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    Home ยป Recipes ยป Mains

    Chinese Lemon Chicken

    Modified: Jun 8, 2024 ยท Published: Dec 24, 2023 by Christie Lai ยท This post may contain affiliate links ยท 49 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Video

    Crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet and savory lemon sauce. This quick and easy Chinese lemon chicken is made with simple ingredients. Saving you money and beating takeout! Great as a main dish for the family on busy weeknights!

    chinese lemon chicken
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients & Substitutes
    • Expert Tips
    • Instructions
    • Storage
    • Pairing Suggestions
    • FAQ
    • Other recipes you may like
    • ๐Ÿ“– Recipe
    • ๐Ÿ’ฌ Reviews

    Chinese Lemon Chicken features crispy fried chicken tossed in a sweet, savoury, tangy sauce made of lemon juice, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.

    It's a popular dish served at many Chinese restaurants and best served with white rice and vegetables. Originating from Hong Kong becoming very popular in North America, like it's sister recipe Orange Chicken.

    chinese lemon chicken

    The best part about this chicken recipe is it's shallow fried so no wasting tons of oil. There's also no wet batter, just cornstarch, and it's all made in one pan!

    I also share how to air fry the chicken in the FAQ section or Notes sections of the recipe card.

    Ingredients & Substitutes

    Please scroll down to below recipe card for exact measurements. 

    main ingredients for this recipe
    • Skinless Boneless chicken thighs: or substitute with chicken breast for a leaner alternative but please reduce the cook time by a 1-2 minutes or it'll be dry.
    • Cornstarch: or substitute with potato starch
    • Neutral oil: like avocado oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, peanut oil, vegetable oil or canola oil. Avoid olive oil or heavy scented oils.
    • Salt & Black Pepper
    • Sesame seeds: optional garnish
    • Lemon slices: optional garnish
    • Green onions: optional garnish

    Lemon Sauce

    ingredients to make lemon sauce
    • Freshly squeezed lemon juice: avoid using the kind sold in those yellow plastic lemons! The artificial kind just doesn't taste the same. 
    • Brown sugar: or substitute with white sugar or coconut sugar. I recommend brown sugar as it gives the sauce a more molasses taste. 
    • Garlic
    • Ginger
    • Lemon Zest: do not skip this as it offers great flavor to the sauce.
    • Regular soy sauce: or substitute with low sodium soy sauce or light soy sauce. If youโ€™re gluten-free, substitute with tamari sauce, coconut aminos or a gluten-free soy sauce.
    • Chicken broth: ideally low sodium kind
    • Cornstarch

    Note: The Asian grocery store will carry the Asian-specific ingredients.

    Expert Tips

    • Donโ€™t skip on the lemon zest. This zest is so aromatic that it will take your lemon chicken from a level 8 to a 10!
    • Use chicken thigh for best taste as it has a higher fat content and it won't dry out in the frying process.
    • Prepare ingredients ahead of time as the cooking process is fast.
    • Do not pat dry the chicken! You need some moisture on the chicken so the starch can adhere to it.
    • Evenly dice the chicken so they evenly fry.
    • Use a heavy bottomed pan if possible as this maintains the oil temperature.
    • Make sure oil is hot enough before frying, around 325-350 degrees F. To check if oil is hot, use a digital instant read thermometer or insert a wooden chopstick into the oil and look for bubbles. If you see bubbles, the oil is hot.
    • Fry in small batches and do not overcrowd the pan because this reduces the oil temperature leading to less crispy chicken or possibly undercooked chicken.
    • Spread chicken apart after tossing into pan. This allows for each piece to develop a crust.
    • Avoid stir frying the chicken. This prevents it from getting crispy.
    • Drain the fried chicken on a wire rack or paper-towel lined plate to remove excess oil which leads to soggy chicken.

    Instructions

    Below are step-by-step instructions on how to make Chinese lemon chicken:

    In a small bowl, combine your sauce ingredients as listed. Set aside.ย 

    In a small bowl, combine your sauce ingredients as listed. Set aside.ย 

    Dice each chicken thigh into 1.5-inch pieces. Do not pat chicken thighs dry, some moisture is needed for the next step.

    Dice chicken thighs into bite size pieces, about 1.5-inch pieces. Transfer diced chicken to a large bowl. Do not pat the chicken thighs dry as moisture is needed for the next step.

    Add cornstarch to the bowl of diced chicken and evenly coat each piece in the cornstarch with tongs. Or toss the diced chicken in a Ziplock bag with the cornstarch.ย 

    Add cornstarch to the bowl of diced chicken and evenly coat each piece in the cornstarch with tongs. Or toss the diced chicken in a Ziplock bag with the cornstarch. 

