Easy & Authentic Homemade Chinese Lemon Chicken: Your Favorite Takeout Dish, Made Better!
Craving the vibrant, sweet, and tangy flavors of Chinese Lemon Chicken? Look no further! This incredibly easy homemade recipe brings that beloved takeout experience right to your kitchen in just about 30 minutes. Forget expensive delivery; you can create a dish that’s even more delicious, fresh, and budget-friendly, served perfectly with fluffy rice or savory noodles.
There’s something uniquely comforting about a really good Chinese Lemon Chicken. For me, it evokes fond memories of small, cozy Chinese restaurants back home in Canada. It was always my go-to order, a dish that stood out with its irresistible combination of crispy chicken enveloped in a glossy, zesty lemon sauce. It’s surprising how difficult it can be to find this specific, perfectly balanced lemon chicken in many Asian restaurants, especially here in Chicago. That scarcity only fueled my desire to perfect a homemade version.
After countless attempts and culinary experiments, I’m thrilled to share my winning copycat recipe. This isn’t just “good enough” – it truly captures the incredible, zesty lemon punch and the perfect harmony of sweet and tangy flavors that make this dish so addictive. It tastes just as phenomenal as your favorite restaurant version, if not better!
What makes this recipe a true gem? Its simplicity and speed. It’s a fantastic 30-minute meal, making it an ideal choice for those hectic weeknights when you need something quick, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Plus, it offers great versatility. You can easily elevate it into a more substantial meal by tossing in some vibrant vegetables like crisp broccoli florets or bell peppers, turning it into a wholesome and filling Chinese Lemon Chicken with Vegetables. I’ve even experimented with a version using leftover lemon curd (surprisingly delicious!), a testament to the adaptable nature of this dish.
And for those who love their slow cookers, keep an eye out! I’m currently perfecting a Chinese lemon chicken slow cooker recipe that will make meal prep even easier, coming soon!
Expert Tips for Making Perfect Homemade Chinese Lemon Chicken (Asian Lemon Chicken)
Achieving that restaurant-quality lemon chicken at home is easier than you think. Follow these essential tips for a truly exceptional dish:
- Ensure the oil is HOT before frying: This is crucial for achieving a perfectly crispy coating and preventing the chicken from becoming greasy. Hot oil sears the outside quickly, locking in juices and creating that desirable golden-brown crust. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and turn soggy.
- Don’t “over-fry” the chicken: The chicken only needs to be lightly golden brown on the outside. Since the pieces are small, they cook quickly. Over-frying will result in dry, tough chicken. A beautiful golden hue is your indicator for perfectly cooked, tender chicken.
- Adjust the lemon juice to your preference: This recipe delivers a wonderfully tangy flavor profile. However, if you prefer a milder tang or a more pronounced zest, feel free to slightly increase or decrease the amount of fresh lemon juice to suit your taste buds. It’s all about personal preference!
- Use FRESH lemon juice for best results: The vibrant, bright flavor of fresh lemon juice is irreplaceable. Opt for large, juicy lemons, as they yield more juice and a more intense citrus aroma. If you must use bottled lemon juice, approximately ½ cup will suffice, but be aware the flavor won’t be as bright. Always add a touch of lemon zest for an extra aromatic kick!
- Choose the right oil for the sauce: I highly recommend using a flavorful oil like sesame oil or peanut oil when preparing the lemon sauce. These oils add a rich, nutty depth that complements the other Asian flavors beautifully, elevating the overall taste profile significantly.
- Enhance flavor with lemon pepper: While regular black pepper works fine, lemon pepper adds an extra layer of citrusy spice that perfectly harmonizes with the lemon sauce. It’s a simple addition that makes a noticeable difference.
- Opt for low sodium soy sauce: Many Asian dishes rely on soy sauce, which can quickly make a dish too salty if not managed. Using a low sodium variety allows you to control the saltiness of your dish, ensuring a balanced flavor without overwhelming it. You can always add more salt to taste at the end.
- Thicken the Chinese lemon sauce to perfection: For a thicker, more luxurious sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken, you can add an extra tablespoon or two of cornstarch mixed with a little water (a slurry). Alternatively, allowing the sauce to simmer on low heat for a longer duration will naturally reduce it, evaporating excess liquid and concentrating the flavors for a rich, thick consistency.
- Serve IMMEDIATELY for optimal taste: Chinese lemon chicken tastes its absolute best right after it’s prepared, when the chicken is still crispy and the sauce is hot and glistening.
- Storing leftovers: While best fresh, leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove top. Be aware that the crispy texture of the chicken will soften slightly upon refrigeration and reheating, but the delicious flavor will still be there.
What to Serve with Your Zesty Lemon Chicken?
Chinese Lemon Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of classic Asian sides to complete your meal:
- Jasmine rice: The fluffy, fragrant grains of jasmine rice are the perfect absorbent base for soaking up all that delicious lemon sauce.
- Noodles: Whether it’s stir-fried noodles, lo mein, or simple egg noodles, they offer another excellent option for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Steamed or stir-fried vegetables: Broccoli, snap peas, bell peppers, or bok choy provide a fresh contrast and added nutrition.
- Egg rolls or spring rolls: For that ultimate takeout experience, crispy egg rolls are a fantastic appetizer.
