Golden and crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, this Chinese lemon chicken is coated in a bright, tangy glaze that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a crave-worthy dish that’s guaranteed to become a weeknight favorite—better than takeout and made right at home!
Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
Move over, orange chicken—lemon is here to shine! This Chinese lemon chicken is everything you love about takeout, made even better at home. Tender, juicy chicken pieces are fried until golden and crispy, then tossed in a bright, zesty lemon sauce that’s equal parts sweet, savory, and irresistibly tangy. The thick, glossy glaze clings to every bite, making this dish a true standout. It’s bold, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress at the dinner table!
A Bright, Zesty Sauce You’ll Crave
The magic of this Chinese lemon chicken lies in the sauce. It starts with a savory soy sauce base—just like your favorite takeout—but gets elevated with fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, white vinegar, and a touch of garlic. The result? A bold, tangy glaze that’s bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and umami, giving the dish just enough citrusy brightness to keep it light while still delivering that rich, irresistible taste. Trust us—you’ll be reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds)!
Want to round out your meal with more Chinese-inspired favorites? Try pairing this dish with dynamite shrimp or some crispy crab rangoon for a delicious homemade takeout night!
Chicken and Sauce Ingredients
Chinese lemon chicken transforms everyday ingredients into a crispy, tangy masterpiece. From golden, tender chicken to a vibrant lemon sauce, each component is key to the dish’s mouthwatering flavor. (Exact quantities can be found in the recipe card below!)
For the Chicken:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into 1-inch pieces. This is the tender, juicy base of the dish.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that boost the overall flavor of the chicken.
- Cornstarch: Creates a light, crispy coating that fries up perfectly golden.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs help the cornstarch stick, forming a light batter.
- Canola Oil: Used for frying, it gives the chicken that signature crisp texture without overpowering the flavor.
For the Lemon Sauce:
- Granulated Sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness to balance the tart lemon and vinegar notes.
- (Additional ingredients like lemon juice, zest, vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic would follow here, if continuing.)
Lemon Sauce Ingredients
This flavorful lemon sauce is what takes the dish from good to unforgettable. Each ingredient plays a key role in building the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors:
- Lemon Juice: Adds a vibrant, citrusy kick that brightens up the whole dish.
- Soy Sauce: Delivers that classic umami-rich, savory depth found in your favorite Asian takeout.
- White Vinegar: Enhances the tartness and rounds out the lemon flavor. For a more authentic touch, you can substitute rice vinegar.
- Garlic Salt: Adds a subtle garlic note while boosting the overall flavor of the sauce.
- Lemon Zest: Provides an extra burst of concentrated citrus flavor for added freshness.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a beautiful, glossy consistency that clings perfectly to each piece of chicken.
How to Make Chinese Lemon Chicken
This dish is quick, delicious, and perfect for busy nights. In just about an hour, you’ll have a better-than-takeout meal made completely from scratch—no artificial ingredients, just fresh, bold flavor.
- Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper. - Coat the Chicken:
Set up two bowls—one with cornstarch, and another with slightly beaten eggs. Dip each chicken piece first in the cornstarch, then coat in the egg mixture. This double-dipping technique gives the chicken a deliciously crisp coating when fried. - Fry Until Golden:
In a large skillet, heat canola oil over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces until they’re golden brown and crispy. You’re not cooking them all the way through yet—just browning the outside. - Transfer to Baking Dish:
Place the browned chicken into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish in a single layer. - Prepare the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, white vinegar, soy sauce, garlic salt, and cornstarch until smooth. - Bake in Sauce:
Pour the prepared lemon sauce evenly over the chicken. Bake uncovered for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to coat the chicken in the sauce as it thickens and caramelizes. - Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, serve the lemon chicken hot over a bed of steamed white rice or your favorite stir-fried vegetables. Each bite is zesty, savory, and irresistibly tender.
