Sweet and Tangy Lemon Chicken – Quick, Flavorful & Better Than Takeout

If you love crispy, juicy chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and tangy lemon sauce, this Sweet and Tangy Lemon Chicken is the perfect dish! It’s a quick and easy recipe, packed with fresh citrus flavor, and perfect for serving over rice, noodles, or veggies.

This dish tastes just like takeout but BETTER, with healthier ingredients and a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and zesty lemon in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Crispy, Juicy & Coated in the Best Lemon Sauce 🍋
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 Minutes!
✔ Better Than Takeout – Fresh, Flavorful & No Artificial Ingredients
✔ Pairs Perfectly with Rice, Noodles, or Stir-Fried Veggies

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

• ½ cup cornstarch (for a crispy coating)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sweet & Tangy Lemon Sauce:

• ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)

• ¼ cup honey (or brown sugar for a deeper sweetness)

• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)

• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (for tang)

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (to thicken)

• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for a silky sauce)

For Garnish:

• Lemon slices or zest

• Chopped green onions

• Toasted sesame seeds

How to Make Sweet and Tangy Lemon Chicken

Step 1: Coat & Cook the Chicken

1. In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.

4. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sweet & Tangy Lemon Sauce

1. In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar.

2. In a separate small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry.

3. Pour the lemon sauce into the skillet over medium heat, bringing it to a simmer.

4. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

5. Add butter (optional) for an extra rich and glossy finish.

Step 3: Toss & Serve!

1. Return the crispy chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.

2. Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.

3. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and lemon slices.

Tips for the Best Lemon Chicken

✔ Use fresh lemon juice – Bottled lemon juice won’t have the same bright flavor.
✔ For extra crispy chicken – Double-coat in cornstarch and shallow fry instead of pan-searing.
✔ Want more tang? – Add a little extra rice vinegar or zest for an extra citrusy punch.
✔ Want a lighter version? – Skip the cornstarch coating and sauté the chicken without frying.

Variations & Add-Ins

Make It Spicy 🔥

• Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the sauce.

• Drizzle with sriracha or chili oil before serving.

Make It Extra Crispy 🍗

• Coat the chicken in egg + cornstarch mixture for a crunchier texture.

• Air-fry the chicken at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Swap the Protein 🥩

• Use shrimp, tofu, or thinly sliced beef instead of chicken.

Make It Low-Carb/Keto 🥦

• Swap honey for sugar-free sweetener.

• Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of rice.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing Leftovers

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating

• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed.

• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Freezing

• Freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months.

• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs About Sweet and Tangy Lemon Chicken

Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
A: Fresh lemon juice is best, but bottled can work in a pinch—just adjust the sweetness.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Store the sauce separately and toss with the chicken when ready to eat.

Q: What can I serve with lemon chicken?
A: Steamed rice, stir-fried veggies, or sesame noodles are perfect pairings.

Q: How do I keep the chicken crispy?
A: Serve immediately after tossing in the sauce, or coat the chicken right before eating.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet and Tangy Lemon Chicken is crispy, juicy, and packed with citrusy goodness—a better-than-takeout meal that’s perfect for any night of the week! Serve it with rice, noodles, or veggies for a complete and delicious meal.

Try it out and let me know how you like it! What’s your favorite way to enjoy lemon chicken?

Sweet and Tangy Lemon Chicken – Quick, Flavorful & Better Than Takeout

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• Author: Emy

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Description

This Sweet and Tangy Lemon Chicken is the perfect balance of citrusy sweetness and savory goodness. With a simple yet flavorful marinade and a crispy golden crust, this dish is sure to be a new favorite in your dinner rotation!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Lemon Sauce:

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

• 2 tbsp honey

• 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)

• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

• 2 tbsp water (if using cornstarch)

For Garnish (optional):

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Lemon wedges

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. Make the Lemon Sauce:

1. In the same skillet, add lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, garlic, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes (if using).

2. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.

3. If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water to make a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.

3. Coat the Chicken:

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and spoon the lemon sauce over the chicken to coat evenly. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. Serve & Enjoy:

1. Transfer the chicken to serving plates and pour the remaining sauce over the top.

2. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a pop of color and added flavor.

Notes

This Sweet and Tangy Lemon Chicken is a simple yet delicious dish that brings bright, fresh flavors to your table. Pair it with rice, vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete meal!

#LemonChicken #SweetAndTangy #EasyDinner #ChickenRecipes #ComfortFood

Let’s chat in the comments! 🍋✨