This Crock Pot Asian-Inspired Lemon Chicken features tender chicken in a zesty lemon-soy sauce with a hint of ginger. Perfect for a hassle-free meal, it’s an easy, flavorful dish that brings a fusion of Asian and citrus flavors to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This crock pot Asian-inspired lemon chicken is a delightful fusion of tangy lemon and savory Asian flavors, made effortlessly in a slow cooker. The tender chicken absorbs a zesty, umami-rich sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. Versatile and budget-friendly, it pairs beautifully with rice or noodles, and leftovers taste even better. The hands-off cooking and vibrant, refreshing taste make it a go-to for a delicious, healthy meal with minimal effort.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Cut Chicken Evenly: Slice into uniform pieces for consistent cooking.
- Sear for Flavor: Browning the chicken adds depth to the dish.
- Adjust Tanginess: Taste and tweak lemon juice or zest to your liking.
- Thicken the Sauce: Use a cornstarch slurry for a glossy finish.
- Add Veggies Late: Stir in bell peppers or broccoli in the last hour.
- Low Heat Only: Cook on low to keep chicken tender.
- Rest Before Serving: Let it sit for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Use Fresh Lemon: Fresh juice and zest enhance the citrus flavor.
- Stir Gently: Avoid breaking chicken pieces when mixing.
- Check Seasoning: Adjust soy sauce or ginger based on taste.
Crock Pot Asian-Inspired Lemon Chicken
Tender crockpot Asian lemon chicken, zesty and flavorful, perfect for easy meals.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and season with a pinch of salt.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Pour Over Chicken: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring even coating.
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, until chicken is tender.
- Prepare Cornstarch: Mix cornstarch with 1 tbsp water to create a slurry; set aside.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry, cover, and cook on high for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add Heat (Optional): Sprinkle red pepper flakes (if using) and stir gently to combine.
- Rest and Stir: Turn off the slow cooker and let the dish rest for 10 minutes, stirring to coat the chicken.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon over rice or noodles, and savor the zesty, flavorful lemon chicken!
Notes
- Cut chicken evenly for consistent cooking; sear in batches if needed.
- Add red pepper flakes late to control heat; adjust to your spice preference.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor; bottled works in a pinch.
- Store leftovers promptly to maintain freshness.
- This recipe can be adapted for gluten-free or low-sugar diets with appropriate swaps.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 232Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 138mgSodium 488mgCarbohydrates 8gFiber 0gSugar 5gProtein 28g
The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredients Notes
- Chicken Thighs (2 lbs): Boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces for tenderness.
- Lemon Juice (½ cup): Freshly squeezed for authentic citrus flavor.
- Soy Sauce (¼ cup): Low-sodium prevents over-saltiness; tamari for gluten-free.
- Honey (2 tbsp): Adds natural sweetness; adjust to taste.
- Garlic (4 cloves): Minced for aromatic warmth.
- Ginger (1 tbsp, grated): Fresh grated ginger brings zesty warmth.
- Lemon Zest (1 tbsp): Freshly grated for extra citrus punch.
- Cornstarch (1 tbsp): Thickens the sauce; dissolve in water before adding.
- Sesame Oil (1 tbsp): Adds nutty flavor; use for searing or finishing.
- Red Pepper Flakes (¼ tsp, optional): Adds a mild kick; adjust to taste.
Variations and Substitutions
- Chicken Swap: Use chicken breast or pork tenderloin; adjust cooking time.
- Citrus Options: Substitute lemon with lime or orange juice.
- Soy Sauce Alternatives: Use coconut aminos for a soy-free version.
- Sweetener Swap: Replace honey with maple syrup or agave.
- Veggie Add-Ins: Mix in bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots.
- Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or fresh chili for more heat.
- Oil Swap: Use avocado oil or skip for oil-free cooking.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure soy sauce and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of broth.
- Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months; thaw in fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or microwave, stirring to blend sauce.
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