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Homemade Chinese Lemon Chicken photo

Chinese Lemon Chicken

Crispy fried chicken pieces tossed in a bright, tangy lemon sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • vegetable oil for frying, about 1 inch deep
  • 2 egg whites whisked until frothy
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth low sodium
  • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest fresh
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce low sodium
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch for slurry
  • 2 tablespoons water for slurry
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • lemon slices for garnish, optional
  • green onions thinly sliced, for garnish
  • sesame seeds for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Wok
  • Medium bowl
  • separate bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Paper Towels
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Tongs or slotted spoon

Method
 

  1. Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or wok to a depth of about 1 inch and heat to 350°F (medium-high).
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk 2 egg whites until frothy, then add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  4. Dredge the egg-coated chicken in the cornstarch-flour mixture, shaking off any excess coating.
  5. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes per batch; transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain.
  6. Meanwhile, make the sauce: in a saucepan over medium heat combine 3/4 cup chicken broth, 1/3 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon soy sauce; bring to a simmer.
  7. Whisk 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to form a smooth slurry, then stir it into the simmering sauce and cook until thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  8. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon sesame oil.
  9. Toss the fried chicken pieces in the warm lemon sauce until evenly coated.
  10. Garnish with lemon slices, thinly sliced green onions, and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in a skillet or air fryer to help keep the coating crispy.
  • Freezing is not recommended because the fried coating may become soggy.