Chinese-style lemon chicken is a mouthwatering dish that blends bold, sweet, and tangy flavors in every bite. With its crispy texture and lemon glaze, this classic entrée continues to be a favorite on Chinese restaurant menus.
Recreating a Classic: Chinese-Style Lemon Chicken
Years ago, I tried a tangy, sweet, and sour dish at my favorite Chinese restaurant that captured my taste buds: lemon chicken. The original version was a perfect balance of sweet and savory, featuring pan-fried chicken coated in a light breading and topped with a thick, zesty lemon glaze. However, when the restaurant changed the recipe to a deep-fried tempura version, I longed for the nostalgic taste of the original lemon chicken. I set out to recreate a duplicate recipe for home.
The Quest for the Perfect Chinese-Style Lemon Chicken
The first step in my culinary search was to reflect on what made the original recipe so special. The chicken was tender, with a crisp exterior complementing the savory flavor. Unlike the heavy tempura batter, the original pan-fried crust didn’t overpower the chicken, allowing its taste to shine through, making it an irresistible dish. If I wanted to recreate a duplicate, I needed to focus on the ideal balance between chicken and crust.
Flavor Profile: Sweet Meets Savory
One of the most delightful aspects of lemon chicken is its unique flavor profile. The glaze’s sweetness combines perfectly with the tangy flavor of the lemon juice. I fondly remember how the chicken would be covered in a thick, sweet glaze that not only added flavor but enhanced the dish’s visual appeal. As I set out to replicate the sauce, I knew the key ingredients would be sugar, cornstarch, and plenty of fresh lemon juice to capture that signature flavor.
Techniques for Success: Pan-Frying
To honor the original recipe, I opted for pan-frying rather than deep-frying. This method allows for better control over the cooking process and ensures that the chicken retains its moisture while achieving a satisfying crunch. By dredging the chicken in flour and carefully monitoring the cooking time, I created that perfect golden crust that was both light and flavorful—just like I remembered.
Presentation of Chinese-Style Lemon Chicken
In any dish, presentation plays a crucial role in the dining experience. This dish is placed on a large platter and garnished with fresh lemon slices, enhancing the visual appeal and adding an extra burst of flavor when squeezed on top of the dish. The pan-fried fillets are sliced across the grain. Because there is no breading on the cut sides, it makes a perfect ratio of breading to chicken–just like I remembered the restaurant doing. The final step is to pour the glaze over the chicken just before serving it. This ensures the chicken’s breaded crust doesn’t become soggy from sitting too long.
Lemon Glaze for Chinese-Style Lemon Chicken
The lemon glaze is made from cornstarch, sugar, and lemon juice. This was the original sauce used by the restaurant. However, you can reduce the amount of sugar for a less sweet sauce. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more water.
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Chinese Style Lemon Chicken
Ingredients
Chicken Cutlets
- 1 ½ pounds chicken cutlets
- ¾ – 1 cup flour
- salt
- pepper
- cooking oil
Lemon Sauce
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 ½ cup cold water
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 lemon, sliced
Instructions
Chicken Cutlets
- Salt and pepper chicken. Then, dredge the chicken in flour.
- On medium heat, saute chicken cutlets for 3-4 minutes, then turn them and saute for 2-3 minutes more. Do not crowd the pan. Remove to a platter and slice cutlets into strips. Cover.
Lemon Glaze
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sugar and cornstarch. Stir until well mixed. Gradually stir in the water until smooth. On medium heat, stir constantly and bring the mixture to a boil. Cook for approximately one minute until glaze thickens. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and butter until the butter melts.
- Pour the glaze over the cooked chicken just before serving it. Place lemon slices on or around the chicken. Then, squeeze a few of the lemon slices over the chicken.