Quick & Easy Chinese Lemon Chicken
Crispy fried chicken tossed in a sweet, tangy, and savory lemon sauce. This quick and easy Chinese lemon chicken recipe uses simple ingredients and is ready in just 30 minutes - a family-friendly, restaurant-quality main perfect for busy weeknights!
- Prep time
- 20 min
- Cook time
- 10 min
- Yield
- 3 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 1 lbs skinless boneless chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup cornstarch (or potato starch)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional garnish)
- lemon slices (optional garnish)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 tsp ginger (grated)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly-squeezed)
- 2 tbsp regular soy sauce (or light soy sauce)
- 1/2 cup chicken stock (low-sodium)
- 1/2 tbsp cornstarch (or potato starch)
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients as listed above. Set aside.
- 2
Evenly dice chicken thighs into 1.5-inch cubes. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and season with salt and black pepper. (Don't pat the chicken dry as moisture is needed for the next step!)
- 3
Add cornstarch to the chicken and toss to evenly coat each piece with tongs.
- 4
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan on medium-high heat. Fry chicken in small batches until cooked, golden and crispy on both sides, about 6-8 minutes in total. Remove and transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess oil.
- 5
Discard any excess oil from the pan and reduce to medium heat. Add sauce and simmer to thicken it.
- 6
Once sauce is thickened, add chicken and toss to evenly coat. Garnish with sesame seeds or lemon slices.