Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken: AMAZING 1st Try Soon

Name: Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken: AMAZING 1st Try Soon
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: For the Chicken:; 500 grams Chicken Thigh Fillets; 1 teaspoon Cooking Salt/Kosher Salt; For the Batter:; 50 grams Cornflour (Cornstarch); 50 grams Plain Flour (All-Purpose Flour); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder; 200 ml Cold Soda Water; For the Sauce:; 250 ml Chicken Stock/Broth; 50 ml Fresh Lemon Juice; 2 tablespoons Sugar; 2 cloves Garlic Minced; 1 inch Ginger Minced; 1 tablespoon Chinese Cooking Wine (Shaoxing Wine) Optional; For Garnishing:; 2 stalks Green Onion Chopped; 1 slices Lemon Slices Optional

by Fatima Garcia

•

22 de January de 2026

Jump to Recipe

Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken has always been my go-to for that irresistible sweet and tangy flavor, reminiscent of my favorite takeout nights. I remember the first time I successfully recreated that perfect golden crunch at home; the aroma of fresh lemon and ginger filled my kitchen, and my family devoured it in minutes! It felt like unlocking a delicious secret. This homemade crispy lemon chicken is surprisingly simple to make, proving that you don’t need to order in for an easy, satisfying meal. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this incredible dish – let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken

Incredible sweet and tangy flavor that’s perfectly balanced.
Achieve a satisfyingly crispy coating every time.
This is an easy crispy lemon chicken dish, perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthier than takeout, with control over ingredients.
Budget-friendly, using simple pantry staples.
A crowd-pleasing meal that the whole family will adore.
Enjoy the taste of authentic Chinese flavors right at home.
It’s the best lemon chicken recipe for a quick and delicious dinner.

Ingredients for Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken

Gathering these ingredients is the first step toward making an amazing authentic lemon chicken sauce and perfectly crispy chicken. You’ll find that most of these are common pantry staples, making this dish even more accessible.

500 grams Chicken Thigh Fillets – boneless, skinless, pounded to about 0.7cm thickness for even cooking
1 teaspoon Cooking Salt/Kosher Salt – for seasoning the chicken
50 grams Cornflour (Cornstarch) – essential for the crispy coating and thickening the sauce
50 grams Plain Flour (All-Purpose Flour) – works with cornflour for that perfect batter texture
1 teaspoon Baking Powder – helps create an extra-light and crispy batter
200 ml Cold Soda Water – the secret to a super crispy, airy coating; keep it cold!
250 ml Chicken Stock/Broth – the base of our flavorful sauce
50 ml Fresh Lemon Juice – for that signature tangy, bright lemon flavor
2 tablespoons Sugar – to balance the tartness of the lemon
2 cloves Garlic Minced – adds aromatic depth to the sauce
1 inch Ginger Minced – brings a warm, spicy kick
1 tablespoon Chinese Cooking Wine (Shaoxing Wine) – optional, but adds authentic depth to the sauce
2 stalks Green Onion Chopped – for garnish and a fresh oniony bite
1 slice Lemon Slices – optional, for an extra burst of lemon and visual appeal

How to Make Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken

Get ready to create that amazing takeout flavor at home! This recipe breaks down how to achieve that perfect golden crunch and tangy sauce, making it easier than you think.

Step 1: Begin by preparing your chicken. Pound the chicken thigh fillets to about 0.7cm thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and quickly. Then, sprinkle them with cooking salt and dust lightly with cornflour, creating a base for our delicious batter.
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the cornflour, plain flour, and baking powder. Just before you’re ready to fry, pour in the ice-cold soda water and mix until you have a slightly lumpy batter. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are good for texture!
Step 3: Heat your vegetable oil in a wok or deep pan to 160°C (320°F). Carefully dip each piece of chicken into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Fry in batches for about 3 minutes, until they are a pale golden color. Drain them on paper towels.
Step 4: This is crucial for extra crispiness! Let the chicken pieces cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes. This rest period allows the coating to set and become super crunchy when fried again.
Step 5: While the chicken rests, prepare the luscious lemon sauce. In a saucepan, whisk a splash of chicken stock with a little cornflour to create a smooth slurry. This prevents lumps. Add the remaining chicken stock, fresh lemon juice, sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and Shaoxing wine (if using). Simmer gently, stirring, until the sauce thickens to a lovely glossy consistency.
Step 6: Now for the second fry, which makes it truly crispy fried lemon chicken! Increase the oil temperature to 200°C (390°F). Carefully add the cooled chicken back into the hot oil, frying for another 3 minutes until it’s a deep golden brown and wonderfully crisp. This double-frying method is key to achieving that restaurant-quality crunch.
Step 7: Remove the chicken from the oil and let it drain for a moment. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the prepared lemon sauce.
Step 8: Garnish your beautiful crispy fried lemon chicken with chopped green onions and lemon slices, if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice for a complete and delightful meal.

Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken

Achieving that perfect restaurant-style crunch and tangy sauce is totally doable at home with a few insider tricks. I’ve learned these through trial and error, and they make all the difference for this crispy Chinese lemon chicken.

Use chicken thighs! They stay incredibly moist and tender, even after double frying, unlike chicken breast which can dry out easily.
Keep your soda water ice cold. Seriously, pop it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes right before you mix the batter. This is key for a super light and crispy coating.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature, ensuring each piece gets evenly golden and crispy.
Let the chicken rest between frying. That 20-minute pause is non-negotiable for achieving that shatteringly crisp coating you love.

What’s the secret to perfect Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken?

The magic lies in the double-frying technique and using ice-cold soda water in the batter. This combination gives you that amazing lemon chicken with crispy coating that holds up beautifully to the sauce, offering a delightful contrast in textures. For more on achieving perfect crispiness in fried foods, check out this guide on the science of perfectly crispy fried chicken.

Can I make Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken pieces up to the first fry and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours. However, for the best crispiness, it’s ideal to do the second fry just before serving. The sauce can be made a day in advance. Learn more about food preparation and storage.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken?

Avoid overmixing the batter; a few lumps are fine. Also, don’t skip the second fry – it’s essential for achieving that signature crispiness. Lastly, ensure your oil is at the correct temperature for both frying stages. Proper oil temperature is crucial for many cooking techniques.

Best Ways to Serve Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken

This dish is so versatile! For a classic experience, serve it piping hot alongside fluffy steamed jasmine rice. The rice is perfect for soaking up any extra tangy lemon sauce. You can also create a fantastic meal akin to your favorite Chinese takeout lemon chicken by adding a side of stir-fried bok choy or gai lan. For a lighter option, a fresh cucumber salad with a sesame-ginger dressing offers a lovely cool contrast to the crispy chicken and bright sauce.

Nutrition Facts for Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for one serving of this delicious Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken. While this dish is a delightful treat, knowing the specifics can help you incorporate it into your meal planning.

Calories: 450 kcal
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Protein: 30 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 600 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken: AMAZING 1st Try Soon - Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken - additional detail

How to Store and Reheat Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken

Proper storage is key to enjoying this delicious dish later, especially if you’re aiming for a quick crispy lemon chicken meal during the week. Once cooked, let the chicken cool completely on a wire rack to prevent the coating from becoming soggy.

For refrigeration, store the cooled chicken and sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This separation is crucial to maintain the chicken’s crispiness. If you need to freeze it, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheating is simple: for the best results, place the chicken on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat in an air fryer. For more on reheating techniques, explore reheating leftovers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken

What makes this Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken recipe so good?

This recipe shines because it balances that irresistible tangy lemon sauce with perfectly crisp chicken, much like the authentic Chinese lemon chicken you find in restaurants. The double-frying technique ensures a delightful crunch that holds up beautifully, while the homemade sauce uses fresh ingredients for a brighter flavor than store-bought versions. Discover more about authentic Chinese cooking.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken?

While chicken thighs are recommended for their tenderness and moisture, you can use chicken breast. Just be extra careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out quickly, especially during the double-frying process. Pound them to the same thickness for more even cooking.

How do I get the lemon sauce to be the right consistency?

The key to a perfect sauce consistency is the cornflour slurry. Whisking a small amount of cornflour with a splash of cold chicken stock before adding it to the simmering sauce prevents lumps and ensures it thickens beautifully. Adjust the amount of cornflour or sauce liquid to achieve your desired thickness.

Is it possible to make the Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken healthier?

You can make this dish a bit healthier by using an air fryer for the second crisping stage, which significantly reduces the amount of oil needed. Also, consider reducing the sugar slightly in the sauce, as the lemon juice provides plenty of natural tanginess. Learn about air fryer lemon chicken.

Variations of Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken You Can Try

While this classic recipe is fantastic on its own, there are so many ways to customize your Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken! Experimenting with different cooking methods or flavor additions can make this dish your own.

Air Fryer Lemon Chicken: For a lighter version, try the air fryer lemon chicken recipe. After the first fry (or skip it entirely and just coat the chicken), air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. Toss with the sauce immediately.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha to the lemon sauce for a delightful sweet and spicy twist.
Gluten-Free Version: Swap the plain flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend and use cornflour for both the chicken coating and sauce thickening.
Vegetable Medley: Toss in some crisp-tender broccoli florets, bell peppers, or snow peas with the chicken and sauce just before serving for added color and nutrients.

About the Author

Fatima Garcia