Crispy Lemon Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that pairs juicy, golden-fried chicken with a vibrant, tangy lemon sauce. Each bite delivers a crunchy coating with a burst of citrusy flavor, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. This dish brings together the comfort of fried chicken with the brightness of lemon for a crave-worthy meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between crispy and juicy, savory and zesty. The chicken is pan-fried to perfection, locking in flavor while maintaining a light, crunchy crust. The lemon sauce is simple yet impactful, cutting through the richness and adding a fresh twist. Plus, it’s fast, easy, and tastes like your favorite restaurant-style dish made at home.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt and pepper
- Cornstarch (or flour)
- Eggs
- Garlic, minced
- Chicken broth
- Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Sugar
- Soy sauce
- Cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
- Oil (for frying)
- Lemon slices and green onions (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each piece in cornstarch, then dip in beaten eggs.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry chicken pieces in batches until golden and crispy. Set aside.
- In a separate pan, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, sugar, and soy sauce.
- Mix a little cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce to thicken.
- Once thickened, add the fried chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish with lemon slices or green onions if desired, and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4. Total time is about 30–35 minutes, including 15 minutes of prep and 15–20 minutes of cooking.
Variations
- Spicy twist: Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the lemon sauce.
- Baked version: Bake the coated chicken in the oven at 425°F for a healthier alternative.
- Orange version: Substitute lemon juice with orange juice for a sweeter citrus option.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Add veggies: Toss in steamed broccoli, snow peas, or bell peppers for a full meal.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and maintain crispiness, use an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 8–10 minutes. The microwave is faster but may soften the coating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, both work well. Thighs are juicier, but breasts are leaner and still delicious when cooked properly.
What oil is best for frying?
Use neutral oils like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil with a high smoke point.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and sauce separately, then fry and combine just before serving for best texture.
How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
Ensure the oil is hot enough (about 350°F), and don’t overcrowd the pan when frying.
Is this the same as Chinese Lemon Chicken?
It’s similar in flavor but typically crispier and with a fresher, more tangy homemade sauce.
Can I make this without frying?
Yes, pan-sear or oven-bake the chicken, though it may not be as crispy.
How do I prevent soggy chicken?
Serve immediately after tossing in the sauce, or keep the sauce separate until serving.
Can I freeze this dish?
Freezing is not recommended as the coating may lose its crispiness when reheated.
What side dishes go well with crispy lemon chicken?
Serve with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh cucumber salad.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, easily double the ingredients—just fry the chicken in batches to maintain crispiness.
Conclusion
Crispy Lemon Chicken brings bold flavor and satisfying crunch to your dinner table. It’s a quick, comforting dish with bright citrus notes that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe is a go-to favorite that’s sure to impress.
PrintCrispy Lemon Chicken
Crispy Lemon Chicken is a takeout-style favorite you can make right at home! Juicy chicken pieces are coated in a light, crispy crust and tossed in a sweet and tangy lemon sauce. It’s the perfect mix of crunchy, sticky, and zesty.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
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1 egg, lightly beaten
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½ cup cornstarch
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¼ cup all-purpose flour
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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Oil, for frying
For the Lemon Sauce:
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¼ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
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1 tbsp lemon zest
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2 tbsp honey (or sugar)
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp garlic, minced
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1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
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½ cup chicken broth or water
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1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (for thickening)
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Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
For Serving:
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Chopped green onions (optional)
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Sesame seeds (optional)
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Steamed rice or noodles
Instructions
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Prep the Chicken: In a medium bowl, season chicken with salt and pepper. Add the beaten egg and mix to coat. In another bowl, mix cornstarch and flour. Toss the chicken pieces in the dry mixture until fully coated.
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Fry: Heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate.
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Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
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Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1–2 minutes.
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Toss & Serve: Place the crispy chicken in a large bowl and pour the sauce over it. Toss gently to coat. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with rice or noodles.
Notes
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Chicken thighs will be more tender, but breasts work great too.
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For a lighter version, try baking or air-frying the coated chicken.
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Adjust sweetness and tanginess to your taste!