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Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken

Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe That Beats Takeout!

A delightful recipe for Crispy Chinese Lemon Chicken that surpasses takeout with its crunchy texture and tangy lemon sauce.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 500 g Chicken Thigh Fillets Skinless and boneless
  • 1 tsp Cooking Salt Adjust to taste
  • 2 tbsp Cornflour (Cornstarch) For dusting
For the Batter
  • 1 cup Plain Flour (All-purpose) Avoid using all cornflour
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder For light and crispy texture
  • 1 cup Cold Soda Water Carbonate at home for best results
For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Cornflour (Sauce) For thickening
  • 1 cup Chicken Stock/Broth Low sodium preferred
  • 4 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice Use fresh for best taste
  • 3 tbsp White Sugar Adjust to preference
  • 1 clove Garlic Finely grated
  • 1 tsp Ginger Grated
  • 2 tbsp Chinese Cooking Wine Optional
For Serving
  • 1 none Garnish (Optional) Lemon slices and green onions

Equipment

  • Deep frying pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Kitchen thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken thigh fillets to a uniform thickness and season with salt and dust with cornflour.
  2. Make Batter: Mix cornflour, plain flour, baking powder, and whisk in cold soda water.
  3. Fry Chicken (First Fry): Heat oil to 160°C and fry chicken for about 3 minutes until pale golden. Cool for 20 minutes.
  4. Prepare Lemon Sauce: Whisk cornflour with chicken stock and combine with lemon juice, sugar, garlic, and ginger. Simmer until thick.
  5. Fry Chicken (Second Fry): Increase oil to 200°C, fry chicken for another 3 minutes until deep golden brown.
  6. Serve: Slice chicken, drizzle with lemon sauce, and garnish with lemon slices and green onions.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Keep batter cold for optimal crispiness. Avoid overcrowding during frying for the best texture.

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