Name: Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: vegetable oil (for frying, about 1 inch deep in skillet); 2 egg whites; 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; ¼ cup cornstarch; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon fine sea salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ¾ cup chicken broth (low sodium); ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium); 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; lemon slices; thinly sliced green onions; sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 15 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe with friends and family because it never fails to bring a burst of bright, tangy flavor paired with irresistibly crispy chicken. It’s one of those dishes that balances sweet, savory, and citrusy notes so perfectly that every bite feels like a little celebration in your mouth. Plus, it’s surprisingly straightforward to prepare, which makes it a go-to for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. If you love a dish with a zesty punch that’s coated in a perfectly glossy lemon sauce, this recipe will quickly become one of your staples.

Why You’ll Love This Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe

What really makes this recipe special to me is the flavor harmony—it’s sweet without being overpowering and has just the right amount of tang from the fresh lemon juice and zest. The combination of honey and sugar in the sauce adds a warm sweetness that’s perfectly complemented by the savory undertones of soy sauce and a touch of sesame oil. Every piece of chicken is crisp on the outside and tender inside, and that sauce clings beautifully to each bite, making it incredibly satisfying.

I also love how accessible the recipe is. It may sound fancy, but the ingredients are simple and easy to find, and the steps are straightforward. I appreciate that the chicken cooks quickly, and the sauce comes together in just a few minutes, so you’re not spending hours in the kitchen. It’s ideal for cozy weeknights when you want something homemade but don’t want to fuss too much. Plus, it’s impressive enough to serve when you have guests over or want to spice up a family dinner with something a little different yet familiar.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large beige pan with a green handle holds a dish of small golden-brown chicken pieces, covered in a shiny orange sauce. The chicken is topped with chopped green onions and white sesame seeds, and decorated with lemon slices placed around the edges and center. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, with whole lemons and lemon wedges on a small round white plate nearby. There are fresh green onions and a bowl of white rice on the top right side, and a gray and white striped cloth is laid out on the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients might look basic but trust me, they’re the perfect building blocks for a delicious Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe. Each one plays a key role in bringing together the dish’s crisp texture and vibrant flavor.

Vegetable oil for frying: This is essential for getting that golden, crispy chicken exterior that makes the dish so irresistible.
Egg whites: They help the coating stick to the chicken, ensuring every piece is perfectly crisp and light.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, they cook quickly and stay tender inside the crunchy coating.
Cornstarch and all-purpose flour: The combination creates a delicate but sturdy crust that crisps up beautifully.
Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
Chicken broth (low sodium): Forms the savory base for the lemon sauce.
Fresh lemon juice and lemon zest: Provide that signature bright citrus flavor and aroma that define this dish.
Granulated sugar and honey: These balance the lemon’s acidity with sweet warmth for a perfectly rounded sauce.
Soy sauce (low sodium): Adds umami depth without overpowering the dish.
Cornstarch and water slurry: Thickens the sauce so it coats every bite beautifully.
Sesame oil: A little drizzle at the end adds a subtle nutty flavor and rich aroma.
Lemon slices, thinly sliced green onions, and sesame seeds: Perfect garnishes to add color, texture, and brightness to the final presentation.

Directions

Step 1: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok to 350°F, making sure there’s about an inch of oil for frying—this will give your chicken that perfect crispiness.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy, then add the chicken pieces and toss to coat them evenly. This step helps the flour mixture stick nicely to each piece.

Step 3: In another bowl, combine the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This mixture will create the light, crispy coating on the chicken.

Step 4: Dredge the egg-coated chicken in the flour and cornstarch mixture, shaking off any excess so the coating isn’t too thick or clumpy.

Step 5: Fry the chicken in batches for about 3 to 4 minutes each until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan so the temperature stays consistent. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 6: To make the luscious lemon sauce, combine the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, sugar, honey, lemon zest, and soy sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.

Step 7: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to form a slurry. When your sauce mixture comes to a simmer, stir in the slurry and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency.

Step 8: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the sesame oil for that final boost of fragrant nuttiness.

Step 9: Toss the crispy fried chicken pieces in the warm lemon sauce until every bite is luscious and coated generously.

Step 10: For a beautiful finishing touch, garnish with fresh lemon slices, sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.

