Looking for an easy, restaurant-style Chinese Lemon Chicken recipe that delivers crispy chicken with a bold, tangy lemon sauce? You’ve come to the right place! This dish is a crowd-pleaser, offering the perfect balance of sweet and citrusy flavors.
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions when you crave a takeout classic but want to make it healthier at home. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you can recreate this mouthwatering dish effortlessly.
Packed with protein and bursting with zesty flavor, this Lemon Chicken is guaranteed to become a household favorite. Let’s dive in!
🌱 Why It’s Healthy
This dish isn’t just about great taste; it also has several health benefits:
- Lean Protein: Chicken breast is an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Vitamin C Boost: Lemon juice enhances immunity and aids digestion.
- Lower in Sodium: By making it at home, you control the sodium levels compared to restaurant versions.
- No Artificial Additives: Homemade sauce ensures fresh, natural ingredients without preservatives.
🍋 What is Lemon Chicken?
Lemon Chicken is a classic Chinese-American dish featuring crispy fried chicken coated in a glossy, tangy-sweet lemon sauce.
Fun Facts:
- The dish originates from Cantonese cuisine but has evolved into a takeout favorite worldwide.
- Lemon juice not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the chicken.
- It pairs beautifully with steamed rice, noodles, or even stir-fried vegetables.
🛍️ Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Main Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts – Lean and high in protein. Substitute with boneless thighs for extra juiciness.
- Cornstarch – Creates the crispy coating. Swap with arrowroot powder for a gluten-free alternative.
- Soy sauce – Adds umami depth. Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
- Rice vinegar – Balances flavors. Apple cider vinegar can be used as an alternative.
- Lemon juice – Freshly squeezed for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch.
- Honey – Adjusts sweetness naturally. Substitute with maple syrup or sugar if needed.
👨🍳 Chef’s Tips
- Marinate longer: Allowing at least 30 minutes enhances flavor absorption.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry chicken in batches to ensure even crispiness.
- Taste the sauce: Adjust the sweetness or acidity based on personal preference.
- Double the sauce: Perfect if you love extra sauce for drizzling over rice.
📢 You May Also Like
If you loved this Easy Lemon Chicken, check out these other delicious and easy-to-make recipes:
- General Tso’s Chicken – Spicy, tangy, and irresistibly crispy.
- Easy Sesame Chicken in 20 Min – A classic takeout dish with a nutty twist.
- Orange Chicken – Sweet, citrusy, and perfectly crispy.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp – A quick, flavorful seafood delight.
- Teriyaki Chicken – Sweet and savory, perfect for meal prep.
- Garlic butter Chicken With Spinach – A savory and comforting chicken dish.
🍽️ Let’s Go There!
Now that you have all the details, it’s time to recreate this restaurant-style Lemon Chicken at home. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy an authentic Chinese takeout experience in your own kitchen!
Description
Crispy fried chicken coated in a zesty lemon sauce, a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Marinade
Instructions
Marinating the Chicken
-
Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine chicken strips with soy sauce, rice wine, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and let it marinate for 15-20 minutes.Marinating the chicken tenderizes it and infuses it with flavor.
Preparing the Sauce
-
Make the Lemon Sauce
Mix chicken broth, lemon juice, sugar, and soy sauce in a bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves.Adjust the sweetness and tanginess according to your preference.
Cooking the Chicken
-
Cook the Chicken
Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through.
Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking.
Finishing the Dish
-
Combine Chicken and Sauce
Pour the lemon sauce over the cooked chicken. Stir well until the chicken is coated and the sauce thickens slightly.The sauce will thicken further as it cools, so adjust consistency accordingly. -
Garnish and Serve
Garnish with lemon slices and chopped green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice.The garnishes add freshness and color to the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 400kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 10.6g17%
- Saturated Fat 2g10%
- Cholesterol 198.6mg67%
- Sodium 963.6mg41%
- Potassium 992.2mg29%
- Total Carbohydrate 8.9g3%
- Dietary Fiber 0.3g2%
- Sugars 0.3g
- Protein 62.6g126%
- Calcium 22.5 mg
- Iron 1.3 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. ____ (*Keep in mind that these are approximate values and may vary slightly depending on the brands and exact proportions of ingredients used. For more precise measurements, it’s best to use a specific nutritional calculator or product labels for the ingredients you’re using.)
Note
**Recipe Notes:** 1. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. 2. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. 3. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your taste preference. 4. For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. 5. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for an authentic touch. 6. Serve the lemon chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. 7. This dish pairs well with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad. 8. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to retain the tenderness of the chicken.
