What is Chinese Lemon Chicken? An Authentic and Delicious Chinese-American Favorite

Chinese lemon chicken is a bright, tangy and mouthwatering chicken dish that has become a beloved favorite on Chinese restaurant menus across America. With its crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet and sour lemon sauce, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures in each bite. But what exactly is Chinese lemon chicken and how did it become so popular? In this article, we’ll explore the origins, ingredients, cooking methods, and variations of this iconic Chinese-American specialty.

A Brief History of Chinese Lemon Chicken

While lemon chicken is now a standard menu item at Chinese restaurants in the United States and Canada, its origins are actually not in traditional Chinese cuisine The dish as we know it today was likely created by Chinese immigrants adapting their cooking techniques to appeal to Western tastes

The earliest mentions of lemon chicken appeared in North American newspapers in the 1970s. Early recipes combined the popular Chinese method of batter-frying chicken with the tangy zip of lemon sauce which was more suited to American palates than traditional Chinese cooking oils and sauces. Over time the dish became a staple on Chinese restaurant menus, beloved for its addictive contrast of crispy, juicy chicken coated in bright citrus flavor.

Key Ingredients in Chinese Lemon Chicken

While recipes can vary, the core ingredients that come together to create the signature taste and texture of Chinese lemon chicken are:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into 1-inch chunks
• Flour and cornstarch: Used to coat the chicken before frying for a light, crispy crust
• Eggs and milk: Help the coating stick to the chicken
• Lemon juice: Provides the dish’s namesake tart, citrusy flavor
• Chicken stock: Adds moisture and chicken flavor to the sauce
• Sugar: Balances out the acidity from the lemon and gives the sauce a hint of sweetness
• Garlic, ginger, green onions: Provide aromatic flavor
• Cornstarch or flour: Thickens the lemon sauce so it coats the chicken evenly

How Chinese Lemon Chicken is Cooked

The cooking method for lemon chicken helps achieve its signature contrast of crispy chicken with a glossy lemon-infused sauce. Here is an overview of the basic steps

1. Coat the chicken: The chicken pieces are tossed in flour and cornstarch to create a light crust, then dipped in a egg and milk mixture so the coating adheres.

2. Deep fry the chicken: The coated chicken is fried in oil at 350-375°F until golden brown and cooked through.

3. Make the sauce: While the chicken fries, the sauce is prepared by simmering chicken stock, lemon juice, sugar, garlic, ginger, green onions, and cornstarch.

4. Toss the chicken in the sauce: Once fried, the chicken is tossed in the lemon sauce until evenly coated.

5. Serve over rice: The sauced chicken is served alongside steamed white or fried rice.

Healthier Variations of Chinese Lemon Chicken

While the classic version of lemon chicken is fried, the dish can be lightened up by using healthier cooking methods. Baking or pan-frying instead of deep-frying reduces the amount of oil. Using reduced sugar lemon sauce or boosting flavor with extra garlic, ginger, and herbs decreases the calories from sugar. Serving it with riced cauliflower or a vegetable medley instead of rice cuts carbs.

Gluten-Free and Vegetarian Chinese Lemon “Chicken”

With some substitutions, Chinese lemon chicken can be adapted for gluten-free or vegetarian diets:

• For gluten-free: use rice flour instead of regular flour when coating the chicken. Ensure all sauces and chicken stock are gluten-free.

• For vegetarian/vegan: replace chicken with cubed extra-firm tofu, seitan, or mushrooms. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

Popular Variations of Chinese Lemon Chicken

While the basic formula remains the same, Chinese lemon chicken allows for creative riffs and regional influences. Here are some popular variations:

• Honey lemon chicken: Adds honey to the lemon sauce for extra sweetness
• Kung pao lemon chicken: Includes diced vegetables and spicy chilies for a kung pao flavor
• Lemon sesame chicken: Uses toasted sesame oil and sesame seeds for nutty flavor
• Cashew lemon chicken: Features cashews for crunch
• Lemon garlic chicken: Uses extra garlic and reduces lemon for a bolder, less sour flavor

Is Chinese Lemon Chicken Spicy?

The classic version of Chinese lemon chicken does not contain any spices or chilies, so it is not a spicy dish. However, if you enjoy heat, you can give the sauce a kick by adding:

• Finely chopped fresh chilies or jalapeños
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Asian chili sauce or chili garlic sauce
• Sriracha

Start with small amounts and adjust the spice level to your preference.

What Goes Well with Chinese Lemon Chicken?

Chinese lemon chicken is usually served with steamed white rice or fried rice. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce and provides a neutral base for the bright citrus flavors.

Here are some other side dish ideas that pair well with lemon chicken:

• Stir-fried or steamed vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, bok choy, or green beans
• Fresh vegetable spring rolls
• Wonton or egg drop soup
• Steamed dumplings
• Crispy fried wontons

A simple green salad balances out the rich fried chicken and sauce. You can also serve lemon wedges for squeezing over the chicken.

Make-Ahead and Leftover Tips

While best right after frying, Chinese lemon chicken can be prepared partially ahead of time:

• Marinate raw chicken up to a day in advance
• Mix sauces and prep ingredients 1-2 days ahead
• Cooked lemon chicken keeps 3-4 days refrigerated
• Reheat gently in a saucepan with a splash of water to prevent drying out

The fried chicken also freezes well for 1-2 months. Reheat frozen chicken in a 350°F oven until hot and crispy again before saucing.

A Kid-Friendly Chinese Takeout Favorite

With its mild flavors, crispy texture, and sweet and sour sauce, Chinese lemon chicken is often a favorite among kids and families. The dish also provides an opportunity to introduce children to Chinese cuisine in an approachable way.

To make the lemon chicken more appealing for picky eaters, reduce the amount of lemon juice in the sauce and serve it with white rice or fried rice with scrambled eggs. Chicken tenders or nuggets can also be used instead of bone-in chicken.

With its addictive contrast of flavors and textures, Chinese lemon chicken has earned its place as a go-to American Chinese takeout order. By learning its origins and essential ingredients, you can now confidently order or recreate this restaurant favorite at home. Adjust the recipe to make it your own with different spice levels, sauces, or sides. No matter how you tweak it, this sauce-smothered crispy chicken is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Chinese Lemon Chicken typically consists of battered and deep-fried chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and sour lemon-flavored sauce.

Lemon chicken generally tastes lemony, savory, and tangy. It often includes a sweet element, especially in Chinese-American versions, to balance the tartness of the lemon.