Zesty Crispy Lemon Chicken Recipe: Bright Flavor, Golden Crunch

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this vibrant lemon chicken recipe brings zesty excitement to your plate.

Tender chicken breasts dance with bright, tangy lemon flavors that awaken every taste bud.

The marinade infuses each bite with citrusy brightness and subtle herbs.

Fresh ingredients combine effortlessly to create a meal that feels both elegant and approachable.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings elevate this simple dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll love how quickly these chicken breasts come together with minimal prep work.

Let this straightforward recipe become your new go-to weeknight dinner solution.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything For Crispy Lemon Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender protein base that transforms into crispy, golden bites with zesty flavor.
• Salt: Enhances natural chicken taste and helps seasoning penetrate deeply.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and aromatic complexity to the chicken.
• Egg: Creates a sticky coating that helps breading adhere perfectly to chicken.
• Cornstarch: Ensures ultra-crispy exterior with light, delicate crunch.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides golden-brown color and additional texture to coating.

• Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy liquid that cuts through richness and adds fresh citrus punch.
• Lemon Zest: Intensifies citrus aroma with concentrated essential oils.
• Honey: Balances acidity with natural sweetness and helps sauce caramelize.
• Soy Sauce: Introduces deep umami flavor and rich, savory undertones.
• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent depth to the sauce's flavor profile.
• Ginger: Brings warm, spicy notes with subtle aromatic kick.
• Chicken Broth: Creates liquid base with additional savory complexity.
• Cornstarch Slurry: Transforms sauce from thin liquid to glossy, clingy coating.

• Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor with bright green color.
• Sesame Seeds: Adds nutty crunch and visual appeal to finished dish.
• Rice or Noodles: Perfect complementary base for absorbing delicious sauce.

Tools That Help With Crispy Lemon Chicken

• Skillet: Large, deep pan for frying chicken to crispy golden perfection.
• Medium Bowls: Two for coating chicken with egg and dry ingredients.
• Tongs: Perfect for safely handling and turning chicken in hot oil.
• Paper Towel-Lined Plate: Helps drain excess oil from fried chicken.
• Small Saucepan: Essential for preparing tangy lemon sauce.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
• Cutting Board: For zesting lemon and chopping green onions.
• Whisk: Helps mix egg and blend sauce ingredients smoothly.

How To Make Crispy Lemon Chicken

• Prepare Chicken Pieces

Slice chicken into bite-sized chunks. Season with salt and pepper. Dip each piece in beaten egg, then coat thoroughly with a flour-cornstarch mixture, ensuring complete coverage.

• Create Golden Crunch

Pour oil into a skillet, heating until shimmering. Carefully lower chicken pieces into hot oil, cooking each side until beautifully golden and crispy. Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.

• Craft Zesty Sauce

Combine fresh lemon juice, tangy zest, sweet honey, rich soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a saucepan. Simmer gently, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.

• Transform Sauce to Glaze

Whisk in cornstarch mixture to create a silky, glossy coating. Continue stirring until sauce thickens and becomes luxuriously smooth.

• Bring Dish Together

Transfer crispy chicken to a large bowl. Pour warm sauce over chicken, gently tossing to ensure every piece gets a perfect, glistening coat. Sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh finish. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice or noodles.

Tips And Tricks For Crispy Lemon Chicken

• Crispy Chicken Cooking Mastery: Expert Tips & Twists
• Perfect Crunch Secret: Pat chicken pieces completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy breading.
• Oil Temperature Control: Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain oil at 350°F for consistent golden-brown chicken without burning or undercooking.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace all-purpose flour with rice flour or gluten-free blend to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap cornstarch and flour coating with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly alternative that delivers similar crunch.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare breaded chicken pieces ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before frying to develop deeper flavor and ensure better coating adherence.

Tasty Ways To Serve Crispy Lemon Chicken

• Zesty Side Kick: Pair the crispy lemon chicken with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the tangy sauce and balance the dish's bold flavors.
• Bright Veggie Companion: Serve alongside roasted broccoli or stir-fried bok choy for a fresh, crunchy contrast that complements the chicken's crispy texture.
• Picnic Perfect Plate: Pack this dish in a lunch container for a delightful work or school meal that stays deliciously crisp and flavorful when eaten later.
• Quick Crowd Pleaser: Set up a build-your-own chicken station with extra sauce on the side, letting guests customize their plates and enjoy interactive dining.

Storing Crispy Lemon Chicken Made Simple

• Quick Cooling Strategy: Let crispy chicken rest on a wire rack to maintain crispiness and prevent soggy bottoms, allowing excess oil to drip away naturally.
• Refrigeration Wisdom: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container, separating crispy pieces with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain texture for up to 3 days.
• Reheating Magic: Revive cold chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, ensuring crispy exterior and warm interior without microwave sogginess.
• Sauce Separation Tip: Keep sauce separate from chicken when storing to prevent losing the signature crunch, mixing just before serving for maximum flavor and texture retention.

Tangy Lemon Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent lemon chicken emerges as a Mediterranean-inspired delight packed with zesty flavors. Crisp, golden-brown chicken pieces complement tangy citrus notes, offering a perfect balance of texture and bright freshness.

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Ingredients

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• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breasts or thighs, boneless, skinless, cut into bite-size pieces
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 tbsps honey (or sugar)
• 2 tbsps soy sauce
• ½ cup chicken broth or water
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (for thickening)
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• Oil, for frying
• Green onions, chopped (optional)
• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Steamed rice or noodles

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Instructions

1. Seasoning and Coating: Season chicken with salt and pepper, thoroughly dredge in beaten egg, then generously coat with a cornstarch-flour mixture, ensuring even and complete coverage.
2. Frying Process: Heat oil in a skillet to medium-high temperature, creating a shallow pool. Carefully fry chicken in small batches, achieving a golden-brown exterior and fully cooked interior, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Lemon Sauce Creation: Combine lemon juice, zest, honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and chicken broth in a saucepan. Simmer gently to meld flavors, then introduce cornstarch slurry, stirring until the sauce reaches a glossy, smooth consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
4. Final Assembly: Transfer crispy chicken to a large bowl, pour warm lemon sauce over the top, and gently toss to ensure complete coating. Garnish with chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

• Manage Oil Temperature: Keep oil consistently around 350-375°F to achieve perfect golden-brown crispiness without burning the chicken exterior.
• Prevent Soggy Coating: Pat chicken completely dry before coating to ensure the flour-cornstarch mixture adheres properly and creates a crisp, light crust.
• Control Batch Frying: Never overcrowd the skillet, which drops oil temperature and creates greasy, less crispy chicken pieces.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Whisk cornstarch slurry slowly and steadily to avoid lumps, creating a smooth, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to chicken.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg