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–+ servings
Chinese Lemon Chicken

Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken – Your New Family Favorite!

This Chinese Lemon Chicken features crispy chicken bites enveloped in a tangy glaze, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
  • Egg Whites Helps the breading adhere; can substitute with whole eggs for a richer flavor.
  • Vegetable Oil Necessary for frying, creating that crispy texture we love.
  • 1/2 tsp Sea Salt Essential seasoning that can be adjusted to taste.
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper Essential seasoning that can be adjusted to taste.
  • 1/4 cup Cornstarch This coating ingredient adds extra crispiness; arrowroot starch can work in its place.
  • 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour Provides structure to the coating; opt for gluten-free flour if needed.
For the Lemon Sauce
  • 3/4 cup Low Sodium Chicken Broth Keeps the sauce flavorful without overpowering saltiness; use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
  • 1/3 cup Fresh Lemon Juice Provides essential acidity; fresh is preferred, but bottled works in a pinch.
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar Balances the tartness of the lemon; honey makes a great natural alternative.
  • 2 tbsp Honey Enhances sweetness; consider maple syrup for a different taste.
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Zest Intensifies the lemon flavor; using lime zest is a fun twist!
  • 1 tbsp Low Sodium Soy Sauce Adds depth; tamari is perfect for gluten-free needs.
  • 2 tbsp Additional Cornstarch Create a slurry for thickening the sauce.
  • 2 tbsp Water Used to create a slurry for thickening the sauce.
  • 1 tsp Sesame Oil Adds a nutty flavor; this is optional but recommended for extra richness.
For Garnish
  • Lemon Slices Brightens up the dish visually and flavor-wise.
  • Green Onions Adds a fresh crunch; sprinkle them on top for extra flair.
  • Sesame Seeds Optional crunch that complements the flavors beautifully.

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • thermometer
  • medium bowl
  • small bowl
  • Saucepan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chinese Lemon Chicken
  1. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature of 350°F.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy. Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken into the egg whites, making sure they are evenly coated.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, sea salt, and black pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture until fully coated.
  4. Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil in small batches, frying for 3-4 minutes, or until golden-brown.
  5. In a saucepan, combine chicken broth, lemon juice, granulated sugar, honey, lemon zest, and soy sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
  6. In a small bowl, mix additional cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir into the simmering sauce for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
  7. Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from heat and stir in sesame oil. Toss the chicken in the sauce until well-coated.
  8. Serve your Chinese Lemon Chicken garnished with lemon slices, green onions, and sesame seeds.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer for best results.

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