Crockpot Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
This Crockpot Chinese Lemon Chicken is a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors, slow-cooked to tender perfection. It’s an easy, hands-off recipe that brings homemade Asian-inspired comfort to your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the cubed chicken, lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, and lemon zest to the crockpot. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 2: Cook on low heat for 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
- Step 3: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup water until smooth and stir it into the crockpot. This will thicken the sauce.
- Step 4: Serve the lemon chicken hot with steamed rice for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add minced garlic and ginger when combining the ingredients in the crockpot.
- Use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs remain juicier after slow cooking.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas in the last hour of cooking for added texture and color.
Storage
Store leftover lemon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop to maintain tenderness. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the chicken juicy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled?
Yes, fresh lemon juice will enhance the brightness of the dish and is highly recommended for the best flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can use the slow cook function on an Instant Pot. Alternatively, use the sauté and pressure cook functions for a quicker version, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
PrintCrockpot Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
This Crockpot Chinese Lemon Chicken recipe offers a deliciously tender and tangy dish made effortlessly in a slow cooker. Perfect for busy days, this recipe combines succulent chicken thighs with a vibrant blend of lemon juice, honey, and soy sauce for a sweet and zesty flavor that pairs excellently with steamed rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- Zest of 1 lemon
Thickening Agent
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water (for mixing with cornstarch)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken and marinade: In the crockpot, combine the cubed chicken thighs with lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, and lemon zest, ensuring the chicken is well-coated with the mixture for maximum flavor infusion.
- Cook on low: Set the crockpot to the low setting and cook the chicken mixture for 4 hours. This slow cooking method allows the chicken to become tender and absorb the flavors thoroughly.
- Thicken the sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup water until smooth, then stir this mixture into the crockpot. Continue to cook on low to allow the sauce to thicken nicely.
- Serve: Once the sauce is thickened and the chicken is cooked through, serve the lemon chicken hot over steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier and more flavorful results compared to chicken breasts.
- Adjust honey amount for sweetness to taste.
- Ensure to mix cornstarch with water before adding to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Keywords: Crockpot lemon chicken, slow cooker chicken, Chinese chicken recipe, easy lemon chicken
