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+ servings

Better Than Take-Out Chinese Lemon Chicken

Acrispy fried chicken dish coated in a zesty lemon sauce, perfect for recreatingtake-out flavors at home.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese-inspired
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

  • 500 g boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup cold water adjust for batter consistency
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Lemon Sauce:

  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice from about 2 lemons
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce low sodium
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch for thickening
  • 1 tablespoon water for cornstarch slurry
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar optional for extra tang

For Garnish Optional:

  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 1-2 tablespoons chopped green onions scallions

Instructions
 

  • Mix the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add cold water while stirring until the batter reaches a thick, smooth consistency.
  • Coat the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the batter and ensure they are evenly coated.
  • Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the battered chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  • Prepare the Sauce Base: In a small saucepan, combine lemon juice, chicken broth, sugar, soy sauce, and lemon zest.
  • Enhance the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the cornstarch with water to create a smooth mixture. Slowly pour the mixture into the sauce while stirring constantly. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. For a tangy twist, add a splash of rice vinegar if you like.
  • Coat the Chicken: Place the fried chicken in a large bowl. Pour the lemon sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
  • Garnish and Enjoy: Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcal
Keyword Lemon chicken
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