Chinese Lemon Chicken

This irresistible Chinese Lemon Chicken is better than your favorite takeout, made fresh at home! Crispy, golden chicken coated in a bright, slightly sweet and sticky lemon glaze that’s perfectly flavorful and totally delicious. It’s a quick and easy dinner the whole family will love!

Looking for more easy chicken recipes? Make sure to try these favorites: Chicken Stir Fry, Cashew Chicken and this Honey Garlic Chicken!

Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe

This Chinese Lemon Chicken is a takeout favorite made easy right at home! Crispy, golden chicken tossed in a sweet and tangy lemon sauce. Each bite is coated in a light, bright glaze that perfectly balances bright citrus flavor with a touch of sweetness. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve to guests.

You’ll love how simple this recipe is to make. Just fry up bite-sized pieces of tender chicken breast and toss them in a homemade lemon sauce that’s bursting with flavor. No need to order out when you can have restaurant-quality results with pantry ingredients and fresh lemons. Pair with fried rice or this Chicken Lo Mein for the ultimate takeout meal at home!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Chicken

The combination of crunchy coating, fresh lemon juice, and just a touch of honey gives this dish an irresistible flavor that you’ll want to make again and again. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser:

• Better Than Takeout: Crispy chicken and fresh lemon flavor make this lemon chicken lighter and brighter than your favorite takeout.
• Simple Ingredients: Everything you need for this lemon chicken recipe is easy to find and likely already in your pantry – winning!
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this quick and easy Chinese Lemon Chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights!
• Family-Friendly Flavor: The balance of sweet, tangy and savory makes it a hit with both kids and adults.

Lemon Chicken Ingredients

You don’t need anything fancy to make restaurant-quality Chinese Lemon Chicken at home! A handful of everyday ingredients work together to create crisp, juicy chicken coated in a perfectly balanced lemon glaze. These simple ingredients are what makes this recipe shine:

How To Make Chinese Lemon Chicken

Get ready to bring restaurant-style flavor home with this easy Chinese Lemon Chicken recipe! Golden, crispy chicken is tossed in a glossy, citrusy sauce that’s perfectly sweet, tart and totally irresistible.

Let’s take a quick look at how to make this recipe and as always, you can find the full printable recipe card at the end of this post.

1. Whisk egg whites until frothy.
2. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat.
3. Whisk together cornstarch, flour, salt and pepper.
4. Toss chicken in the cornstarch mixture.
5. Add chicken to 350°F oil .
6. Fry in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes per batch.
7. Remove chicken and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
8. Combine chicken broth, lemon juice, sugar, honey, lemon zest, and soy sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
9. Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and cook until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
10. Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil.
11. Toss fried chicken pieces in the lemon sauce.
12. Garnish with lemon slices, green onions, and sesame if desired.

Storage Information

• Refrigerator: Chinese Lemon Chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the air fryer for a few minutes to keep the chicken crispy.
• Freezer: Not recommended, as the fried coating can become soggy when defrosted.

Variations To Try

• Toss in some bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
• Add a drizzle of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for added heat.
• See below on how to make this in the oven or air fryer.
• Swap the chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
• Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
• Replace the honey with maple syrup for a different sweetener option.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Fry the chicken just before serving for the best texture.

Can I bake instead of fry?

Yes, but the chicken won’t be as crispy. Bake at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Is it possible to make this in the air fryer?

Skip the oil and air fry the coated chicken at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I get the sauce to stick better?

Make sure the chicken is freshly fried and hot before tossing it in the sauce to help it coat evenly.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are slightly juicier and just as delicious — simply adjust the cooking time as needed.

How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

Add more cornstarch slurry to thicken or a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out to your preferred consistency.

Trish’s Tips

• Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor! Bottled lemon juice, while it can be used in a pinch, just doesn’t compare for freshness and flavor.
• Fry the chicken in batches to keep the oil temperature consistent and the chicken crispy.
• Don’t overcook the sauce. Once it thickens, remove it from the heat to avoid a gluey texture.
• Serve the chicken immediately for the crispiest, most flavorful results.

More Stir Fry Recipes To Try

1. Sesame Chicken
2. Firecracker Chicken
3. Mongolian Beef
4. Beef and Broccoli
5. Honey Walnut Shrimp
6. Chicken Lo Mein