Crockpot Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
This Crockpot Chinese Lemon Chicken delivers tangy, sweet, and savory flavors with zero babysitting required. Forget greasy takeout—this homemade version tastes fresher and costs less. Tender chicken slow cooks in a sticky lemon glaze that balances citrusy zing with just the right amount of sweetness. The result? Melt-in-your-mouth goodness with minimal effort. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a restaurant-style meal at home. No deep-frying, no mess—just dump, wait, and devour. One bite, and you’ll wonder why you ever settled for soggy takeout. Your slow cooker does the work, and you take the credit.
Crockpot Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
A slow-cooked, tangy-sweet lemon chicken dish with Chinese-inspired flavors, perfect over rice or noodles for an easy, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Sauce:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, cut into chunks)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water for thickening sauce
- Zest of 1 lemon
For Garnish & Serving:
- 2 green onions sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Steamed white rice or noodles
- Lemon slices for extra fancy points
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken in the crockpot.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours until the chicken is tender.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water, then stir it into the crockpot.
- Let the sauce thicken on HIGH for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Serve & Garnish
- Return the chicken to the sauce and toss to coat.
- Serve over rice or noodles, garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, and lemon slices.
Notes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~390
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
Vitamins & Minerals (Per Serving)
- Vitamin C: 35%
- Iron: 15%
- Potassium: 12%
- Vitamin B6: 10%
- Magnesium: 8%
Pro Tips for the Best Chinese Lemon Chicken
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- For extra crispiness, lightly sear the chicken before slow cooking.
- Too tangy? Add a little extra honey to balance the lemon.
- Want heat? Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha.
- Leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
