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If you’re looking for a light yet incredibly flavorful dish, this Steamed Chicken with Lemon Sauce is exactly what you need. It’s tender, juicy, and infused with the perfect balance of tangy citrus and delicate seasonings. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make! No frying, no excessive oil—just pure, clean flavors that make every bite refreshing and satisfying.
Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll want to add it to your regular meal rotation. It’s perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, a quick meal prep option, or even an elegant dish to impress guests.
Why You’ll Love Steamed Chicken with Lemon Sauce
Healthy & Light: Steaming keeps the chicken juicy without adding excess fat.
Super Easy to Make: A fuss-free recipe that comes together in no time.
Zesty & Flavorful: The fresh lemon sauce brings a vibrant, tangy twist.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Keeps well and reheats beautifully.
Customizable: Works great with different herbs, spices, or side dishes.
Ingredients in Steamed Chicken with Lemon Sauce
Chicken Breasts: Lean, protein-packed, and perfect for steaming.
Garlic: Adds a rich, aromatic depth to the dish.
Ginger: A touch of warmth and freshness to complement the lemon.
Lemon Juice: The star ingredient—bright, tangy, and refreshing!
Chicken Broth: Enhances the flavor of the sauce without overpowering it.
Soy Sauce: A little umami to balance out the tanginess.
Honey: A hint of natural sweetness to round out the flavors.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to a silky, smooth consistency.
Sesame Oil: Adds a subtle nuttiness to elevate the dish.
Green Onions: For a fresh, crisp garnish.
How to Make Steamed Chicken with Lemon Sauce
Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Steam the Chicken: Place the chicken in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.
Make the Lemon Sauce: In a saucepan, whisk together the lemon juice, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer.
Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir it into the simmering sauce until it thickens.
Assemble the Dish: Place the steamed chicken on a plate and generously drizzle the lemon sauce over the top.
Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil for extra flavor. Enjoy!
How to Serve Steamed Chicken with Lemon Sauce
Over Rice: Serve with jasmine or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
With Steamed Vegetables: Pair with broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas for a balanced meal.
As a Salad Protein: Slice it up and toss it into a fresh green salad.
With Noodles: Serve alongside light garlic or ginger noodles for an Asian-inspired twist.
Additional Tips
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Check for doneness at 15 minutes to keep it juicy.
Marinate for Extra Flavor: Let the chicken sit in lemon juice and garlic for 30 minutes before steaming.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Avoid bottled lemon juice for the best taste.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a tangier sauce, reduce the honey slightly.
Make It Spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A1: Absolutely! Thighs will be juicier but may need a few extra minutes of steaming.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q3: Can I reheat steamed chicken without drying it out?
A3: Yes! Reheat it gently in a steamer or microwave with a splash of broth.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, but the sauce may thicken upon thawing. Reheat with a bit of water or broth.
Q5: What if I don’t have a steamer?
A5: You can use a heatproof plate over a pot of simmering water with a lid.
Q6: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
A6: Yes! Prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q7: What other garnishes work well?
A7: Try sesame seeds, cilantro, or thinly sliced red chilies for extra flavor.
Q8: Is this dish gluten-free?
A8: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep it gluten-free.
Q9: Can I make this dish oil-free?
A9: Yes! Simply omit the sesame oil for an even lighter version.
Q10: What can I pair this with for a complete meal?
A10: A side of miso soup, a light cucumber salad, or stir-fried greens would complement it perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Steamed Chicken with Lemon Sauce is proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. It’s bright, refreshing, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight meal or prepping ahead for the week, this dish is a must-try. So go ahead—steam, sauce, and savor every bite!
Print
Steamed Chicken with Lemon Sauce
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Steamed Chicken with Lemon Sauce is a classic Chinese dish featuring tender, juicy chicken infused with a bright and tangy lemon sauce. Light, flavorful, and easy to prepare, this dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice and vegetables for a healthy, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken (breast or thigh meat, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 3 tsp vegetable oil
- 2 tsp rice wine vinegar
- 2 tsp fresh ginger paste (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp white pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup cilantro, chopped (reserve 1/4 cup for garnish)
- Lemon peel strips (from juiced lemons)
Instructions
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Prepare Ingredients:
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Peel the lemon zest in thin strips, avoiding the bitter white pith.
- Juice the lemons and chop the cilantro, reserving ¼ cup for garnish.
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Make the Marinade:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, vegetable oil, vinegar, ginger, sesame oil, salt, white pepper, and cornstarch.
- Add the lemon peel strips and mix well.
-
Marinate the Chicken:
- Toss the chicken and cilantro into the marinade, coating evenly.
- Cover and let marinate for 20 minutes.
-
Steam the Chicken:
- Transfer the chicken mixture into a heat-proof dish.
- Place the dish in a bamboo steamer or any steamer setup.
- Steam for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
-
Serve:
- Remove the lemon peel strips before serving.
- Serve over steamed rice with vegetables of choice.
- Garnish with the reserved cilantro.
Notes
- Best Chicken Cuts: Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness, but chicken breast works well too.
- Lemon Substitute: If fresh lemons are unavailable, use bottled lemon juice, but fresh zest enhances the flavor.
- Steaming Setup: If you don’t have a bamboo steamer, use a metal steamer basket or a heatproof plate over a pot with boiling water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg