Description
Zesty “crispy lemon chicken” brings Mediterranean sunshine to dinner tables with golden-brown perfection. Crunchy exterior and tangy citrus notes promise a delightful meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
Dry Coating Ingredients:
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Liquid Binding and Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons honey (or sugar)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- ½ cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Oil, for frying
Garnish and Serving Suggestions:
- Chopped green onions (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Steamed rice or noodles
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by seasoning with salt and pepper, then thoroughly coat with beaten egg, ensuring complete coverage. Transfer chicken to a separate bowl filled with a blend of cornstarch and flour, gently tossing until each piece is evenly and generously dusted.
- Warm oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, creating a shallow pool approximately half an inch deep. Carefully lower chicken pieces into the hot oil, working in small batches to maintain optimal temperature. Fry each side until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior and ensuring the meat is fully cooked, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- While chicken fries, craft the vibrant lemon sauce by combining fresh lemon juice, fragrant zest, sweet honey, umami-rich soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and savory chicken broth in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Introduce the cornstarch slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until the liquid transforms into a glossy, slightly thickened consistency. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon smoothly and have a luxurious sheen.
- Transfer the crispy chicken to a large mixing bowl, then cascade the warm lemon sauce over the top. Gently toss the chicken, ensuring each piece becomes luxuriously coated with the tangy, sweet glaze. Sprinkle with finely chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds for a final flourish of flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice or tender noodles.
Notes
- Choose chicken breasts or thighs with similar sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent crispiness.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help the coating stick better and create a crunchier exterior.
- Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain oil temperature around 350°F for perfectly golden and crisp chicken.
- Gluten-free option: Replace wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for same texture.
- Reduce honey or use sugar substitute for a lower-sugar version that still maintains delicious flavor profile.
- Allow chicken to rest for 2-3 minutes after frying to help retain internal moisture and prevent soggy coating.
- Add red pepper flakes to sauce for people who enjoy a spicy kick without overwhelming the citrusy lemon essence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg