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Crockpot Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe

Emily Carter
A slow-cooked, tangy-sweet lemon chicken dish with Chinese-inspired flavors, perfect over rice or noodles for an easy, flavorful meal.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 390 kcal

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.
This Crockpot Chinese Lemon Chicken is easy, flavorful, and way better than takeout. Let your slow cooker handle dinner while you relax. You’re welcome.