As many of you know, there’s a big difference between authentic Chinese recipes and the ones we enjoy in Chinese restaurants in our country, just as a Valencian paella has little in common with the versions of our iconic dish made in other countries.
In any case, many of us were introduced to Chinese cuisine in neighborhood restaurants, and one of our favorite dishes was the Chinese-style lemon chicken recipe that we prepared to celebrate their New Year.
With this iconic lemon chicken, a three-delicacy rice, and classic spring rolls, a family visiting their local Chinese restaurant and unsure what to order felt they were enjoying authentic Chinese food. But as we told you some time ago, this cuisine is very different.
This recipe is based on a traditional Cantonese dish, but as Diana Kuan explains in Appetite for China, it’s usually served steamed, almost like Hainanese chicken, with lemon wedges on top. In any case, the classic lemon chicken from Western Chinese restaurants, served breaded, is a delicious dish that we love to make, and today we’re giving you the keys to making it absolutely delicious.
How to Make Lemon Chicken?
Preparation time, servings, and difficulty
40 minutes | 6 servings | Difficulty: Average
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken fillets | 4 to 6 |
| Yellow potatoes, peeled and sliced | 4 to 6 |
| Lemons | 2 to 3 |
| Minced garlic | 2 tablespoons |
| Margarine | 2 tablespoons |
| Doña Gusta® Chicken seasoning sachets | 2 |
| Parsley | to taste |
| Salt | to taste |
| AJI-NO-MOTO® | to taste |
Preparation steps
- Season the chicken pieces with garlic, 1 packet of Doña Gusta Gallina, lemon, salt and AJI-NO-MOTO® to taste, and fry in a pan with 1 tablespoon of margarine. Set aside.
- Season the yellow potatoes with 1 packet of Doña Gusta Chicken seasoning and fry in a pan with 1 tablespoon of margarine until golden brown. Before removing from the heat, add the parsley.
- Finally, serve the chicken and potatoes accompanied by rice.
Video Guide 📺
Nutritional information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Energy (Kcal) | 238.77 | 12% |
| Carbohydrates (g) | 20.36 | 8% |
| Fats (g) | 5.56 | 7% |
| Protein (g) | 26.50 | 53% |
| Fiber (g) | 0.42 | 2% |
| Iron (mg) | 2.19 | 10% |
| Sodium (mg) | 604.56 | 26% |
| Salt equivalent (g) | 1.54 | 31% |
What to serve with Chinese-style lemon chicken
To accompany the Chinese-style lemon chicken, we recommend the classic fried rice, and you’ll have the complete meal, especially if you also add some spring rolls to start. It’ll remind you of those wonderful years when “dining at a Chinese restaurant” was considered exotic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of fillets?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts work well. Just pound them to an even thickness so they cook uniformly.
What can I substitute for Doña Gusta seasoning?
You can use any good chicken seasoning blend or make your own with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of turmeric.
Is it necessary to add potatoes?
The potatoes are optional but traditional in this Western-style lemon chicken. They add heartiness and soak up the flavors beautifully.
Can I make this dish less salty?
Absolutely. Reduce the amount of seasoning packets or use low-sodium alternatives. You can also add more lemon juice to balance.
Conclusion
This Western Chinese‑restaurant style lemon chicken may not be the authentic Cantonese version, but it’s a comforting, crowd‑pleasing dish that brings back memories of family dinners and exotic “Chinese nights out”. With a crispy, lemony coating on tender chicken, golden fried potatoes, and a side of fried rice, you’ll recreate that beloved takeout experience at home. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your taste—and enjoy every nostalgic bite.