    Heat vegetable oil in a large pan on medium-high heat. Carefully lower coated chicken and spread apart quickly. Fry chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.ย Remove fried chicken from oil and transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to soak up excess oil.

    Heat vegetable oil in a large pan on medium-high heat. Carefully lower coated chicken and spread apart quickly. Fry chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove fried chicken from oil and transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to soak up excess oil.

    Discard any excess oil from pan.ย Heat pan on medium heat and pour in sauce. Keep stirring sauce until it bubbles and thickens.

    Discard any excess oil from pan. Heat pan on medium heat and pour in sauce. Keep stirring sauce until it bubbles and thickens.

    Toss in chicken. Optional, garnish with sesame seeds, lemon slices or green onions. Enjoy!

    Toss in chicken. Optional, garnish with sesame seeds, lemon slices or green onions. Enjoy!

    Storage

    • Leftovers will last up to 4 days stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat: microwave for 2-3 minutes until hot or reheat in a pan on medium heat.
    • Freezer friendly? Yes, store the sauce and fried chicken in separate freezer friendly bags and it can be frozen for up to 3 months. I recommend laying a Ziplock bag on a baking sheet to freeze chicken pieces in a single layer so they don't stick. To reheat, defrost both sauce and chicken and reheat the sauce in a pan and toss in the chicken.

    Pairing Suggestions

    Chinese lemon chicken serves well with:

    • starters like egg rolls, crab rangoons, egg drop soup, hot and sour soup
    • white or brown rice, cauliflower rice, fried rice, chow mein, lo mein, or plain noodles
    • cooked vegetables like bok choy, spicy garlic bok choy, choy sum, gai lan, garlic green beans or stir fried snow pea leaves.
    • protein dishes like Mongolian Beef, Bang Bang Shrimp, Gochujang Chicken, Soy Garlic Tofu, Chinese Braised Tofu and more!

    FAQ

    Can I air fry the chicken?

    Yes, you can air fry the chicken by following these instructions:
    Lightly spray air fryer basket with vegetable oil or any neutral oil.ย Lay coated chicken into air fryer basket in a single layer giving each piece enough space. Lightly spray oil over coated chicken.ย 
    You may need to air fry in small batches if needed depending on the size of your air fryer.
    Air fry at 400 F for 12-14 minutes until golden crispy brown. The amount of time depends on your air fryer.ย 

    Can I make lemon chicken in advance?

    This can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To enjoy, reheat it in the microwave or in a pan on the stovetop on medium heat.

    May I substitute with another protein?

    Yes, substitute the chicken with extra-firm tofu for a vegetarian version or diced pork loin, jumbo shrimp or even a sturdy white fish like cod, halibut or haddock.

    Other recipes you may like

    • Mongolian Chicken
    • Sweet Spicy Gochujang Chicken
    • General Tso Chicken
    • Korean Sweet & Sticky Chicken

    ๐Ÿ“– Recipe

    featured image of chinese lemon chicken

    Quick & Easy Chinese Lemon Chicken

    Christie Lai
    Crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet and savory lemon sauce. This quick and easy Chinese lemon chicken is made with simple ingredients. Saving you money and beating takeout! Great as a main dish for the family on busy weeknights! I also share how to air fry the chicken in the Notes section below.
    5 from 21 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Chinese
    Servings 3
    Calories per serving 616 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 lbs skinless boneless chicken thighs
    • โ…“ cup cornstarch or potato starch
    • โ…“ cup vegetable oil or any neutral oil
    • ยฝ teaspoon salt
    • ยผ teaspoon black pepper

    Sauce:

    • ยผ cup brown sugar
    • 3 cloves garlic minced
    • ยฝ teaspoon ginger grated
    • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
    • 2 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
    • 2 tablespoon regular soy sauce
    • ยฝ cup chicken stock low sodium
    • ยฝ tablespoon cornstarch or sub with potato starch

    Optional:

    • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds garnish
    • lemon slices

    Instructions
     

    • In a small bowl, combine your sauce ingredients as listed. Set aside.
    • Dice chicken thighs into bite size pieces, about 1.5-inch pieces. Transfer diced chicken to a large bowl. Do not pat the chicken thighs dry as moisture is needed for the next step. Season diced chicken with salt and black pepper.
    • Add cornstarch to the bowl of diced chicken and evenly coat each piece in the cornstarch with tongs. Or toss the diced chicken in a Ziplock bag with the cornstarch.
    • Heat vegetable oil in a large pan on medium-high heat. Carefully lower coated chicken and spread apart quickly. Fry chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.ย Remove fried chicken from oil and transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to soak up excess oil. (To air fry the chicken, see the notes section below).
    • Discard any excess oil from pan.ย Heat pan on medium heat and pour in sauce. Keep stirring sauce until it bubbles and thickens.
    • Toss in chicken. Optional, garnish with sesame seeds, lemon slices or green onions. Enjoy!

