There’s something truly comforting about the crispy crunch of fried chicken, especially when it’s coated in a delightful tangy lemon sauce. I discovered this recipe for Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken on a rainy afternoon, craving the warmth of my favorite takeout but wanting something fresh and homemade. As the chicken fries, the smell of warm, sizzling goodness envelops the kitchen, and I can almost hear the nostalgic sounds of bustling restaurants from my childhood.
This isn’t just any citrus-coated dish; it offers a perfect balance—bright lemony zing without overwhelming sweetness, making each bite a sheer delight. The chicken is battered to golden perfection, radiating a satisfying crunch that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself after a long day, this Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken is a meal that brings people together and leaves taste buds dancing. Join me in creating this unforgettable dish—you won’t need to order takeout again!
Why is Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken a must-try?
Irresistible Crunch: Each piece boasts a light, crispy batter that holds its texture, ensuring a satisfying bite every time.
Tangy Home Cooking: The vibrant lemon sauce balances flavors perfectly, providing that homemade quality that takeout just can’t match.
Versatile Dish: Enjoy it alongside steamed rice, or pair it with fresh vegetables for a complete meal that dazzles.
Quick Preparation: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, you’ll have dinner ready in no time, making it an ideal weeknight recipe.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Impress friends and family with a dish that strikes the right harmony of savory and tangy flavors, making it the star of any meal.
Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken Ingredients
• Get ready to create a crispy masterpiece!
For the Chicken
- Chicken Thigh Fillets – Juicy, tender meat is perfect, but substitute with chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Cooking Salt/Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor and aids in the seasoning process.
For the Batter
- Cornflour (Cornstarch) – Ensures extra crispiness and helps the batter adhere well.
- Plain Flour (All-Purpose Flour) – Provides a lovely golden color to the crust; blending with cornflour elevates the texture.
- Baking Powder – Makes the batter light and airy; just a small amount works wonders.
- Cold Soda Water – Essential for achieving that perfect crispy coating; it must be cold and fizzy!
For the Sauce
- Chicken Stock/Broth – Adds a rich flavor to the sauce instead of using water.
- Fresh Lemon Juice – The main ingredient for vibrant flavor; if you run out, bottled juice will do in a pinch.
- Sugar – Balances the tartness of the lemon juice; adjust according to your taste preferences.
- Garlic and Ginger – Bring aromatic layers to the sauce without overwhelming the flavor profile.
- Chinese Cooking Wine (Shaoxing Wine) – Optional for depth; simply replace with a pinch of salt if omitted.
For Garnishing
- Green Onion – Adds a pop of color and flavor on top.
- Lemon Slices – Optional, and they enhance presentation beautifully.
Indulge in making this Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken—with its delightful crunch and tangy sauce, it’s bound to become a beloved dish in your home!
How to Make Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken
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Prepare the Chicken: Start by pounding the chicken thigh fillets to about 0.7cm thickness. This helps to ensure they’re tender and cook evenly. Sprinkle them generously with cooking salt and dust with cornflour for added crispiness.
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Mix the Batter: Take your dry ingredients—cornflour, plain flour, baking powder, and salt—and refrigerate them for a bit. Just before frying, mix these with cold soda water until the batter is slightly lumpy; this is key for that airy texture!
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Fry the First Batch: Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-based pot to around 160°C (320°F). Dip the chicken into the batter and fry for about 3 minutes, or until it’s pale golden in color. Carefully transfer to a paper towel-lined tray to drain.
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Cool the Chicken: Allow the fried chicken to cool for about 20 minutes. This cooling period is crucial for achieving that ultra-crispiness we all love.
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Make the Lemon Sauce: In a saucepan, whisk a little cornflour with a splash of chicken stock to prevent lumps, then add the remaining sauce ingredients. Simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency, creating that luscious tangy taste.
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Fry the Second Batch: Raise the oil temperature to 200°C (390°F). Fry the chicken again for 3 minutes until it’s deep golden and extremely crispy. This second frying locks in all that delicious flavor.
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Slice and Serve: Carefully slice the chicken into pieces and arrange on a serving platter. Drizzle with your homemade lemon sauce and garnish with green onion and lemon slices before serving.
Optional: Serve alongside plain steamed rice for a delicious meal!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken?
Creating the perfect meal starts with delightful pairings that elevate your dining experience.
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: A classic complement, its slight stickiness soaks up the zesty lemon sauce beautifully, providing a neutral base to enjoy the crispy chicken.
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Stir-Fried Chinese Broccoli: This vibrant green vegetable adds a fresh crunch and balances the richness of the chicken, ensuring every bite is vibrant and delicious.
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Crispy Vegetable Spring Rolls: With a crunchy exterior and flavorful fillings, these rolls make a delightful appetizer that matches the crispy texture of the lemon chicken.
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Sesame Noodles: Tossed in a light sesame sauce, these noodles offer a nutty flavor and chewy texture that contrast perfectly with the zesty chicken. Serve them chilled for a refreshing side.
