Hunan Style Lemon Chicken
Hunan Style Lemon Chicken offers tender fried chicken in a tangy lemon sauce, blending crispy texture with bright citrus flavors—perfect for those craving bold, zesty dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut chicken into 1/2 inch slices.
- In a medium bowl, beat all the ingredients except Lemon Sauce and lemon slices with a hand beater until smooth.
- In a frying pan, heat vegetable oil about 1 1/2 inches deep.
- Dip chicken pieces one at a time into the batter and fry about 4 pieces at a time until golden brown, turning once.
- Drain chicken pieces on paper towels and keep warm.
- Pour Lemon Sauce over chicken pieces and serve, garnished with lemon slices if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier texture, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken. You can substitute cornstarch with potato starch if needed. If you want a different flavor, consider adding some ginger or garlic powder to the batter. For a lighter option, try using a non-fried method, similar to Chicken Veg-Stir-Fry.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Hunan Style Lemon Chicken over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken And Pepper Stir-Fry for a delightful spread. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and a sprinkle of green onions for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hunan Style Lemon Chicken contains roughly 463 calories, with 11g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other meats for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as shrimp will cook faster and tofu may require a bit more time to get crispy.
What can I use as a dipping sauce?
A sweet and sour sauce or soy sauce mixed with a bit of honey can complement the flavors well. You could also try a spicy chili sauce for an added kick.
How do I make the lemon sauce?
You can make a simple lemon sauce by mixing fresh lemon juice, sugar, and a bit of cornstarch in water. Heat until it thickens, and adjust sweetness to taste. This sauce can add a wonderful tanginess to your dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).