Chinese Takeout Lemon Chicken
Savor the irresistible flavors of Chinese Takeout Lemon Chicken, a dish that brings the zesty tang of fresh lemons and the crispy crunch of golden-fried chicken right to your kitchen! This homemade version of a takeout classic features tender chicken breast pieces coated in a light, airy batter and fried to perfection. They’re then draped in a glossy, sweet-and-sour lemon sauce made with freshly squeezed lemon juice, a hint of soy sauce, and a touch of sugar for balance. Ready in just 40 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. Serve it with fragrant steamed rice or crisp stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal, and garnish with lemon slices and green onions for a pleasing touch of color and flavor. Indulge in the tangy, crispy goodness of this easy-to-make Chinese favorite, tailored for your dining table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 large (approximately 1 lb total) chicken breasts
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.75 cup water
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups (for frying) vegetable oil
- 0.5 cup (freshly squeezed) lemon juice
- 0.5 cup sugar
- 0.25 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon (for sauce slurry) cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons (for sauce slurry) water
- 3 thin slices (for garnish, optional) lemon slices
- 2 stalks (chopped, for garnish, optional) green onions
Instructions
Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces and set aside.
In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup cornstarch, 1/2 cup flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir in 3/4 cup water and 1 egg until the batter is smooth and thick.
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C) for frying.
Dip each piece of chicken into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated. Carefully place the chicken pieces into the hot oil and fry in batches until golden and cooked through, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
In a small saucepan, combine lemon juice, sugar, chicken broth, and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the lemon sauce and let it cook until it thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Transfer the fried chicken to a serving plate and pour the lemon sauce evenly over the top.
Garnish with lemon slices and chopped green onions, if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice or vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2045 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 166.6 g | 214% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.1 g | 125% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 100.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 239 mg | 80% | |
| Sodium | 895 mg | 39% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 72.9 g | 26% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.6 g | 2% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.3 g | ||
| Protein | 74.0 g | 148% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 50 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 3.0 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 691 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
