Description

Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken features tender chicken pieces coated in a light, crispy batter and tossed in a tangy, glossy lemon sauce enriched with garlic and ginger. This quick and flavorful dish is perfect for a weeknight meal and delivers a delightful balance of sweet and sour notes with every bite.

Ingredients

Chicken and Batter

1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or rice flour for gluten-free option)
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, beaten

Lemon Sauce

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
3 tablespoons sugar or honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

For Frying

Vegetable oil, for frying

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the batter sticks properly and fries up crispy.
Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, and salt. Beat the eggs separately, then combine with the dry ingredients to form a slightly thick batter that will coat the chicken evenly.
Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Dip each chicken piece into the batter, then carefully lower it into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each piece for about 5-6 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain the fried chicken pieces on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Prepare the Lemon Sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine fresh lemon juice, sugar (or honey), soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger. Gently heat the mixture while stirring until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly into a glaze-like consistency.
Combine and Serve: Toss the fried chicken pieces in the warm lemon sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the tangy, glossy glaze. Serve immediately to maintain the chicken’s crispiness and enjoy!

Notes

For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with rice flour and confirm the soy sauce is gluten-free.
Adjust sugar or honey amount in the lemon sauce to your preferred sweetness level.
Ensure oil temperature is maintained at 350°F for optimal crispiness and to prevent soggy chicken.
Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright and fresh flavor in the sauce.
Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature for consistent frying results.