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Sweet and Sour Cucumber Salad: A refreshing side, this salad balances the dish’s richness while providing a cooling contrast that enhances the lemony flavors.
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Mango Lassi: This creamy beverage has a hint of sweetness, brilliantly balancing the tangy notes of the chicken and ensuring your meal is refreshingly satisfying.
Embrace these pairings to create a truly memorable and flavorful experience!
Make Ahead Options
These Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken cutlets are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can fry the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to chill it after the first fry to maintain that signature crispiness. Simply prepare the chicken, batter, and fry it lightly as directed, then let it cool on a paper towel-lined tray. For best results, refrigerate the fried chicken until you’re ready to serve. Just before serving, heat your oil to 200°C (390°F) and finish frying the chicken for about 3 minutes for that irresistibly crispy texture. With these make-ahead steps, you’ll have a delicious and comforting meal ready in no time!
How to Store and Freeze Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the lemon sauce separate to maintain the chicken’s crispiness.
Freezer: Freeze the chicken after frying and cooling for up to 2 months. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, and store in a resealable bag.
Reheating: For best results, reheat the chicken in a hot oven at 200°C (390°F) for about 10–15 minutes to regain crispiness without drying it out.
Make-Ahead Tips: You can fry the chicken and cool it ahead of time. Finish with a second fry as needed for your serving—perfect for busy weeknights!
Expert Tips for Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken
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Maintain Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at 160°C initially, then increasing to 200°C, ensures perfect cooking without greasy chicken.
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Cold Batter is Key: Refrigerate your batter ingredients before mixing—this helps achieve that signature crispiness in the final dish.
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Double-Fry for Crispiness: The secret to achieving ultimate crunch is in the double-frying technique—don’t skip this step for the best crispy Chinese lemon chicken!
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Dusting Matters: Lightly dusting chicken with cornflour before dipping into the batter helps the coating adhere better, preventing any unwanted falling off during frying.
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Serve Immediately: Enjoy your crispy chicken hot and fresh—it’s best served right after frying to maintain the delicious crunch and vibrant flavor.
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Customize to Taste: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the sauce according to your preference; this will ensure you achieve your desired balance in flavor.
Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize this delectable dish to suit your taste buds!
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Fish Swap: Replace chicken with firm white fish like cod or halibut for a delightful twist.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities without sacrificing crunch.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the batter to give your chicken a fiery twist.
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Zesty Herb Boost: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or basil into the lemon sauce for an aromatic twist that brightens every bite.
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Sweetness Balance: Adjust the amount of sugar in the lemon sauce to suit your taste; try honey for a unique flavor profile.
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Veggie Version: Swap the chicken for tofu, ensuring it’s pressed and dried; this will soak up the flavors beautifully.
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Pineapple Tang: Toss in small chunks of fresh pineapple into the sauce for an unexpected sweet and tangy flavor that dances on the palate.
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Tempura Style: For an extra light batter, mix in some rice flour with the cornflour for a heavenly crispy texture reminiscent of tempura.
Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thigh fillets are ideal because they provide juicy, tender meat that holds up well to frying. However, if you prefer, you can substitute with chicken breasts, just remember to cut them in half for even cooking.
How should I store leftovers from this Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken?
To keep your chicken fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I highly recommend keeping the lemon sauce separate to ensure the chicken stays crispy!
Can I freeze Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken? How?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken! After frying and cooling, wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place them in a resealable bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the oven at 200°C (390°F) for about 10-15 minutes until they become crispy again.
What should I do if my batter isn’t crispy?
If your batter isn’t crispy, it could be due to a lack of cold ingredients. It’s essential to use cold soda water for the batter. Also, double frying (first at a lower temperature, then at a higher temperature) is crucial to achieve that perfect crunch. Finally, ensure you’re not overcrowding the frying pan, as this can lower the oil temperature.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Definitely! While the recipe is naturally gluten-containing, you can easily adapt it by using gluten-free flour for those with gluten sensitivities. Additionally, be cautious if serving to pets or anyone with allergies. Keep an eye on the ingredients in your sauce and adjust as necessary based on dietary needs.
How long can the lemon sauce be stored?
The lemon sauce can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just give it a good stir before using it again, and feel free to adjust the sweetness to your taste!
Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken: A Flavorful Homemade Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pound the chicken thigh fillets to about 0.7cm thickness. Sprinkle with cooking salt and dust with cornflour.
- Refrigerate dry ingredients—cornflour, plain flour, baking powder, and salt—before mixing with cold soda water.
- Heat vegetable oil to about 160°C (320°F). Dip chicken into batter and fry for about 3 minutes until pale golden.
- Allow fried chicken to cool for 20 minutes to achieve crispiness.
- Whisk cornflour with chicken stock in a saucepan, add other sauce ingredients, and simmer until thickened.
- Increase oil temperature to 200°C (390°F) and fry the chicken again for 3 minutes until deep golden.
- Slice the chicken and arrange on a serving platter. Drizzle with sauce and garnish.
