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Chinese Lemon Chicken

Yields4 ServingsPrep Time20 minsCook Time20 minsTotal Time40 mins

For the Chicken:
 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
 1/4 cup cornstarch
 1/2 teaspoon salt
 1/4 teaspoon pepper
 2 large eggs, beaten
 Vegetable oil for frying
For the Lemon Sauce:
 1/2 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
 2 teaspoons lemon zest
 1/3 cup sugar
 1 cup water
 2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
 1/2 teaspoon salt
 Optional: a few drops of yellow food coloring for authentic restaurant-style presentation
1

Prepare the Chicken:

In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Dip chicken pieces in beaten eggs, then coat with the flour mixture.
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

2

Make the Lemon Sauce:

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, water, and salt. Bring to a simmer.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. For a more vibrant color, add a few drops of yellow food coloring.

3

Combine Chicken and Sauce:

In a serving dish, pour the warm lemon sauce over the crispy chicken pieces. Alternatively, serve the sauce on the side for dipping.

4

Serve:

Garnish with additional lemon slices or zest if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice or vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

0 servings

Serving size

150g


Amount per serving
Calories500
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 20g26%
Sodium 400mg18%
Total Carbohydrate 60g22%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Total Sugars 25g
Protein 25g

* The % Daily Value (DV) 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.