Description
This Chinese-style Lemon Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender, bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a tangy and sweet lemon sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines a crispy exterior with a zesty, glossy sauce, garnished with fresh lemon slices and scallions for an added burst of 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
- Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in a medium bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle cornstarch over the chicken and toss well until each piece is evenly coated with the dry mixture.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the water, lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and cornstarch until fully combined and smooth.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat the oil for a few minutes until hot but not smoking.
- Cook the First Batch of Chicken: Add half of the chicken pieces to the skillet, making sure they are not crowded, to allow for better browning. Cook for 4 minutes, then flip each piece and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.
- Cook the Second Batch: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining chicken, then transfer it to the plate with the first batch.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the skillet to off the heat and add all the cooked chicken back into the pan. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and place the skillet back on medium heat. Let the sauce bubble and thicken for 30 seconds to one minute while stirring or tossing the chicken to coat it thoroughly in the lemon glaze.
- Serve: Remove from heat and transfer the lemon chicken to serving plates. Garnish with optional chopped scallions and lemon slices to enhance the presentation and flavor. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken so it browns properly and cooks evenly.
- The sauce thickens quickly once added to the pan; watch closely to avoid burning.
- Chicken breasts can be substituted with chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
