Chinese Lemon Chicken – A Zesty Takeout Classic at Home

This Chinese Lemon Chicken delivers that golden, crispy texture and sweet-tart lemon glaze that makes it a takeout favorite—except it’s even better homemade. Bite-sized pieces of chicken are marinated for flavor, coated in a crunchy panko breading, then tossed in a glossy, citrusy sauce that’s downright addictive.

Whether you’re looking to skip the delivery fees or impress guests with a made-from-scratch Asian-inspired dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

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Why I Love This Recipe

There’s something about the combo of crispy fried chicken and bright lemon sauce that’s so satisfying. It’s the perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and acidity. Plus, it’s a surprisingly easy dish that’s fun to make and even more fun to eat.

You can serve it over fluffy white rice, alongside stir-fried veggies, or even as part of an Asian-inspired dinner spread. Once you master the lemon sauce, you might want to start drizzling it over everything.

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Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• ¼ lb chicken breast, diced
• ½ lemon, zested
• 1 tsp crushed garlic
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Chicken Breading:

• ½ cup flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 cups oil (for frying)

For the Lemon Sauce:

• ¼ cup chicken stock
• ½ lemon, zested
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 4 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp water
• ½ tbsp corn flour

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Ingredient Notes & Swaps

• Panko breadcrumbs give a light, extra-crispy crust. Regular breadcrumbs work in a pinch.
• Corn flour thickens the sauce beautifully. Cornstarch is an ideal alternative.
• Chicken breast can be subbed with thigh meat for juicier bites.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Combine diced chicken with lemon zest, garlic, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
2. Let marinate for 20 minutes to soak in the flavor.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

1. Dredge marinated chicken in flour.
2. Dip into beaten eggs.
3. Coat thoroughly in panko breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Fry Until Golden

1. Heat oil in a saucepan to 325°F (170°C).
2. Carefully fry chicken pieces for 3–4 minutes, until crispy and golden.
3. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Sauce

1. In a small pan, bring chicken stock, lemon juice, lemon zest, and sugar to a boil.
2. Mix water with corn flour and stir into the sauce.
3. Simmer until thickened and glossy.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Add fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
2. Serve over rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

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Tips for Success

• Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature—it’s key for perfect frying.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying; work in batches if needed.
• For extra lemony punch, add a touch of lemon zest to the sauce just before serving.

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Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides and flavorful starters:

• Serve with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice
• Start with Crockpot Nacho Dip or Beer Cheese Dip
• Complement with something fresh like Light Tangy Chicken Salad
• Go big with a main dish like Instant Pot Lasagna
• Add a crowd-pleaser like Sheet Pan Quesadillas

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Storage & Leftovers

• Store cooled chicken separately from sauce if possible to preserve crispiness.
• Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5–8 minutes.
• Sauce can be reheated in a small saucepan or microwave.

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More Recipes You’ll Love

• Sheet Pan Quesadillas
• Beer Cheese Dip
• Crockpot Nacho Dip
• Instant Pot Lasagna
• Light Tangy Chicken Salad

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Final Thoughts

Sweet, crispy, zesty, and absolutely addictive—Chinese Lemon Chicken is everything you love about takeout, made fresh and fast in your own kitchen. Once you try this recipe, you’ll never look at lemon sauce the same way again.

Made it? Snap a photo and tag @chefmaniac so we can see your kitchen creations! And don’t forget to follow for more flavor-packed recipes straight from our table to yours.