Chinese Lemon Chicken – Sweet, Tangy & Perfectly Crispy

If you love classic Chinese takeout flavors, Chinese Lemon Chicken is guaranteed to become a favorite. With ultra-crispy battered chicken coated in a glossy, sweet-tangy lemon sauce, this dish delivers restaurant-style results right from your own kitchen.

The contrast is what makes lemon chicken so irresistible — crunchy golden chicken paired with a silky sauce bursting with fresh citrus flavor. It’s bright, comforting, and indulgent all at once, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special homemade takeout nights.

This recipe is approachable, reliable, and far better than delivery.

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Why This Lemon Chicken Recipe Works

• Extra crispy coating that holds up to sauce
• Balanced lemon flavor – sweet, tangy, not sour
• Quick cooking time
• Better than takeout texture
• Family-friendly flavors

By frying the chicken separately and tossing it in the sauce just before serving, you get maximum crunch and flavor.

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What Makes This Version Special

This lemon chicken focuses on freshness and balance. Real lemon juice and zest provide brightness, while sugar and broth create that signature glossy sauce. The chicken is double-coated for crunch and fried until golden perfection.

It’s:

• Crispy without being greasy
• Sweet but not cloying
• Tangy without puckering
• Easy to replicate at home

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crispy Chicken

• 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Lemon Sauce

• ⅔ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

For Garnish

• Lemon slices
• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds (optional)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken coating
   In a bowl, whisk eggs. In another bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
2. Coat the chicken
   Dip chicken pieces into egg, then dredge in flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
3. Fry the chicken
   Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
4. Make the lemon sauce
   In a saucepan, combine broth, lemon juice, sugar, soy sauce, zest, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer.
5. Thicken the sauce
   Stir cornstarch and water together, then whisk into the sauce. Simmer until thick and glossy.
6. Combine and serve
   Toss crispy chicken in the lemon sauce just before serving. Garnish and serve immediately.

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Tips for Extra Crispy Lemon Chicken

• Keep oil temperature consistent
• Don’t overcrowd the fryer
• Toss chicken in sauce right before serving
• Use cornstarch for maximum crunch

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Delicious Variations

• Spicy Lemon Chicken: Add chili flakes or chili oil
• Baked Lemon Chicken: Air-fry or bake for a lighter option
• Orange-Lemon Chicken: Add a splash of orange juice
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and tamari

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Serving Suggestions

Serve Chinese lemon chicken with:

• Steamed jasmine rice
• Fried rice
• Lo mein noodles
• Steamed broccoli or bok choy

This dish shines as the centerpiece of a homemade Chinese-style meal.

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Storage & Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers separately if possible
• Refrigerate up to 3 days
• Reheat chicken in oven or air fryer for best texture

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Saucing chicken too early
• Frying at low temperature
• Skipping lemon zest
• Overcrowding the pan

Avoid these and your lemon chicken will turn out perfect every time.

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Final Thoughts

Chinese Lemon Chicken is sweet, tangy, and irresistibly crispy — a takeout classic made even better at home. Once you try this recipe, it’s guaranteed to become part of your regular dinner rotation.