Description
This Chinese-style Lemon Chicken recipe offers a perfect balance of tangy lemon flavor and tender, crispy chicken pieces. Quick and easy to prepare, it features bite-sized chicken breasts coated in cornstarch, pan-fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a zesty, sweet lemon sauce. Ideal for a flavorful weeknight dinner, it can be served with scallions and fresh lemon slices for added freshness.
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 (freshly squeezed recommended)
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For Serving (Optional)
- Chopped scallions
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place in a medium bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the chicken and toss thoroughly to evenly coat each piece.
- Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together water, lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and set aside.
- Heat the skillet: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.
- Cook the first batch of chicken: Add half of the chicken to the skillet, ensuring pieces are spaced out to avoid crowding. Cook for about 4 minutes on one side until browned, then flip and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches 165°F internally. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate.
- Cook the second batch: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining chicken pieces, then transfer to the plate with the first batch.
- Combine and finish: Remove the skillet from heat and pour in the prepared lemon sauce. Return all chicken to the skillet and stir gently. Place the skillet back over medium heat and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the sauce bubbles and thickens, coating the chicken well.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with chopped scallions and fresh lemon slices if desired for extra brightness and flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly squeezed lemon juice to enhance the tangy flavor.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken to ensure even browning.
- You can adjust the sugar in the sauce to your preferred level of sweetness.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
