Asian, Chicken Dinner Entrees Main

Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken 

Get ready to indulge in the sweet and tangy flavors of Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken! This easy recipe is a perfect balance of crispy and tender chicken coated in corn starch, pan-fried to perfection, and then tossed in a homemade lemon sauce that’s bursting with flavor. The lemon sauce is a magical combination of chicken broth, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, sugar, honey, and salt, that creates an addictive sweet and savory glaze that you won’t be able to resist. Each bite is a burst of flavor that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. This Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken is an excellent choice for a quick and delicious weeknight meal that your whole family will love. So, grab your apron and get ready to create a dish that will become a staple on your dinner table!

Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken 

Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken

Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that features crispy and tender chicken pieces coated in a corn starch batter that creates a satisfying crunch in every bite. The homemade lemon sauce is the star of the show, providing a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that complement the savory chicken. The sauce is thick, sticky, and glazes the chicken beautifully, giving it an irresistible shine.

The addition of minced garlic adds depth and complexity to the sauce, while the combination of honey and sugar provides a pleasant sweetness that rounds out the flavors. The hint of salt in the sauce helps to bring all the flavors together in a harmonious balance that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.

When served over your favorite rice, Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken becomes a complete and satisfying meal. The thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds add a beautiful finishing touch, providing a pop of color and texture that enhances the overall experience. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick and easy weeknight meal or looking to impress your guests with a delicious and visually appealing dish, Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken is a surefire winner.

Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken 

I Love Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken

As a wife and mother, one of my top priorities is to provide delicious and satisfying meals for my family. Cooking is my passion, and I always look for new and exciting recipes to try out in the kitchen. One dish that has quickly become a family favorite in our household is Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken. This recipe has it all – crispy chicken, tangy lemon sauce, and a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

The first time I made Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken, I was a little intimidated by the long list of ingredients and multiple steps involved. But I was determined to give it a try, and boy am I glad I did! The result was a plate of perfectly cooked crispy chicken pieces coated and smothered in a thick, sticky, and incredibly flavorful lemon sauce. It was love at first bite, and my family and I couldn’t get enough of it.

What I love about this recipe is that it’s so versatile. You can serve it with your favorite rice, noodles, or even as a standalone dish. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

The secret to making the perfect Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken is all in the details. From marinating the chicken to achieving the perfect crispiness when frying, every step is crucial in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. But don’t worry – I’ll guide you through every step of the process, so you can make this delicious dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Join me on this culinary adventure as we discover the deliciousness of Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and impress your loved ones with this restaurant-quality dish.

Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken 

Let Your Taste Buds Dance

Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that has quickly become a crowd-pleaser in my household. The recipe combines crispy and succulent chicken pieces coated in corn starch and fried to golden perfection with a sweet and tangy lemon sauce that is just irresistible.

What makes this dish truly irresistible is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The corn starch coating gives the chicken a delightful crunch, while the tangy lemon sauce adds a burst of freshness and sweetness to each bite. The sauce is not too thick nor too runny, but just the right consistency to coat the chicken pieces evenly. It’s the kind of dish that leaves you wanting more, and it’s hard to resist licking your fingers clean after each bite.

The beauty of Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken is that it’s incredibly easy to make, yet tastes like something you would get from a fancy restaurant. It’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights or for impressing guests at a dinner party. I love how the marinade adds extra flavor to the chicken, and the sauce comes together quickly in just one pan, making clean-up a breeze.

Overall, Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken is a true crowd-pleaser that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. With its crispy texture, tangy and sweet flavor, and easy preparation, it’s no wonder why this dish has become a favorite in my household and a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken 

What to eat with Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken

Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Here are some options to consider:

  1. Rice: Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken is traditionally served over white rice, but you can also try it with brown rice or fried rice for a more flavorful twist.
  2. Steamed Vegetables: To balance the sweetness and tanginess of the chicken, try pairing it with steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snow peas.
  3. Stir-Fried Vegetables: Another way to enjoy vegetables with Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken is by stir-frying them with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for added flavor and texture.
  4. Noodles: For a change of pace, you can serve the chicken with noodles like lo mein or chow mein.
  5. Salad: A light and refreshing salad can be a great complement to the richness of the chicken. Consider a simple side salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
  6. Egg Rolls: Egg rolls are a classic Chinese side dish that can be filled with a variety of ingredients like cabbage, carrots, and pork. They provide a satisfying crunch and can be dipped in the same sauce as the chicken.
  7. Fried Rice: Fried rice is a classic side dish that’s easy to make and pairs well with Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken. You can add vegetables, eggs, and meat to the rice to make it a more substantial side.

No matter what you choose to serve with Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken, you’re sure to have a delicious and satisfying meal!