Servings and Timing

This Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe serves 4 people generously, making it perfect for a family dinner or small gathering. The prep time is about 15 minutes, mostly for chopping and mixing, while the cooking time is around 20 minutes, including frying and sauce preparation. In total, you’re looking at roughly 35 minutes from start to finish, with no additional resting or cooling time needed. It’s a relatively quick recipe that still feels like a special meal.

How to Serve This Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with white rice as the bottom layer, topped with many pieces of bright orange, saucy fried chicken bites covered in a shiny sauce. On top of the chicken, there are small green chopped scallions and white sesame seeds scattered evenly. Two lemon slices are placed on the edge of the bowl, behind the chicken. A silver fork is holding one piece of chicken above the bowl. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I like to serve this dish hot straight from the pan to keep the chicken crispy and the sauce perfectly glossy. It pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy fried rice to soak up the extra lemon sauce. For a fresh contrast, I often add a simple side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy, which balance the richness with their natural crunch and vibrant color. The garnishes of lemon slices and green onions not only look inviting but add brightness to every bite.

If I’m setting the table for a special occasion, I love to plate the chicken on a large platter with extra lemon slices arranged artistically around the edges, sprinkled with sesame seeds for that subtle crunch and nutty flavor. This makes the dish look restaurant-worthy without any fuss. As for beverages, chilled white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Riesling work beautifully with the citrus notes. For non-alcoholic options, a cold green tea or sparkling lemonade complements the flavors perfectly. This recipe is versatile enough for casual weeknight meals or holiday dinners, always a crowd-pleaser.

Variations

Over time, I’ve experimented with a few adaptations to put my own twist on the classic Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe. For instance, swapping the chicken breasts for boneless skinless thighs gives a slightly juicier and more flavorful bite, which some people prefer. If you’re watching gluten intake, you can easily substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend—just make sure your soy sauce is also gluten-free. For those who want to avoid frying, I’ve had great results baking the coated chicken pieces on a lined baking sheet at 425°F until crispy, flipping halfway through.

If you’re looking for a vegan option, try using bite-sized tofu or seitan pieces instead of chicken and adjust the egg white step by using a flaxseed “egg” or aquafaba to help the coating stick. Flavor-wise, I’ve occasionally added a little grated fresh ginger or a dash of chili flakes to the sauce for an extra punch of warmth and spice, which adds complexity without overwhelming the bright lemon. Another fun idea is to try orange juice in place of lemon for a sweeter, fruitier take.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I recommend storing leftover Chinese Lemon Chicken in an airtight container placed in the refrigerator. The chicken will keep well for up to 3 days. It’s best to separate the chicken and sauce if possible to preserve the crispiness of the chicken pieces—then toss them back together right before eating. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers with tight seals work great for this purpose.

Freezing

This dish freezes pretty well if you want to save portions for later, but because the coating can soften, I suggest freezing the fried chicken and sauce separately if you plan to enjoy peak texture. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. The sauce should be kept in a separate freezer-safe jar or container. Frozen, it can last for up to 2 months without losing quality.

Reheating

When it’s time to reheat, I prefer using an oven or toaster oven set to 375°F. Spread the chicken pieces on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again. Reheat the lemon sauce gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to avoid scorching. Avoid reheating the chicken in the microwave alone, as it tends to become soggy and rubbery. Toss the reheated chicken with the warm sauce just before serving to revive the dish’s signature flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and offer a juicier, more flavorful bite. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and follow the recipe as usual. The cooking time remains roughly the same.

Is this Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe gluten-free?

Not as written because it uses all-purpose flour and soy sauce, which usually contains gluten. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting the flour with a gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, baking is a healthier option and still yields delicious results. Coat the chicken as directed, then bake at 425°F on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is crisp and cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.

How do I make the sauce less sweet?

If you prefer a tarter sauce, simply reduce the sugar and honey slightly, tasting as you go until you find the perfect balance of sweet and tangy that suits your palate.

What sides go well with Chinese Lemon Chicken?

Steamed jasmine rice is a classic pairing, but you can also serve it with fried rice, stir-fried greens, or a crunchy Asian slaw. These sides all complement the lemony brightness and add textural contrast.

Conclusion

I’m genuinely excited for you to try this Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that feels celebratory yet easy enough to make any night of the week. The crunchy chicken paired with the vibrant lemon sauce creates a flavor and texture harmony that always impresses. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, I’m confident this recipe will become a cherished favorite in your kitchen just like it is in mine.