Crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a tangy, sweet lemon sauce—a classic Cantonese takeout favorite made easy at home.
20 min prep
15 min cook
4 servings
380 kcal/serving
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp white pepper
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Vegetable oil for frying
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
Lemon slices and green onions for garnish
Instructions
Marinate chicken pieces with salt, white pepper, and 1 tbsp soy sauce for 10 minutes.
In a bowl, combine beaten egg, cornstarch, and flour to make a batter. Add chicken and coat well.
Heat about 1 inch of oil in a wok or deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
In a small saucepan, combine chicken broth, lemon juice, honey, sugar, and 1 tbsp soy sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring, until sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
Pour sauce over fried chicken and toss to coat. Garnish with lemon slices and green onions. Serve immediately.
Tips
For extra crispiness, double-fry the chicken: fry once, let rest 2 minutes, then fry again for 1-2 minutes.
Adjust sweetness and tanginess by varying honey and lemon juice to taste.
Leftover sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.