Equipment is Needed to make Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken

To make Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken, you’ll need the following equipment:

  1. Cutting board: You’ll need a cutting board to chop the chicken into 1-inch pieces.
  2. Chef’s knife: A sharp chef’s knife is necessary for cutting the chicken into pieces and other ingredients such as garlic.
  3. Mixing bowls: Mixing bowls are essential for whisking together the marinade and lemon sauce.
  4. Whisk: A whisk is used to thoroughly mix the marinade and lemon sauce.
  5. Large ziplock bag: A large ziplock bag is used to marinate the chicken and to coat it in corn starch.
  6. Large pan or skillet: A large pan or skillet is needed to fry the chicken pieces until they are crispy and golden brown.
  7. Slotted spoon: You’ll need a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked chicken from the pan to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil.
  8. Paper towels: Paper towels are needed to line the plate where the cooked chicken pieces will be placed to absorb excess oil.
  9. Small bowl: A small bowl is needed to whisk together the corn starch and chicken broth or water to make a slurry for thickening the lemon sauce.
  10. Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are essential for accurately measuring out ingredients, such as soy sauce, sugar, and lemon juice, for the marinade and lemon sauce.

Having all of these equipment ready will make the process of making sticky Chinese lemon chicken much easier and efficient.

How to Make Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken

Indulge in the sweet and tangy flavors of Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken with this easy recipe. Crispy chicken pieces are coated in corn starch, pan-fried to perfection, and then tossed in a homemade lemon sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients:

For the chicken:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons white cooking wine or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup corn starch
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying

For the lemon sauce:

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons cold chicken broth or water
  • 2 tablespoons corn starch

For serving:

  • Cooked white, brown, or fried rice
  • Thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Chop chicken into 1-inch pieces.
  2. Combine soy sauce, white cooking wine or chicken broth, and eggs in a bowl and whisk to blend. Add chicken pieces to the bowl and stir until well coated. Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes for optimal flavor, or marinate for 5-10 minutes if you are in a hurry.
  3. After marinating the chicken, transfer the pieces to a large ziplock bag and discard the marinade. Then, add corn starch to the bag and seal it. Shake the bag to ensure that the chicken is completely coated with the corn starch.
  4. Heat vegetable oil or canola oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they are not stacked on top of each other. Cook for 3-5 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip the chicken pieces and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until both sides are crispy and golden.
  5. Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the cooked Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil and keep the chicken crispy. Next, discard any remaining oil in the pan and use a fresh paper towel to wipe it out, making sure to remove any debris or burnt bits. 
  6. Add chicken broth, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, sugar, honey, and salt to the same pan. Whisk the ingredients together to combine and heat over medium-high heat until it boils.
  7. Combine chicken broth or water and corn starch in a small bowl and whisk until dissolved. Add the mixture to the boiling sauce, then reduce the heat to medium-low and stir constantly until the sauce thickens.
  8. Once the sauce has thickened, return the cooked chicken back to the pan and stir it with the sauce over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated thoroughly and coated evenly with the sauce.
  9. (Optional) You may add a finishing touch by sprinkling thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the dish.
  10. (Optional) For a full meal, serve the Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken over cooked white, brown, or fried rice.

Enjoy the delicious combination of crispy chicken and tangy lemon sauce with this Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken recipe. Serve it over your favorite rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a flavorful and visually appealing dish that will have your taste buds begging for more.

Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken 

Tips to make the prefect Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken

Here are some tips to help you make the perfect Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken:

  1. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. This will help make the chicken more tender and flavorful.
  2. Make sure the chicken is coated evenly in cornstarch before frying. This will help create a crispy texture and prevent the chicken from becoming soggy.
  3. Fry the chicken in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This will help ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and becomes crispy.
  4. Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature. The oil should be around 350°F (180°C) for optimal frying.
  5. Wipe the pan clean between frying the chicken and making the sauce. This will prevent any burnt bits of cornstarch from sticking to the sauce and ruining the flavor.
  6. Adjust the amount of sugar and salt in the sauce to your personal preference. Taste the sauce as you make it and add more or less as needed.
  7. For extra tanginess, add more lemon juice to the sauce. Be careful not to add too much, as this can make the sauce too sour.
  8. Garnish the Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken with thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation.
  9. Serve the Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken over cooked white, brown, or fried rice for a complete meal.

How to store and reheat Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken

To store leftover Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken, let it cool down to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

To reheat the chicken, place it in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the oven by placing it in a baking dish and baking at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Make sure to cover the dish with foil to prevent the chicken from drying out.

Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken

Crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy lemon sauce. Marinated in soy sauce and white wine, then pan-fried to golden perfection and tossed in a homemade lemon sauce. Serve over rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
5 from 24 votes
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Course: Entree, Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: Asian Cuisine, Chinese Chicken Recipe, Lemon Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp white cooking wine or chicken broth
  • ½ cup corn starch
  • ½ cup vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying

For the Lemon Sauce:

  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup honey
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp cold chicken broth or water
  • 2 tbsp corn starch

For Serving:

  • Cooked white, brown, or fried rice
  • Thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

  • Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, soy sauce, and white cooking wine or chicken broth.
  • Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and stir until well coated. Refrigerate for 30 minutes for optimal flavor, or marinate for 5-10 minutes if you're short on time.
  • Transfer the chicken to a large ziplock bag, discard the marinade, and add the corn starch. Seal the bag and shake until the chicken is coated evenly.

Cook the Chicken:

  • Heat vegetable oil or canola oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
  • Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Make the Lemon Sauce:

  • In the same pan, add chicken broth, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, sugar, honey, and salt. Whisk together and bring to a boil.
  • In a small bowl, combine cold chicken broth or water with corn starch until dissolved. Add this mixture to the boiling sauce.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir constantly until the sauce thickens.

Combine and Serve:

  • Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir with the sauce over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until heated through and coated evenly.
  • Optional: Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
  • Serve the Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken over cooked rice of your choice.
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Notes

PRO TIPS:
  • Marinate for Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate in a mixture of soy sauce and white cooking wine or chicken broth. This step enhances the flavor and ensures each bite is deliciously seasoned.
  • Coat for Crispiness: Coating the chicken pieces in corn starch before frying ensures a crispy outer layer. Shake off any excess starch to achieve the perfect texture.
  • Thicken Sauce Correctly: When preparing the lemon sauce, dissolve corn starch in cold chicken broth or water before adding it to the boiling mixture. This helps thicken the sauce to the ideal consistency.

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Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken 
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Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken 
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32 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Thank you for sharing your recipe for Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken. I tried it out last night and it was absolutely delicious! The flavors were perfectly balanced and the chicken was so tender and juicy. I appreciate the detailed instructions and helpful tips you provided in the recipe. It made it easy for me to recreate this dish at home.

  2. 5 stars
    Your Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken has become a family favorite in my household and I cannot thank you enough for introducing us to such a delicious dish. The flavors in this recipe are simply outstanding.

  3. 5 stars
    I recently made these wings and they were absolutely delicious! I was blown away by how crispy and flavorful they turned out. The combination of honey and garlic is a classic one, but your recipe takes it to a whole new level. I was so impressed by this recipe that I took some of the leftover wings to work the next day and my coworkers couldn’t stop raving about them. They were asking me for the recipe, and I was proud to tell them that it came from you.

  4. Our family really loves chicken any dish of chicken. I will try this recipe and I’m sure they will love this!

  5. yummmmm!!! This looks delicious! I can’t wait to make your recipe, it is very easy to make. Thank you so much for sharing.

  6. 5 stars
    Easy healthy Sticky Chinese Lemon Chicken with a sticky lemon honey and garlic sauce is a tasty,. This is so much better than takeout

  7. 5 stars
    I stumbled upon the recipe you shared and must say that the way you’ve written it is impressive. The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow, and I appreciate the way you’ve explained the ingredients. The use of Chinese flavors in the recipe adds a unique twist that makes it stand out.

  8. 5 stars
    Your article on sticky Chinese lemon chicken is making my mouth water, and the easy-to-follow instructions make it seem like an easy and delicious recipe to try out at home!

  9. 5 stars
    I pinned this recipe to make sometime soon as my husband has been asking me to make some Chinese dishes at home for us 😉 Love this and it looks so good my stomach is growling! Pinning it next so thanks for sharing and love this blog!

  10. 5 stars
    This is so much better than takeout! This is my fourth time making it and it gets better. I added green onions and my hubby was so impressed!

  11. 5 stars
    I love these types of dishes so much. I really enjoy the sticky texture of the sauces, and love how it pair with the crunchy-ness of the chicken!!

  12. 5 stars
    Tried out this recipe last night, and it was fantastic! My family enjoyed it, and I’m looking forward to making it again.

  13. 5 stars
    Tried out this recipe last night, and it was delicious! My family loved it, and I’m already planning to cook it again.

  14. 5 stars
    Last night’s culinary creation with your recipe was a delightful surprise! Seeing my family’s enjoyment as they tasted it brought me so much happiness. Can’t wait to recreate that magic again soon following your guidance!

  15. 5 stars
    This dish was a hit with the family! They were eager to try it, and now they’re asking when we can have it again.

  16. 5 stars
    I made this for dinner, and it was amazing! my family finished every bite, and now they’re hoping it becomes a regular on our menu.

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