If you’re craving something irresistibly sweet, tangy, and sticky with just a hint of citrusy brightness, the Easy Sticky Asian Lemon Chicken Recipe will take dinner to the next level! There’s a beautiful balance in each bite: crisp, juicy chicken, vibrant lemony sauce, and a savory zing that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re tossing it over fluffy rice or stealing a piece straight from the skillet, this is one of those dishes that’s guaranteed to disappear fast—and make you look like a total kitchen rock star.

Easy Sticky Asian Lemon Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Sticky Asian Lemon Chicken Recipe is how quickly everyday ingredients come together to create restaurant-worthy magic at home. Each one has a special job, whether it’s adding punchy flavor, providing golden crunch, or bringing the signature sticky glaze.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose your favorite cut for the juiciest texture; thighs stay especially moist, while breasts offer a leaner bite.
Salt and black pepper: Seasoning from the start gives the chicken the right amount of flavor in every mouthful.
Cornstarch: This is your ticket to irresistibly crisp chicken on the outside and tender on the inside!
Vegetable oil: It gives a golden, nonstick finish without overpowering the dish.
Garlic and fresh ginger: The one-two punch for zesty, aromatic depth—don’t skip these!
Chicken broth: Helps deglaze the pan and infuses extra savory goodness into the sauce.
Honey: Brings the sticky sweetness that clings to every bite.
Soy sauce: Adds umami richness for that unmistakable Asian-inspired flavor.
Fresh lemon juice and lemon zest: The dynamic duo responsible for the serious citrusy kick.
Rice vinegar: Balances out the sweetness and adds subtle tang.
Brown sugar: Deepens the caramel notes and builds up the stickiness of the sauce.
Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the sauce in just seconds, giving it that gorgeous glossy finish.
Chopped green onions and sesame seeds: The final flourish for fresh flavor and eye-catching crunch.

How to Make Easy Sticky Asian Lemon Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Coat and Season the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces—think slightly larger than a nugget for maximum juiciness. Sprinkle them with salt and pepper right away for a layer of flavor that runs all the way through, then toss them with cornstarch. The cornstarch acts like a magic dust, creating that signature crisp crust once the chicken hits the hot skillet.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat your oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, making sure it’s nice and shimmering before you add the chicken. Lay the pieces in a single layer (work in two batches if you need to) so every piece has room to brown. Sear for five to seven minutes, flipping here and there, until they’re golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate to rest—you want to keep that beautiful crust you’ve built!

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

Add the minced garlic and grated ginger straight to the same skillet. Stir for about thirty seconds—just until the kitchen smells like something you’d get at your favorite takeout spot. Don’t let them burn; you only want to release those bold flavors!

Step 4: Simmer the Sticky Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, honey, soy sauce, fresh lemon juice and zest, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Give it all a good stir and bring to a lively simmer. Now, swirl together your cornstarch slurry (cornstarch plus water) and whisk it in. Within a minute or two, the sauce transforms right before your eyes, becoming thick, shiny, and just sticky enough to hug every piece of chicken.

Step 5: Toss and Finish

Now comes the fun part! Slide your crisp chicken pieces back into the pan and toss to get them gloriously coated in that tangy, glossy sauce. Let it all heat together for another minute or two so everything marries up. Turn off the heat and get ready to garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a burst of freshness and crunch.

How to Serve Easy Sticky Asian Lemon Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A final shower of chopped green onions adds bold color and a mild oniony punch, while sesame seeds sprinkle on a little extra crunch and toasty aroma. For even more drama and pop, snip a few lemon wedges for the plate or add a dusting of chili flakes—perfect for guests who love a spicy surprise!

Side Dishes

This Easy Sticky Asian Lemon Chicken Recipe is made to be served over a bed of steaming white rice, jasmine rice, or even nutty brown rice, letting the sauce soak in every bite. If noodles are more your style, a tangle of rice noodles or even lo mein makes a slurp-worthy base. For a lighter meal, try pairing with a quick stir-fry of snap peas, bok choy, or broccoli—soaking up all those bright flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful and pile the chicken in lettuce cups with a sprinkle of extra herbs for a fresh, hand-held twist. Skewer the bite-sized pieces and serve as sticky, lemony party bites, or tuck them inside a warm bao bun alongside cucumber for a fun, unique slider experience. However you present the Easy Sticky Asian Lemon Chicken Recipe, it’ll be the star of the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Allow your Easy Sticky Asian Lemon Chicken Recipe to cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce stays sticky and delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for dinner the next day (or a midnight snack, no judgment here!).

Freezing

If you want to freeze for later, first let the chicken cool completely. Spoon everything—the chicken and that incredible sauce—into a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve both the texture and flavor.

Reheating

Gently reheat your Easy Sticky Asian Lemon Chicken Recipe in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce if it’s thickened too much in the fridge or freezer. For a speedy fix, microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. Either way, the flavors stay punchy and the chicken stays tender.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs deliver maximum juiciness, chicken breasts work beautifully too—you’ll just want to keep an eye on the cook time so they don’t dry out. The Easy Sticky Asian Lemon Chicken Recipe is delicious with either option.

Is this recipe gluten free?

To make this dish gluten free, simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or a gluten free soy alternative, and double-check that your chicken broth is free from any hidden gluten sources. The rest of the Easy Sticky Asian Lemon Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten free!

How can I make it spicy?

Spice lovers can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce, or swirl in a little sriracha or chili paste for an extra kick at the table. It adds heat without overpowering the bright lemon and sticky sweetness.

What kind of honey is best?

Any liquid honey will work, but a mild, light variety (like clover or wildflower) keeps the flavor bright and lets the lemon shine through without overpowering it. Local honeys often add a lovely floral note to the Easy Sticky Asian Lemon Chicken Recipe too.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

You sure can! Make the sauce up to two days in advance, store it in an airtight jar in the fridge, and simply reheat until simmering when you’re ready to toss with your cooked chicken. It makes pulling the whole dish together even faster on those busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that jars everyone to attention and instantly brightens the table, the Easy Sticky Asian Lemon Chicken Recipe is a must-try. There’s just nothing like the combo of sweet, tangy, sticky, and savory when you make it at home. Give it a whirl—your friends and family will be begging for the recipe, guaranteed!

Easy Sticky Asian Lemon Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Sticky Asian Lemon Chicken recipe is a flavorful and tangy dish that is quick to make and perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a sticky, sweet, and citrusy sauce that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/3 cup cornstarch

Sauce:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

Garnish:

Chopped green onions
Sesame seeds

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then toss them in cornstarch until coated.
Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet, add the chicken, and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic and ginger, then add chicken broth, honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, lemon zest, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Thicken with cornstarch slurry.
Combine and Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet, coat in the sauce, and cook briefly. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.