Description
Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken features bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a light, crispy batter and fried to golden perfection. These are then tossed in a tangy, sweet lemon glaze infused with ginger and garlic, making for a flavorful and refreshing dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Batter
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or rice flour for gluten-free option)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Lemon Sauce
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 3 tablespoons sugar or honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the batter sticks properly and fries up crispy.
- Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, and salt. Beat the eggs separately, then combine with the dry ingredients to form a slightly thick batter.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok to 350°F (175°C). Dip each chicken piece into the batter, then carefully lower into the hot oil. Fry in batches until golden and crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare the Lemon Sauce: In a saucepan, combine lemon juice, sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Heat gently while stirring until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens to a glaze-like consistency.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the fried chicken pieces in the warm lemon sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the glossy, tangy glaze. Serve immediately to maintain crispiness.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use rice flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Ensure chicken pieces are dry before battering to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pan; fry in batches to maintain oil temperature.
- Adjust sweetness and tanginess of the lemon sauce by adding more sugar or lemon juice to taste.
- Serve immediately to keep chicken crispy; leftovers may lose their crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
