Lemon Chicken Just Like Take Out
Recreate the magic of your favorite takeout with this irresistible recipe for Lemon Chicken Just Like Take Out! Juicy, bite-sized chicken pieces are coated in a light, crispy batter and fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a glossy, tangy-sweet lemon sauce that’s bursting with bright citrus flavor from fresh lemon juice and zest. The secret to its authentic takeout taste lies in the balance of savory soy sauce and a touch of sweetness that elevates the vibrant lemon glaze. Ready in under an hour, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a fun weekend dinner. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles, and don’t forget to garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for that extra touch of restaurant-style flair. Perfectly crisp, zesty, and utterly satisfying, this Lemon Chicken is sure to become a household favorite!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Cornstarch
- 0.5 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 large Eggs
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
- 2 cups Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 0.5 cup Fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Lemon zest
- 0.5 cup Water
- 0.5 cup Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (for slurry)
- 1 tablespoon Water (for slurry)
- 2 tablespoons Green onions (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
In a medium-sized bowl, mix 1 cup of cornstarch, 0.5 cup of all-purpose flour, 0.5 teaspoon of salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper.
In another bowl, beat the 2 large eggs.
Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten egg, then dredge it in the cornstarch-flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.
In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 cups of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches until golden and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per batch. Remove the cooked chicken and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
In a small saucepan, combine 0.5 cup of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, 0.5 cup of water, 0.5 cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a simmer.
In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water to make a slurry. Gradually stir the slurry into the simmering lemon sauce and cook for another 1–2 minutes until thickened.
Toss the fried chicken pieces in the thickened lemon sauce until evenly coated.
Transfer the lemon chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles for the perfect take-out style meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
6314 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 512.9 g | 658% | |
| Saturated Fat | 78.3 g | 392% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 950 mg | 317% | |
| Sodium | 2417 mg | 105% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 226.3 g | 82% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.4 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 103.9 g | ||
| Protein | 233.8 g | 468% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.2 mcg | 11% | |
| Calcium | 281 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 13.1 mg | 73% | |
| Potassium | 2261 mg | 48% | |
*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.