- A light salad: A simple, crisp green salad with a ginger-sesame dressing can offer a refreshing balance.
How to Make Chinese Lemon Chicken at Home (Stove-top Method)
The process for creating this delightful dish is surprisingly straightforward and efficient. You’ll start by preparing the chicken, ensuring each piece is perfectly coated for that ideal crispness. Then, you’ll whip up the star of the show – the vibrant lemon sauce – before bringing it all together.
First, coat bite-sized chicken pieces in a seasoned flour mixture, then dip them into an egg wash, and finally coat them again in flour. This double-coating technique helps achieve an extra crispy exterior. These prepared chicken pieces are then fried until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through, ensuring they are tender and juicy on the inside. While the chicken rests, you’ll quickly prepare the zesty lemon sauce on the stove, bringing together a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory elements. Finally, the crispy fried chicken is tossed in this aromatic sauce until every piece is perfectly glazed. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor!
What Does Authentic Chinese Lemon Chicken Taste Like?
Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavors! Chinese lemon chicken is famously known for its exquisite balance of sweet and tangy notes. The dominant flavor is, of course, a bright, zesty lemon, thanks to a generous amount of fresh lemon juice and fragrant zest. This citrusy punch is beautifully mellowed by a subtle sweetness, often from honey and brown sugar, creating a delightful contrast. Underlying savory notes from soy sauce, garlic, and ginger add depth, while a hint of spice from lemon pepper (or regular pepper) provides a gentle warmth. The chicken itself is wonderfully succulent and tender on the inside, encased in a light, crispy coating that absorbs the glorious, glossy sauce. It’s a truly addictive combination – savory, sweet, tangy, and utterly refreshing!
What is Chinese Lemon Sauce / Honey Lemon Chicken Sauce?
The heart and soul of this dish lies in its incredibly flavorful sauce. Chinese Lemon Sauce, sometimes referred to as Honey Lemon Chicken Sauce due to the common addition of honey, is a rich and aromatic gravy that perfectly complements the crispy chicken. It’s typically a delightful concoction created by whisking together a blend of fresh lemon juice for its signature tang, soy sauce for umami and savory depth, pungent ginger and garlic for aromatic complexity, a touch of pineapple juice for natural sweetness and a hint of acidity, vinegar to further enhance the tang, and sometimes honey and brown sugar for a balanced sweetness. Various spices, such as lemon pepper, contribute to its unique profile. Finally, it’s thickened to a perfect consistency with cornstarch, giving it that characteristic glossy sheen that coats every piece of chicken beautifully. This versatile sauce isn’t just for chicken; it’s also excellent for marinating fish or as a flavorful base in other Asian or Oriental-inspired recipes.
Recipe
Chinese Lemon Chicken (Asian Lemon Chicken)
Abeer Rizvi
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Ingredients
Chicken
- 1½ pounds Chicken Boneless, Cut into small 2 inch cubes
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper To taste
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 Egg Large
- 1 cup Vegetable oil For frying
Chicken Lemon Sauce
- 2 tablespoon Peanut oil or sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon Ginger Finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Finely chopped
- ¼ cup Soy sauce Low sodium
- ¼ cup Chicken broth Or water
- ¼ cup Honey
- ⅓ cup Pineapple juice
- ⅓ cup Brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Lemon pepper
- 1 tablespoon Vinegar
- Juice of 2 large lemons
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
- Salt To taste
- 2-3 tablespoon Cornstarch
- Yellow food coloring Optional
Garnish
- Green onions Thinly sliced
- Lemon slices Thinly sliced
Instructions
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Start off by cutting into small cubes and patting it dry with paper towels.
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In a mixing bowl, mix together the flour, salt and pepper.
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In another mixing bowl, mix together the milk and egg.
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Now, roll each chicken piece in the flour mixture, then dip it in milk mixture and then then roll it in the flour mixture again.
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Fry the chicken pieces in oil until golden brown. Place them on a tray lined with paper towels.
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Prepare the Chinese lemon sauce now. In a non-stick saucepan, heat the oil on medium heat and then saute the ginger and garlic until golden brown.
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Add soy sauce, broth or water, honey, pineapple juice, brown sugar, lemon pepper, vinegar, lemon juice, lemon zest and salt. Mix everything and bring to a boil. Then, let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, while constantly mixing.
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Remove saucepan from heat. Add cornstarch and yellow food coloring (optional) and whisk everything together.
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Add the fried chicken pieces in this sauce and mix until all the pieces are coated.
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Garnish with green onions and lemon slices and serve immediately with rice or noodles.
Notes
- Read my tips above.
- Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days and can be reheated in the microwave. However, leftovers will never taste as good as the fresh version.
Nutrition
An automated tool is used to calculate the nutritional information. As such, I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information provided for any recipe on this site.
And there you have it – a magnificent, homemade Chinese Lemon Chicken that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. It’s a dish that proves you don’t need to rely on takeout for exquisite Asian flavors. Enjoy the process and savor every sweet, tangy bite!
If you loved this Chinese/Asian chicken recipe, you might also enjoy these other easy and delicious weeknight meals:
- Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken
- Jalapeño Chicken
- Spinach Lasagna Rolls (Roll-ups)
- One Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
- Spicy Honey BBQ Wings
- One Pot Healthy Fettuccine Alfredo
Until next time, happy cooking, my lovelies!