    Notes

    How to Air Fry Chicken

    Lightly spray air fryer basket with vegetable oil or any neutral oil.ย 
    Lay coated chicken into air fryer basket in a single layer giving each piece enough space. Lightly spray oil over coated chicken.ย 
    You may need to air fry in small batches if needed depending on the size of your air fryer.
    Air fry at 400 F for 12-14 minutes until golden crispy brown. The amount of time depends on your air fryer.ย 
    Enjoyed my recipe?Please leave a 5 star review (be kind)! Tag me on social media @christieathome as I'd love to see your creations!

    Suggested Equipment & Products

    • Wok
    • Measuring Set
    • Cutting Board
    • Santoku Knife
    • Mixing bowl
    • Citrus Squeezer
    Nutrition
    Calories: 616kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 204mg | Sodium: 1282mg | Potassium: 546mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 165IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 2mg

    More Quick & Easy Main Dish Recipes

    • featured image of string bean chicken
      String Bean Chicken
    • feature image of Beef Mushroom Stir-Fry
      Beef Mushroom Stir-Fry
    • featured image of gyudon
      Gyudon (Japanese Beef Rice Bowl)
    • Korean Braised Tofu

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Linda

      August 11, 2024 at 7:13 pm

      5 stars
      I love this recipe, I make it all the time

      Reply
      • Christie Lai

        August 26, 2024 at 4:21 pm

        Thanks so much for making my recipe, Linda! I'm so happy that you make it all the time. I appreciate your kind support ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    2. vickie knutson

      February 03, 2024 at 7:41 pm

      5 stars
      Just finished eating this delicious recipe with broccoli and carrots.Yum! I did forget to add green onions,which I think would've added a bit
      flavor and color.Thank you for a tasty and easy recipe for one of our favorites.

      Reply
      • Christie Lai

        February 06, 2024 at 8:13 pm

        Thanks so much for making my recipe, Vickie! So glad you enjoyed it ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    3. Dan

      December 02, 2023 at 3:15 pm

      5 stars
      Probably the 4th time Iโ€™ve made this. One of our favorites. Just need to find a faster way to zest a lemon. Other than that the recipe is a breeze. And well worth it!!

      Reply
    4. Alyssa Neill

      September 07, 2023 at 1:11 am

      5 stars
      Super good recipe! Thank you!

      Reply
      • christieathome

        September 13, 2023 at 2:08 pm

        Thanks for making it, Alyssa! Glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    5. Lana

      June 02, 2023 at 9:49 pm

      I've printed off the lemon chicken recipe and can't wait until the chicken breasts get here on Sunday! What do you pair with this? Rice? Veggies?

      Do you have a recipe for breaded almond chicken?

      Reply
      • christieathome

        June 05, 2023 at 4:20 pm

        I hope you enjoy my recipe! I usually like to pair it with steamed rice and any Asian leafy greens like my Garlic Bok Choy.

        Unfortunately, I don't have a recipe for that.

        Reply
    6. Jorge

      May 28, 2023 at 12:45 am

      5 stars
      Wow, this was awesome...wouldn't change a thing (except to make more of it next time). Nicely done!

      Reply
      • christieathome

        May 29, 2023 at 2:42 pm

        So glad you enjoyed it and I appreciate the kind review, Jorge! Thanks for making my recipe!

        Reply
    7. Andrew

      March 19, 2023 at 4:10 am

      5 stars
      Absolutely loved it so did my family. Struggled a bit to convert the US cups to to British grams but managed okay great recipe thanks

      Reply
      • christieathome

        March 21, 2023 at 5:10 pm

        Thanks so much for making my recipe and for the kind review, Andrew! Happy you enjoyed it with your family! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    8. Tierra

      March 09, 2023 at 11:11 am

      5 stars
      Bomb

      Reply
      • christieathome

        March 09, 2023 at 4:38 pm

        Thank you so much Tierra! So happy you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    9. Hope

      February 19, 2023 at 10:51 pm

      5 stars
      So easy and so tasty! Didn't need salt or pepper. Husband started eating this and asked me if there were seconds before he'd finished his first plate haha. Will make this again and again.

