If you’re craving a bright and tangy dish that perfectly balances crispy chicken with a zesty, luscious sauce, this Lemon Chicken (Chinese Style) Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful blend of tender, golden-browned chicken pieces simmered in a vibrant lemon sauce that’s sweet and sour, with just the right touch of garlic and zest. This dish is an absolute showstopper for dinner, bringing sunshine to your plate and flavors that feel both comforting and exciting. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become one of your favorites to whip up any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Lemon Chicken (Chinese Style) Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color, making the cooking process approachable yet highly rewarding. From the tender chicken to the tangy lemon juice and the subtle hint of garlic, these staples come together effortlessly.
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein—cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and perfect bites.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a gentle garlic undertone without overpowering the lemony freshness.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch: Key for coating the chicken and creating that irresistible crispiness.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided): For browning the chicken beautifully while keeping it moist inside.
- 1/3 cup water: Helps balance the sauce, making it smooth and silky.
- 1/3 cup lemon juice: The heart of this recipe, delivering that fresh, tangy burst.
- Zest from 1 lemon: Intensifies the lemon flavor with aromatic oils and vibrant aroma.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances the acidity with a mellow sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the lemon sauce perfectly to cling to each piece of chicken.
- For serving (optional): chopped scallions and lemon slices: Adds fresh color and a nice topping twist.
How to Make Lemon Chicken (Chinese Style) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Coat the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, which helps them cook quickly and evenly. Place the pieces into a medium bowl, then season them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the chicken and give everything a good toss so each piece is evenly coated. This coating will form the crispy exterior that makes this dish so addictive.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Tangy Lemon Sauce
While the chicken is resting in its coating, mix your sauce ingredients—water, lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and cornstarch—in another bowl. Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined. This vibrant lemon sauce will be the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness that defines this Lemon Chicken (Chinese Style) Recipe.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet with Olive Oil
Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Give it a few moments to get nice and hot—that sizzling pan will ensure each piece of chicken browns to golden perfection. Patience here pays off, so resist turning the chicken too soon for that lovely crust.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken in Batches
Add half the chicken pieces to the hot skillet, making sure they aren’t crowded to get the best browning. Cook for about 4 minutes, flip with tongs, and cook another 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a beautiful golden color. Transfer them to a plate. Repeat the process with the remaining chicken, adding the final tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet before cooking the second batch.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Once all the chicken is cooked, return it to the skillet and remove the pan from the heat to avoid overcooking. Pour your whisked lemon sauce over the chicken. Place the skillet back on the burner over medium heat and let the sauce bubble gently for 30 seconds to a minute, thickening as it envelops every piece. Toss everything together to coat the chicken thoroughly.
How to Serve Lemon Chicken (Chinese Style) Recipe
Garnishes
For a gorgeous finish, sprinkle chopped scallions over the saucy chicken and add a few lemon slices on the side. These bright garnishes not only elevate the presentation but enhance the fresh lemon aroma and add a subtle crunch.
Side Dishes
This lemon chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up the zesty sauce. For an added touch, stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or snap peas complement the dish’s freshness and provide a colorful, nutritious sidekick.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish in individual bowls over a bed of crispy fried rice noodles for an exciting texture contrast. You could also use lettuce cups for a fun, handheld option perfect for casual meals or gatherings—each bite bursting with tangy flavor and crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Lemon Chicken (Chinese Style) Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before storing to maintain the crispy texture as much as possible.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, separate the chicken and sauce for best results. Freeze the cooked chicken and the lemon sauce in separate freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. This way, you can thaw and reheat them individually to avoid sogginess.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. This helps retain the vibrant flavors and keeps the chicken tender. Avoid microwaving for long periods to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, more flavorful result. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through compared to breasts.
Is there a substitute for cornstarch?
Yes, you can use arrowroot powder or potato starch as gluten-free alternatives for cornstarch. They work similarly to thicken the sauce and give that crispy coating to the chicken.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
You can swap the chicken for tofu or cauliflower florets. Coat and cook them the same way, but be gentle when stirring so the coating stays intact. The tangy lemon sauce will still shine wonderfully.
How do I adjust the sweetness or tartness?
If you prefer a tarter sauce, add a bit more lemon juice. For sweeter notes, increase the sugar slightly. Tasting as you whisk the sauce allows you to tailor the flavor to your liking.
What’s the best way to zest a lemon?
Use a microplane or fine grater to zest only the yellow part of the lemon peel, avoiding the white pith underneath, which can be bitter. Fresh lemon zest adds vibrant fragrance and flavor that elevate this recipe beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Chicken (Chinese Style) Recipe is such a fantastic dish to have in your culinary repertoire. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll enjoy every moment of cooking and savor every bite. It’s perfect for weekday dinners or impressing guests with something both comforting and fresh. Go ahead and try it soon — I promise it will brighten up your table and your taste buds!
Print
Lemon Chicken (Chinese Style) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Chinese-style Lemon Chicken recipe features tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken breast, lightly coated in cornstarch and pan-fried to golden perfection. The chicken is then tossed in a tangy and sweet lemon sauce made with fresh lemon juice and zest, providing a perfect balance of flavors. Quick to prepare and cook, this dish makes a delightful weeknight dinner served with optional scallions and lemon slices for a fresh garnish.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Sauce
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/3 cup lemon juice (preferably fresh)
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For Serving (Optional)
- Chopped scallions, to taste
- Lemon slices, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and place them in a medium bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of cornstarch over the chicken and toss to coat each piece evenly.
- Mix the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the water, lemon juice, lemon zest, granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until smooth and fully combined.
- Heat the skillet: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat for a few minutes until hot.
- Cook the chicken – batch one: Add half of the chicken pieces to the skillet, ensuring they are not crowded to allow for even browning. Cook for about 4 minutes, then flip the pieces and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.
- Cook the chicken – batch two: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and cook the second half of the chicken pieces in the same way until browned and fully cooked.
- Combine and thicken sauce: Return the first batch of cooked chicken to the skillet. Remove the skillet from the heat, pour in the prepared lemon sauce, and place back on medium heat just long enough for the sauce to bubble and thicken, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Toss the chicken in the sauce until fully coated.
- Serve: Plate the lemon chicken and garnish with chopped scallions and fresh lemon slices, if desired, for an added burst of freshness and color.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Ensure the skillet is hot before adding chicken for a better sear and browning.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to allow even cooking and proper crispiness.
- The sauce thickens quickly, so watch carefully to avoid burning.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
