Zesty Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe for Fresh Family Meals

Succulent chicken pieces dance with zesty tangy lemon sauce in this irresistible Chinese lemon chicken recipe that promises bold flavors and restaurant-quality results.

The perfect balance of crispy texture and bright citrus notes makes this dish a crowd-pleaser.

Tender chicken gets coated in a golden, glossy glaze that clings perfectly to each morsel.

Every bite delivers a delightful punch of sweet and tart sensations that will transport you straight to your favorite Chinese restaurant.

Serve alongside steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 295 kcal

Servings: 4

What You’ll Need for Chinese Lemon Chicken

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that absorbs marinade beautifully, selecting fresh, boneless cuts ensures tender, succulent texture.

• Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami flavor and helps tenderize meat, choosing low-sodium varieties reduces salt intake.
• Cornstarch: Creates protective coating for chicken, ensuring crispy exterior and silky sauce texture.

• Lemon Juice: Provides bright, zesty tang and helps balance rich flavors, fresh-squeezed gives most vibrant taste.
• Lemon Zest: Intensifies citrus notes with aromatic oils, using organic lemons prevents bitter chemical undertones.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that rounds sauce's acidity, raw honey offers deeper, more complex flavor profile.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture to sauce, low-sodium versions maintain healthier recipe.

• Ginger: Introduces warm, spicy undertone with potential digestive benefits, fresh root delivers most potent flavor.
• Garlic: Brings robust, earthy punch and potential immune-boosting properties, choosing fresh cloves maximizes taste.

• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat for sautéing, extra virgin provides richest flavor and most nutrients.

• Green Onions: Adds fresh, mild onion crispness and beautiful green color, thinly sliced for best presentation.
• Sesame Seeds: Introduces nutty crunch and subtle toasted flavor, lightly toasting enhances their natural essence.

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Ways to Serve Chinese Lemon Chicken Just Right

• Zesty Rice Companion: Serve this tangy lemon chicken over fluffy jasmine or fragrant basmati rice to soak up the delicious sauce and add a comforting base to the meal.
• Veggie Power Plate: Pair the chicken with steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or stir-fried bok choy to create a balanced, nutrient-packed dinner that's bursting with flavor and color.
• Fresh Garnish Finale: Sprinkle chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and thin lemon slices on top for a vibrant presentation that adds extra crunch, brightness, and visual appeal to the dish.
• Quick Meal Prep Hero: Pack leftovers in meal prep containers with separate compartments for chicken, rice, and vegetables to enjoy a delicious and healthy lunch at work or school the next day.

Smart Tips to Store Chinese Lemon Chicken for Later

• Slice chicken and sauce separately before refrigerating to maintain crispy texture and prevent sogginess. Keep components in airtight containers for maximum freshness.
• Store chicken and sauce in separate containers for up to 3-4 days. Always use clean utensils when handling to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze uncoated chicken pieces and sauce individually in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently in skillet for best results.
• Warm chicken in skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth to retain moisture. Stir gently to prevent breaking delicate chicken pieces and restore original juiciness.

Gear That Makes Chinese Lemon Chicken a Breeze

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and creating the sauce evenly.
• Mixing bowls: Perfect for marinating chicken and preparing the lemon sauce.
• Whisk: Helps blend lemon sauce ingredients smoothly without lumps.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping green onions and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Crucial for slicing green onions, zesting lemon, and mincing garlic.
• Measuring spoons and cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Tongs: Great for turning and handling chicken during cooking.

Getting Started on Chinese Lemon Chicken at Home

• Infuse Flavor Into Chicken

Massage chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch, ensuring every morsel gets coated. Let the flavors mingle and settle for a quick 10-minute rest.

• Craft Zesty Lemon Elixir

Whirl together lemon juice, tangy zest, golden honey, soy sauce, spicy ginger, aromatic garlic, and rich chicken broth in a vibrant mixture. Set this liquid sunshine aside.

• Sizzle and Transform Chicken

Fire up a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Dance the chicken pieces until they turn gloriously golden and reach perfect doneness. Lift the chicken out and keep warm.

• Harmonize Sauce Magic

Pour the prepared lemon elixir into the same sizzling skillet. Let it bubble and sing. Introduce a cornstarch splash to create a luxurious, silky sauce consistency.

• Reunite and Present

Gently return chicken to the skillet, coating each piece in the tangy sauce. Sprinkle with green onions, sesame seeds, and delicate lemon slices. Serve alongside fluffy rice or crisp steamed vegetables for a feast that delights the senses.

Tweaks and Tips for Healthier Lemon Chicken

• Let chicken sit in soy sauce mixture for exactly 10 minutes to ensure maximum flavor absorption and tender meat texture.
• Replace rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, keto-friendly version that keeps the delicious lemon sauce intact.
• Swap regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the entire dish gluten-free without losing authentic Asian flavor profile.
• Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce directly into the lemon sauce for an exciting kick that transforms the mild chicken into a zesty, bold meal.
• This chicken stores wonderfully in refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheats perfectly, making it an excellent option for busy professionals wanting quick, healthy lunches.

Vibrant Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Zesty Chinese lemon chicken delivers a perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors that dance across your palate. Crispy chicken pieces glazed with bright citrus sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about ½ lemons)
• 2 tbsps low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tbsps honey or maple syrup
• 2 tbsps cornstarch or arrowroot powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp low-sodium chicken broth or water
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Lemon slices, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

1. Marinate: Blend chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch, ensuring comprehensive coating. Allow flavors to meld for 10 minutes at room temperature.
2. Sauce Creation: Vigorously whisk lemon juice, zest, honey, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and chicken broth into a harmonious mixture. Set aside for later integration.
3. Chicken Searing: Ignite olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Introduce chicken, developing a golden exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking. Extract chicken and reserve momentarily.
4. Sauce Transformation: Cascade prepared lemon mixture into the identical skillet. Stimulate a gentle simmer while incorporating cornstarch slurry, orchestrating sauce thickening through consistent stirring.
5. Final Assembly: Reunite seared chicken with luxurious sauce, executing thorough coating. Embellish with verdant green onions, nutty sesame seeds, and vibrant lemon slices. Plate alongside fluffy rice or tender steamed vegetables for a comprehensive culinary experience.

Notes

• Let chicken absorb soy sauce and cornstarch for at least 10 minutes to enhance tenderness and create a protective coating that keeps meat juicy during cooking.
• Use medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown chicken without burning, ensuring crispy exterior and moist interior while preventing tough meat texture.
• Whisk cornstarch slurry carefully to thicken sauce smoothly, avoiding lumps and creating a glossy, restaurant-quality coating that clings perfectly to chicken.
• Substitute honey with maple syrup for vegan version, use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free option, and swap chicken with tofu for plant-based alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg