There’s something incredibly uplifting about the crisp sound of chicken frying to a golden brown. One bite of this Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken, and you’ll feel transported to your favorite restaurant table, without the long wait for takeout. I discovered this recipe during a cozy weekend cooking session, attempting to recreate all the flavors I adore from Chinese cuisine.
This dish is more than just another chicken recipe; it’s a symphony of textures and tastes that comes together effortlessly. The juicy chicken, enveloped in a light, crispy batter and drizzled with a tangy lemon sauce, hits all the right notes for a satisfying meal. Perfect for those hectic weeknights, this recipe not only ticks the boxes for flavor and fulfillment, but also promises to be a showstopper for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Join me as we dive into making a restaurant-style delight right at home, ensuring dinner feels special without the hassle!
Why is Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken a Favorite?
Irresistible Crispiness: The double-frying technique ensures a crunchy texture that stays crispy longer—perfect for leftovers.
Bold, Bright Flavor: With a tangy lemon sauce that perfectly balances sweetness and acidity, every bite bursts with flavor, reminiscent of your favorite takeout.
Flexible Ingredient Options: Feel free to swap chicken thighs with breasts or explore different starches in the sauce, making this recipe adaptable to your preferences.
Quick and Easy: In just a few steps, you can whip up this gourmet dish without the stress, ideal for spontaneous dinners or entertaining guests.
Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to impress family and friends, bringing everyone together for a delicious meal that feels both casual and special.
Enhance Your Meal: Serve it alongside buttery jasmine rice or stir-fried veggies for a complete dinner experience.
Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Chicken Thigh Fillets – Juicier and more flavorful than breast; can substitute with chicken breasts cut into thin steaks.
• Cooking Salt/Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor; adjust to taste.
• Cornflour/Cornstarch – Key for crispiness in the batter; avoid using only cornflour to prevent sticking.
For the Batter
• Vegetable or Canola Oil – Essential for frying; ensure it’s deep enough (4cm/1.6”) for the chicken to float.
• Plain Flour – Provides structure to the batter and ensures a lovely golden color.
• Baking Powder – Essential for a light, airy batter; only a small amount needed (1/4 teaspoon).
• Cold Soda Water – Creates a light, crispy crust; make sure it’s cold for the best results.
For the Lemon Sauce
• Cornflour/Cornstarch (for thickening) – Helps achieve a shiny sauce; can be substituted with arrowroot for make-ahead preparations.
• Chicken Stock/Broth – Boosts flavor of the lemon sauce; opt for low sodium if possible.
• Lemon Juice – The star of the dish, providing that tangy flavor; fresh is best, but bottled works in a pinch.
• Sugar – Balances the acidity of lemons; tweak according to your taste preferences.
• Garlic and Ginger (finely grated) – Infuses the sauce with warm flavor notes.
• Chinese Cooking Wine (Shaoxing wine) – Adds depth to the sauce; can be omitted for an alcohol-free version.
For Garnish
• Green Onion and Lemon Slices (optional) – Adds freshness and color to your dish.
This Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken recipe is perfect for satisfying those takeout cravings at home!
How to Make Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken
- Prepare Chicken: Start by pounding your chicken thigh fillets to about 0.7 cm (1/3 inch) thick. Sprinkle both sides lightly with salt and dust each piece with cornflour to prevent a soggy batter while frying.
- Make Batter: Place your dry batter ingredients—cornflour, plain flour, salt, and baking powder—in the refrigerator to chill. When ready, mix these with cold soda water just before frying; it’s okay if there are some lumps.
- Fry #1: Heat your vegetable or canola oil in a deep pot to 160°C (320°F). Dip the chicken pieces in batter, then fry them for about 3 minutes until they turn pale golden. Let them cool for 20 minutes on a paper towel-lined tray to absorb excess oil.
- Prepare Lemon Sauce: In a saucepan, whisk together cornflour and chicken stock until smooth, then add the remaining lemon sauce ingredients. Cook on medium heat for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Fry #2: Raise the oil temperature to 200°C (390°F). Fry the chicken again for another 3 minutes until they are deep golden and extraordinarily crispy.
- Serve: Slice the chicken into 2 cm thick pieces and transfer them to a serving plate. Drizzle generously with the lemon sauce and garnish with chopped green onions and lemon slices for a refreshing touch. Serve immediately alongside rice or vegetables.
Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken
- Keep It Cold: Ensure all batter ingredients remain cold before mixing; this step significantly enhances the crispiness of your chicken.
- Proper Frying Temperature: Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature closely; frying too hot can lead to burnt batter while frying too cool will create soggy chicken.
- Double Fry for Crunch: The secret to keeping your chicken crispy is to allow it to cool and then fry it again—this double frying technique locks in that delightful texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in small batches to prevent steaming; overcrowding reduces the oil temperature and affects your chicken’s final crispiness.
- Opt for Fresh Lemon Juice: For the best flavor in the lemon sauce, always use fresh lemon juice. Bottled versions can lack the brightness needed in this crispy Chinese lemon chicken dish.
