Lemon Chicken

User Reviews

4.6

148 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    10 mins

  • Total Time

    20 mins

  • Servings

    2 people

  • Calories

    280 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    Chinese

Lemon Chicken

Lemon Chicken features bite-sized pieces of chicken breast or thigh, marinated and coated in a mixture of cornstarch and all-purpose flour before being deep-fried to a crispy golden brown. The chicken is then tossed in a tangy lemon sauce made from lemon juice, sugar, and cornstarch, creating a delicate balance of tart and sweet flavors that gently adhere to the crunchy coating. A sprinkle of white sesame seeds on top adds a subtle nutty finish to this dish.

Description

The Lemon Chicken recipe begins with marinated chicken pieces, which are coated in a combination of cornstarch and all-purpose flour to help achieve a crisp exterior when deep-fried. The frying process renders a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the tender interior of the chicken. Once fried, the chicken is coated in a sauce made with fresh lemon juice, sugar, water, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt, which lightly glazes the pieces without overwhelming the crispiness.

The result is a dish with a vibrant lemon flavor that complements the crunch from the coating, balanced by the sweetness in the sauce. The chicken pieces are garnished with white sesame seeds that add a gentle nuttiness and a subtle crunch contrast. This preparation works well as a standalone entrée served with rice or vegetables for a complete meal. The approach of marinating and flour-dusting ensures the chicken retains moisture while boasting a delightful crispy texture beneath the lemon glaze.

The recipe notes suggest using a simple blend of cornstarch and all-purpose flour for the coating to keep the exterior crisp, and to apply the lemon sauce just enough to coat each piece lightly, preserving the crunch. This balance highlights the sweet and tart lemony notes paired with the aroma from the sesame seeds, providing a satisfying and textured eating experience.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 10 oz (280g) chicken breast or thigh, cut into small pieces, skinless boneless
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch sifted and combine well
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • neutral cooking oil for deep-frying, generic cooking oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon white sesame

Marinade:

  • 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 tablespoon Shaoxing wine optional
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon sugar or more to taste
  • 5 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 pinch salt or to taste

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken with the Marinade for 30 minutes. Mix all the ingredients for the Sauce and set aside.
  2. Coat the marinated chicken with the corn starch and all-purpose flour mixture. Heat a wok with about two inches of oil. Once the oil is fully heated, deep-fry the chicken until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a dish lined with paper towels to soak up the excess oil.
  3.  Add all the ingredients for the sauce to a small saucepan and bring it to a quick boil. Transfer the fried chicken to the sauce and stir to coat it well..
  4. Dish out, top with white sesame, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use a mix of cornstarch and all-purpose flour for the coating to achieve a crisp texture.
  • Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat.
  • Fry chicken in hot oil until golden but avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain crispiness.
  • Toss the fried chicken gently with the lemon sauce, coating lightly to keep the crunchy exterior intact.
  • Sprinkle white sesame seeds over the top before serving to add a nutty aroma and texture.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 2people Calories 280kcal (14%) Carbohydrates 27g (9%) Protein 31g (62%) Fat 4g (6%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Cholesterol 91mg (30%) Sodium 439mg (18%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 7g (14%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 280 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 2people
Calories 280kcal 14%
Carbohydrates 27g 9%
Protein 31g 62%
Fat 4g 6%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 91mg 30%
Sodium 439mg 18%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 7g 14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

4.6

148 reviews
Excellent

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