cornstarch, creating a light, even layer that will help achieve a crispy exterior.
- Create a smooth, silky batter by whisking eggs, flour, water, and baking powder until completely integrated and free of lumps.
- Carefully immerse each cornstarch-coated chicken piece into the prepared batter, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to the optimal frying temperature of 350F, creating a hot environment for perfect golden-brown cooking.
- Gently lower chicken pieces into the hot oil, frying in strategic batches to maintain consistent oil temperature and prevent overcrowding.
- Rotate the chicken periodically during frying, allowing each side to develop a rich, crisp golden color and ensuring even cooking throughout.
- Remove fried chicken and place on a paper towel-lined surface to absorb excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Prepare the vibrant lemon sauce by combining lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced ginger, crushed garlic, and water in a saucepan.
- Bring the sauce mixture to a gentle simmer, then incorporate the cornstarch slurry and fragrant lemon zest to create a glossy, thickened consistency.
- Either thoroughly coat the crispy chicken in the tangy lemon sauce or elegantly drizzle the sauce over the top for visual appeal.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, finely chopped green onions, and delicate lemon slices for a final touch of flavor and presentation.
- Serve immediately alongside steamed rice or tender noodles to complete this delectable Chinese-inspired dish.
Notes
- Adjust salt levels carefully since both soy sauce and cornstarch can increase overall dish saltiness.
- Use fresh lemon juice for brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to bottled alternatives.
- Create gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose blend.
- Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350F to ensure crispy, evenly cooked chicken without burning exterior.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 61 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg