Keto Chinese Lemon Chicken

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Keto Chinese Lemon Chicken is a sweet, tangy, and tasty low carb version of a Chinese take-out classic dish that even the kids will love.

Two bowls on Chinese lemon chicken with cauliflower rice.

Crisp, low-carb breaded, and pan-fried chicken pieces in a sweet and tangy lemon sauce, this low-carb twist on a favorite Asian meal was a big hit with the whole family.

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Bowls of Chinese lemon chicken with cauliflower rice and chopsticks.

Coconut flour is high in fiber and low in carbs. I also swapped out the traditional sweetener for a low-carb confectioners sweetener, which makes the recipe keto-friendly.

I used avocado oil to pan-fry the chicken, but you can also use coconut oil suitable for high heat.

Some oils are not ideal for frying as they can burn and scorch. When you purchase oil, check for a high smoke point, which means it is a good frying option and works well with high heat.

Chopsticks holding a bite od Chinese lemon chicken above a bowl.

Flavored with fresh lemon juice and lemon zest also make this a healthier version of the recipe.

This version of Lemon chicken originates from the Canadian & British adaptations of Chinese cuisine, consisting of pieces of chicken meat that are breaded and deep-fried, and coated with a thick, sweet lemon sauce.

(source)

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Common Questions About The Keto Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe

Can I substitute almond flour for coconut flour?

I find that the coconut flour works much better in this recipe and would not recommend using almond flour.

Can I omit the xanthan gum?

The xanthan gum is a thickener, so if you leave it out, then the sauce will not have a glaze texture and will be runnier and more like a broth.

Can I use olive oil in place of avocado or coconut oil?

No, I would not use olive oil to replace avocado oil as it has a low smoke point and can quickly burn and scorch when used with high heat and frying. If you are going to use a different oil, check to see if it has a high smoke point for frying.

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Two bowls of Chinese lemon chicken with sesame seeds and cauliflower rice.

Stacey

Keto Chinese Lemon Chicken is a sweet, tangy, and tasty low carb version of a Chinese take-out classic dish that even the kids will love.

4.73 from 11 votes

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course dinner, entree

Cuisine Asian, Chinese

Servings

Calories 423 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb 16 oz Boneless-Skinless Chicken Thighs
6 tablespoon Coconut Flour
4 tablespoon avocado oil or coconut oil
4 ½ tablespoon Lemon Juice or (juice of one large lemon)
1 teaspoon Lemon Zest
2 tablespoon Low Carb Confectioners Sweetener or honey for paleo
⅔ cup Chicken Broth
½ teaspoon Xanthan Gum or (½ tablespoon arrowroot powder + ½ water mixture for paleo)
1 teaspoon Toasted Sesame Seeds *optional garnish

Instructions

Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and set them aside.
Add the coconut flour to a mixing bowl and in small batches add the chicken pieces into the flour and toss to fully coat in the flour.
Add avocado oil to a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot add the chicken pieces in small batches and fry until all are fully cooked through. Set aside.
Add lemon zest to a saucepan on medium-high heat and stir for a couple of seconds.
Add chicken broth and sweetener of choice to the saucepan, and whisk until the sweetener is dissolved. Add the lemon juice and stir.
While continuously whisking, slowly add the xanthan gum or arrowroot slurry, turn up the heat and bring sauce to a boil.
Reduce heat to a simmer and allow the sauce to reduce until the sauce has thickened to a glaze. Remove from heat.
Add the fried chicken pieces into the sauce and toss to coat in the lemon sauce. Serve as is or over warm cauliflower rice. Garnish with optional sesame seeds.