Crockpot Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Crockpot Chinese Lemon Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dinner that combines tangy lemon with a hint of sweetness. Using a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, making it perfect for busy days.
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 thighs, lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, and lemon zest into the crockpot.
- Step 2: Cook on low heat for 4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Step 3: Mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.
- Step 4: Serve the lemon chicken over steamed rice for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter option, use chicken breast instead of thighs, but watch cooking time to avoid dryness.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas during the last hour for extra color and nutrition.
- If you prefer a tangier sauce, increase the lemon juice by a few tablespoons.
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 stove over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking. If using frozen, increase the cooking time and ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to replace regular soy sauce, and verify that your cornstarch is gluten-free if necessary.
PrintCrockpot Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
This Crockpot Chinese Lemon Chicken is a deliciously tangy and sweet dish featuring tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a zesty lemon and honey sauce. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal, it delivers bold flavors with minimal prep, ideal to serve over steamed rice for a comforting dinner.
- 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 Mixture
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the cubed chicken thighs in the crockpot. Pour in the lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, and add the lemon zest. Stir gently to mix all the ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook: Set the crockpot to low heat and cook for 4 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Thicken Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the crockpot to thicken the sauce as it finishes cooking.
- Serve: Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is fully cooked, serve the lemon chicken hot over steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, you can add a bit more cornstarch slurry as needed.
- Chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness, but chicken breast can be substituted if desired.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a side of bok choy for extra greens.
- Adjust honey and soy sauce to taste for sweetness and saltiness.
Keywords: Crockpot Lemon Chicken, Slow Cooker Chinese Chicken, Easy Lemon Chicken Recipe, Chinese Slow Cooker Dinner
