If you have ever craved that perfect balance of tangy zest and irresistible crunch, this Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chicken thighs, perfectly battered and fried twice to achieve that ultimate crispy texture, then drenched in a luscious lemon sauce that dances on your taste buds. This dish is a celebration of bright citrus flavors paired with golden, crunchy bites that come together to make a simply unforgettable homemade feast. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe brings a bit of restaurant magic right into your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and that famous golden color. They are simple, familiar pantry staples that, when put together with care, turn into an extraordinary dish.
- 500 grams Chicken Thighs (Boneless and skinless): Tender and juicy, perfect for soaking up the crispy batter and zesty sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Cooking Salt (Kosher salt recommended): Enhances all the flavors naturally.
- 100 grams Cornflour (Can substitute with all-purpose flour): Key for that light, crisp coating on the chicken.
- 500 milliliters Vegetable Oil (For deep frying): Essential for frying to achieve that perfect crunch.
- 100 grams Plain Flour: Works together with cornflour to create a delicate, crackling crust.
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (Ensure freshness): Helps make the batter super light and crispy.
- 200 milliliters Cold Soda Water (Can substitute with ice-cold water): Adds airiness to the batter for ultimate crispiness.
- 200 milliliters Chicken Stock/Broth (Low sodium preferred): Forms the hearty base for the tangy lemon sauce.
- 4 tablespoons Lemon Juice (Fresh is best): Provides that bright, zesty punch that makes this dish sing.
- 2 tablespoons White Sugar (Adjust based on preference): Balances the sourness with a gentle sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic (Finely grated): Adds a subtle savory depth to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Ginger (Finely grated): Gives a hint of warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.
- 2 tablespoons Chinese Cooking Wine (Shaoxing) (Optional): Brings authentic umami notes to the sauce for an extra layer of richness.
How to Make Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by pounding your chicken thighs until they are about 0.7 cm thick. This ensures even cooking and maximum tenderness. Season the pieces generously with salt, then dust them with cornflour for the first layer of crispiness. Taking a little extra time here pays off by preventing sogginess later.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a mixing bowl, gently combine your cold soda water with the pre-chilled dry ingredients—cornflour, plain flour, salt, and baking powder. The cold soda water is the secret ingredient that keeps the batter light and airy, making sure your chicken gets that iconic crunch without being heavy or greasy. Give it a few careful stirs, but don’t overmix—you want bubbles to stay in the batter for that perfect texture.
Step 3: First Fry at Lower Temperature
Heat your oil to about 160°C (320°F). Dip each dusted chicken piece into the batter, letting the excess drip off gently. Fry them for around 3 minutes until they turn a pale gold. Remove the pieces and set them aside on paper towels to drain, then let them rest for 20 minutes. This double frying technique is crucial—it seals in moisture while developing a sturdier crust.
Step 4: Second Fry for Golden Crispiness
Now crank up your oil temperature to 200°C (390°F). Fry the chicken once more for another 3 minutes, or until that beautiful, irresistible golden brown appears. This second dip in hot oil is what transforms crusty chicken into crispy chicken heaven. Once done, drain again and get ready for the sauce.
Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Sauce
While the chicken is cooling, mix a little cornflour with a splash of chicken stock to make a smooth slurry. In a saucepan, add this slurry along with the remaining chicken stock, lemon juice, sugar, garlic, ginger, and Chinese cooking wine if you’re using it. Simmer gently over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens into a glossy coating that invites you in with its tangy aroma.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Slice up your perfectly crispy chicken and arrange it on a serving plate. Drizzle generously with your tangy lemon sauce and watch how the flavors meld into one delightful bite after another. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions and lemon wedges for that extra pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like thinly sliced green onions and bright lemon wedges are all you need to elevate the presentation. The green onions add a slight sharpness and crunch, while lemon wedges let everyone add an extra squeeze of citrus if desired. You can also sprinkle a few sesame seeds for a lovely nutty finish.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce. For a more vibrant meal, toss in some stir-fried seasonal veggies like snap peas, bell peppers, or broccoli. The freshness from the vegetables balances the rich, crispy chicken perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family dinner or special occasion, try serving the chicken over a bed of crispy wonton strips or alongside vegetable fried rice. You can also pile it high on lettuce leaves for lettuce wraps, adding a fresh crunch and a hands-on way to enjoy every flavor-packed bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (and you might!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best to keep the sauce separate from the chicken to maintain that crispy texture. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days, making for a fantastic next-day meal.
Freezing
Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe can be frozen if prepared properly. Freeze the fried chicken pieces on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, keeping the lemon sauce separately. This helps preserve the crunch when reheated later. Frozen chicken is best consumed within 1 month.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-wok crispness, reheat the chicken in a hot oven or air fryer rather than microwaving. This helps keep the batter crisp without making it soggy. Warm the lemon sauce on the stovetop, then toss everything together for a meal just as delightful as the first time.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are juicier, chicken breasts can work too. Just be sure to pound them evenly and watch the frying time closely to avoid drying out the meat.
Is the double frying step really necessary?
Yes, the double frying is what gives the chicken its signature crunch and helps keep the coating crisp even after mixing with the sauce. It’s a game-changer you definitely don’t want to skip.
Can I prepare the lemon sauce ahead of time?
You can! The lemon sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently before pouring it over the freshly fried chicken for best texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have Chinese cooking wine?
No worries at all. The cooking wine adds a touch of complexity, but leaving it out won’t compromise the overall deliciousness of the dish. You can substitute with a dry sherry or skip it entirely.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Replace the plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and ensure your cornflour and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use gluten-free soy sauce if incorporating it into your sauce adaptations.
Final Thoughts
Making this Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your plate with irresistible flavors. Once you taste that perfect combination of crispy, juicy chicken kissed by a tangy, glossy lemon sauce, you’ll understand why it’s a quick favorite in so many homes. Don’t be shy—give it a go and watch it become your new go-to for a zesty, crunchy homemade feast!
Print
Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken recipe offers a zesty and flavorful homemade feast featuring tender, double-fried chicken thighs coated in a light, crispy batter and drenched in a tangy lemon sauce. Perfect for a delicious Asian-inspired meal that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Chicken and Batter
- 500 grams Chicken Thighs (Boneless and skinless)
- 1 teaspoon Cooking Salt (Kosher salt recommended)
- 100 grams Cornflour (Cornstarch) (Can substitute with all-purpose flour)
- 100 grams Plain Flour (Mix with cornflour for best results)
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (Ensure freshness)
- 200 milliliters Cold Soda Water (Can substitute with ice-cold water)
- 500 milliliters Vegetable Oil (For deep frying)
Sauce
- 200 milliliters Chicken Stock/Broth (Low sodium preferred)
- 4 tablespoons Lemon Juice (Fresh is best)
- 2 tablespoons White Sugar (Adjust based on preference)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic (Finely grated)
- 1 teaspoon Ginger (Finely grated)
- 2 tablespoons Chinese Cooking Wine (Shaoxing) (Optional)
Garnish
- Sliced Green Onions (For garnish)
- Lemon Wedges (For garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Begin by pounding the chicken thighs to achieve an even thickness of approximately 0.7 cm. Season them with salt and dust them generously with cornflour to add crispiness.
- Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the cold soda water with the pre-refrigerated dry batter ingredients: cornflour, plain flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix gently to form a light batter that will help the chicken achieve a perfect crunch.
- First Frying: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 160°C (320°F). Dip each seasoned chicken piece into the batter, then carefully place them in the hot oil. Fry for about 3 minutes until they turn pale golden. Remove and drain the pieces, allowing them to cool for 20 minutes.
- Second Frying: Increase the oil temperature to 200°C (390°F). Fry the chicken pieces again for another 3 minutes or until they develop a beautiful golden, crispy finish. Remove and drain well.
- Sauce Preparation: In a saucepan, whisk together a small amount of cornflour with a splash of chicken stock to create a slurry. Add the remaining chicken stock, lemon juice, white sugar, garlic, ginger, and Chinese cooking wine if using. Simmer gently, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Serve: Slice the crispy chicken and generously drizzle the tangy lemon sauce over it. Garnish with sliced green onions and lemon wedges before serving to add freshness and brightness.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures even cooking and crispy texture.
- Double frying helps achieve maximum crispiness and prevents sogginess.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best tangy flavor in the sauce.
- Adjust sugar in the sauce to balance the tartness according to your taste.
- Chinese cooking wine adds depth but is optional if unavailable.
- Ensure oil temperature is accurate for frying by using a thermometer to avoid greasy chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
