Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chinese Crispy Lemon Chicken is a takeout favorite that combines crunchy battered chicken with a tangy, sweet lemon sauce. This homemade version delivers all the bold flavors and crispy texture you love, right from your own kitchen. It’s perfect for dinner when you’re craving something flavorful, citrusy, and satisfyingly crunchy, and it pairs beautifully with rice or steamed vegetables.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless, skinless chicken breastscornstarchall-purpose floureggsbaking powdersaltblack peppervegetable oil (for frying)lemons (juice and zest)sugarchicken brothsoy saucegarlic (minced)ginger (optional)cornstarch slurry (for thickening)sliced green onions (for garnish)

directions

Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.

In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, a pinch of salt, and a beaten egg to form a batter.

Dip chicken pieces into the batter, ensuring they are well coated.

Heat oil in a deep skillet or wok to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine lemon juice, zest, sugar, chicken broth, soy sauce, garlic, and optional ginger. Bring to a simmer.

Add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) to the sauce and stir until thickened.

Toss the fried chicken pieces in the lemon sauce until well coated.

Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use chicken thighs for a juicier bite.

Add red pepper flakes or chili oil for a spicy kick.

Serve over steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables for a full meal.

Try orange juice and zest for an orange chicken variation.

Air fry or bake the chicken pieces for a lighter version.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness or use an air fryer. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce.

What’s the best oil for frying?

Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are good choices due to high smoke points.

Can I prep the sauce ahead?

Yes, it can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How do I keep the chicken crispy?

Serve immediately after tossing in the sauce or keep the sauce separate until serving.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, just fry in batches and scale the sauce ingredients proportionally.

What sides pair well?

Steamed rice, fried rice, or lo mein are all great options.

Do I need a wok?

No, a deep skillet or heavy saucepan works fine.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, its sweet and tangy flavor is typically a hit with kids.

Can I add vegetables?

Bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots make excellent additions.

How do I adjust the sweetness?

Simply reduce or increase the sugar to taste in the sauce.

Conclusion

Chinese Crispy Lemon Chicken is a restaurant-style dish you can easily recreate at home. With its bright, zesty sauce and irresistibly crunchy coating, it brings the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special treat, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite whenever you’re in the mood for homemade takeout.