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–+ servings
Close up square image of finished chicken with sauce and lemon slices.
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Chinese Lemon Chicken

Tender chicken with a citrus tinge, this Chinese Lemon Chicken is great for summer or all year round. Easy, tasty and absolutely delicious.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Chicken, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Chinese
Servings: 6
Calories: 297kcal
Author: Tornadough Alli

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs beaten
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Sauce ingredients:

  • 2/3 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon zest
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon garlic minced
  • 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 Tablespoons water
  • Lemon slices for garnish optional

Instructions

  • Salt and pepper chicken.
  • Heat oil in large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  • Add flour to a shallow dish.
  • Dredge chicken in flour, then into beaten eggs, then back into flour.
  • Add breaded chicken to heated oil in batches, fry for 4 minutes, turning halfway through.
  • Transfer chicken to paper towel lined plate, the repeat with remaining chicken.
  • Prepare the sauce by adding the lemon juice, chicken broth, soy sauce, sugar, lemon zest, garlic, ginger, to a saucepan and stir. Heat over medium heat until just beginning to simmer, about 4 minutes.
  • Add cornstarch and cold water to a small mixing bowl and stir until a slurry forms.
  • Slowly whisk cornstarch into lemon juice mixture and continue to heat for a minute or two or until sauce thickens.
  • Add chicken to a bowl and pour sauce over top and toss to coat.
  • Serve with lemon slices.

Notes

  1. Easily double this recipe.
  2. You can serve so many different things with this recipe, see above for ideas.
  3. Using a kitchen thermometer helps keep the temperature even so the chicken doesn't burn.
  4. Make sure you are using fresh lemon juice for this recipe.
  5. Top with sesame seeds or green onions if you wish.
  6. If the sauce is still too thin, repeat the water and cornstarch again until you get your desired thickness.

Nutrition

Calories: 297kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 154mg | Sodium: 531mg | Potassium: 531mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 155IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 2mg