Description
This Healthy Chinese Lemon Chicken is a lighter version of the classic takeout dish. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a light, flavorful lemon sauce that strikes the perfect balance between tangy and sweet. Instead of deep frying, the chicken is sautéed, keeping it healthier while still delivering delicious flavor. Serve it with steamed vegetables or rice for a fresh and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
For the Lemon Sauce:
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder (to thicken)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Lemon slices, for serving (optional)
Instructions
🍗 Prepare the Chicken:
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Coat the Chicken:
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
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Cook the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
🍋 Make the Lemon Sauce:
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Mix Sauce Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, chicken broth, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, and lemon zest until smooth.
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Cook the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, pour in the sauce mixture.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce begins to thicken (about 2-3 minutes).
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Combine with Chicken:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the chicken is heated through and well coated.
🍽️ Serve:
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Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Add lemon slices for a fresh presentation if desired.
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Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over brown rice, cauliflower rice, or alongside steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating Tip: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
- For Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or snow peas when sautéing the chicken for a complete one-pan meal.