Make Ahead Options
These Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken are perfect for busy weeknights! You can prepare the chicken by pounding it and dusting with cornflour up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring it stays fresh when you’re ready to cook. The lemon sauce can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days; just reheat it gently before serving. When you’re ready to enjoy this dish, simply fry the chicken as instructed—first fry for a preliminary cook, then cool, and fry again for that golden, crispy finish. By prepping these components in advance, you’ll save valuable time while still delivering a mouthwatering meal that tastes just as delicious as if you made it from scratch!
Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken Variations
Customize your Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken with these delightful twists that bring new flavors and textures to this beloved dish!
- Dairy-Free: Swap any dairy-based garnishes for fresh herbs or sesame seeds to keep flavors bright and light.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of chili flakes or Sriracha even in your lemon sauce for a zing that dances on the palate.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with crispy tofu or seitan, coated in your favorite seasoning blend for a satisfying plant-based meal.
- Citrus Twist: Replace lemon juice with lime or orange juice for a fun citrus shift that brings a tropical flair.
- Asian Fusion: Drizzle with teriyaki sauce before serving for a sweet and savory glaze that enhances the overall experience.
- Sauce Thickness: Experiment with arrowroot starch instead of cornflour for a gluten-free sauce that retains a glossy finish.
- Breading Variations: Use Panko breadcrumbs in the batter for an extra crispy texture that will keep everyone reaching for more.
- Sweet and Sour Flair: Mix in some pineapple chunks into the lemon sauce for a balance of sweetness and tartness that elevates every bite.
Feel free to mix and match to create a Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken that reflects your personal taste!
What to Serve with Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken?
Elevate your dinner table with these delightful accompaniments to create a harmonious and memorable meal.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: A classic staple that soaks up the tangy lemon sauce beautifully, providing a comforting base.
- Garlic Stir-Fried Bok Choy: This vibrant green vegetable adds a fresh crunch and a slight garlic kick, perfectly balancing the rich flavors of the chicken.
- Crispy Spring Rolls: A fun appetizer, these offer a satisfying crunch with savory fillings that will transport you to a bustling Chinese market.
- Miso Soup: Its warm, umami notes create a soothing contrast to the zesty chicken, making your meal feel complete and comforting.
- Asian Cucumber Salad: Refreshing and crisp, this salad brings a cool element to the table, perfectly complementing the warm, savory chicken.
- Chilled Green Tea: This light, soothing beverage beautifully cleanses the palate and enhances the vibrant flavors of your meal.
Consider finishing off your meal with a light dessert to round out the experience; a scoop of lemon sorbet could be a delightful way to tie everything together!
How to Store and Freeze Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken
Room Temperature: Best enjoyed fresh, but if needed, you can keep it at room temperature for up to 2 hours before refrigerating.
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for about 10 minutes at 180°C (350°F) to retain crispiness, as microwaving may soften the crust.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken without sauce in a single layer. After freezing, transfer to a resealable bag and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat crispy chicken, bake it in the oven at 200°C (390°F) for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy again, avoiding the sauce until ready to serve.
Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use for the Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken?
I recommend using chicken thigh fillets for their juiciness and flavor, but you can also substitute them with skinless, boneless chicken breasts cut into thin steaks. Thighs lend more richness, whereas breasts provide a leaner option—both will still work wonderfully!
How should I store leftover Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes. This method helps maintain that wonderful crispiness, instead of using the microwave which can soften the crust.
Can I freeze Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken?
Absolutely! Allow the cooked chicken to cool completely. Then lay it out in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the chicken pieces into a resealable freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
What if my lemon sauce turns out too thick?
If your lemon sauce is thicker than desired, don’t worry! Just whisk in a little more chicken stock or water over low heat until you achieve the desired consistency. It’s all about adjusting to personal preference—make it just right for you!
Is Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken safe for dogs?
While this dish is delicious for humans, avoid giving it to pets. The high salt content and lemon can be harmful to dogs. However, cooked plain chicken without seasonings is a healthy treat they can enjoy!
What should I do if my batter isn’t crispy?
If your batter isn’t turning out crispy, ensure your oil is hot enough (around 200°C/390°F) for frying, and remember the importance of keeping your batter ingredients cold before frying. This elevates the crunch factor significantly. Additionally, don’t overcrowd the frying pan; frying in small batches allows proper crispiness to develop.
Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken That Will Brighten Your Dinner
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pound chicken thigh fillets to about 0.7 cm thick, sprinkle with salt and dust with cornflour.
- Chill dry batter ingredients in the refrigerator, then mix with cold soda water.
- Heat oil in a deep pot to 160°C, fry chicken pieces for about 3 minutes, then cool for 20 minutes.
- Prepare lemon sauce by whisking cornflour and chicken stock, then add remaining ingredients.
- Raise oil temperature to 200°C, fry chicken again for another 3 minutes until crispy.
- Slice chicken, drizzle with lemon sauce, and garnish with green onions and lemon slices.