      Reply
      • christieathome

        February 21, 2023 at 8:07 pm

        So happy to read this, Hope! Thank you for making my recipe and glad your husband enjoyed it!

        Reply
    10. Dan

      February 11, 2023 at 7:10 pm

      5 stars
      Great. So easy

      Reply
      • christieathome

        February 13, 2023 at 5:08 pm

        Thanks for making my recipe! Glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    11. Jay

      September 24, 2022 at 3:40 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious sauce! Used air fryer - did not need salt or pepper with this recipe.

      Reply
      • christieathome

        September 26, 2022 at 12:54 pm

        Thanks so much for making my recipe Jay! So glad you enjoyed it ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    12. Kay

      July 12, 2022 at 12:20 am

      5 stars
      It was easy and delicious. We had it with home made fried rice. My food fussy partner wolfed it down. I will be adding this to my rotating dinner menu. Thanks

      Reply
      • christieathome

        July 12, 2022 at 7:27 pm

        Thank you so much for making my recipe Kay! I'm so happy to hear that both you and your partner enjoyed it and that it will become apart of your dinner rotation!

        Reply
    13. Travis

      May 14, 2022 at 11:19 pm

      5 stars
      This is the second dish that's have made from your page and I absolutely love it. It is very delicious. Will be keeping this one in my recipe box!!

      Reply
      • christieathome

        May 16, 2022 at 12:01 pm

        Hi Travis, thank you so much for your kind words and for making my recipes! I'm so glad you enjoyed my Lemon chicken. Have a wonderful day! - Christie

        Reply
    14. Garry

      March 23, 2022 at 5:12 am

      This looks amazing and I cant wait to try it.
      Thanks Christie

      Reply
      • christieathome

        March 23, 2022 at 10:35 am

        Thanks Garry! I hope you enjoy it!

        Reply
        • Angela Werner

          January 03, 2024 at 7:32 pm

          5 stars
          Insanely delicious! Who knew restaurant quality lemon chicken could be made at home so easily and with just a few simple ingredients? Will be going back to this recipe again, and again!

        • Christie Lai

          January 03, 2024 at 8:11 pm

          I am so thrilled to read this comment, Angela! Thank you so much for leaving such a raving review and I am so glad you enjoyed it ๐Ÿ™‚ Happy New Year!

        • Sharon

          February 09, 2024 at 6:20 am

          5 stars
          Came out perfect!

        • Christie Lai

          February 16, 2024 at 12:02 pm

          Thank you so much for making it and for leaving this kind review, Sharon! Have a wonderful day!

    15. Cathy-Ann

      March 22, 2022 at 1:57 pm

      5 stars
      Easy and delicious

      Reply
      • christieathome

        March 22, 2022 at 4:26 pm

        Thanks so much for making my Lemon Chicken, Cathy-Ann! I appreciate your review!

        Reply
      • KarenB

        November 17, 2022 at 2:44 am

        5 stars
        Do you also have a recipe for orange chicken and one for honey walnut shrimp? Also looking for a recipe for chicken and vegetables with black bean sauce. And egg rolls or lumpia. Lol. I am enjoying your recipes so much, I want more!

        Reply
        • christieathome

          November 17, 2022 at 4:27 pm

          Thanks so much for your support Karen! Yes I have a recipe for orange chicken if you click here. Unfortunately I don't have a recipe for honey walnut shrimp but I do have many other shrimp recipes you may enjoy if you click here. I also share a Gogchujang Shrimp recipe and a Ebi Mayo that many of my readers like! I'm still working to perfect my egg roll and lumpias recipe but once I do, they will be shared on the blog.

    16. Judy

      March 20, 2022 at 1:21 pm

      Can you use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

      Reply
      • christieathome

        March 21, 2022 at 6:45 pm

        Yes, I would just caution to reduce the cooking time by a minute or so as breast tends to dry out faster than thighs.

        Reply
    Newer Comments »

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    Christie

    Christie is an Recipe Blogger with an expertise on Asian recipes! She makes Asian cooking approachable with step-by-step pictures, ingredient & recipe tips and a helpful cooking video. Her quick and easy recipes have been featured on BuzzFeed Tasty, Food52, The Kitchn, The FeedFeed, Sur La Table, Yummly and more! With a following of over 1M+, her recipes are made repeatedly by her loyal readers.

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