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Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken

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Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken is a delicious takeout-style dish made with juicy chicken pieces fried to perfection and coated in a sweet and tangy lemon sauce. It’s quick, flavorful, and great for a comforting dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp honey (optional)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (for slurry)
  • 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
  • Green onions or sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using.
  2. In one bowl, beat the eggs. In another, mix cornstarch and flour.
  3. Dip each piece of chicken in the egg, then coat with the flour mixture.
  4. Heat oil in a deep pan or skillet. Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  5. In a saucepan, combine lemon juice, sugar, soy sauce, honey (if using), lemon zest, and chicken broth. Simmer until sugar dissolves.
  6. Mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir into the sauce and cook until thickened.
  7. Toss the fried chicken in the sauce or drizzle sauce over the chicken just before serving.
  8. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds, if desired.

Notes

To keep the coating crispy, add sauce just before serving.Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.Bake or air fry for a lighter version.Adjust sweetness by reducing sugar or skipping honey.The lemon sauce can be made ahead and stored for 5 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookibly.com/crispy-chinese-lemon-chicken/