Lemon Chicken
We adore a Fakeaway and our slimming friendly Lemon Chicken is one of our favourites – great if you're calorie counting or following a plan like Weight Watchers!
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NutritionPer Serving
- Calories201
- Carbs15g
- Protein30g
- Fat2g
- Saturates0.5g
- Sugars7g
For the full list of ingredients and comprehensive instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post. Before you scroll, there’s important stuff to know in the blurb!
We love a fakeaway and our slimming friendly Lemon Chicken is one of our absolute favourites!
A Chinese takeaway is the perfect weekend treat, but these are often packed with calories which means they’re not always an option if you’re calorie counting or following a plan like Weight Watchers.
We may be a little biased, but we think that our Lemon Chicken tastes even better than the version you’d get from your local Chinese!
It’s also low on calories and super quick to make – ideal for when you’ve had a busy day or don’t feel like cooking anything too complicated.
What diets is this Lemon Chicken suitable for?
This Lemon Chicken recipe is suitable for gluten free as long as you swap out the following ingredients for gluten free versions:
- Stock cubes
You can also enjoy this Lemon Chicken if you’re dairy-free without having to make any swaps.
Please make sure to double or triple check all of your ingredients if you’re cooking for people with allergies.
Do you need any special ingredients to make Lemon Chicken?
You can buy all of the ingredients for this tasty, Chinese inspired dish at your local supermarket.
We use xanthan gum to thicken the sauce. It’s a great alternative to corn flour, low in calories and gluten free!
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You can find xanthan gum in the “free from” aisle at your supermarket. You only need a tiny amount so make sure to just add a little at a time!
We love eating this dish with some chopsticks like these – but you can definitely use a fork if you’d prefer!
How many calories are in this Lemon Chicken?
There are 201 calories per portion in this Lemon Chicken, which means it falls into our Everyday Light category.
This Lemon Chicken is perfect if you’re following a calorie controlled diet, and fits well with any one of the major diet plans such as Weight Watchers.
As a guide, an average man needs around 2,500kcal (10,500kJ) a day to maintain a healthy body weight. For an average woman, that figure is around 2,000kcal (8,400kJ) a day. Obviously, if your goal is to lose weight then you might want to adjust these slightly! You can read more about these recommendations on the NHS website.
Step 1
Spray the frying pan with low calorie cooking spray and cook the onions, chilli and chicken on a medium heat.
Step 2
When the onion has softened and the chicken browned, slightly remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3
Add the stock, onion powder and no added sugar lemon squash to the pan and bring to the boil.
Step 4
Allow to simmer for a few minutes. Place half the sauce into a jug and whisk in the xanthan gum a 1/4 of a tsp at a time. You will need to whisk well – and keep whisking!
Step 5
When the right consistency is achieved, return the sauce to the pan and add the chicken.
Step 6
Add the lemon slices and cook gently for another 5 minutes.
Step 7
Stir in the pineapple and remove from the heat immediately.
Step 8
Taste, and add a little granulated sweetener if it’s a bit too sour.
Step 9
Serve with your choice of accompaniment.
What could I serve with this Lemon Chicken?
Some boiled rice or any of the following accompaniments are the perfect addition to this dish.
How do you know when Lemon Chicken is cooked?
You should cook this dish until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. The sauce should be thickened, glossy and delish!
This will take around 20 minutes on the hob.
Standard advice here in the UK is to cook food until it has reached 70°C and stayed at that temperature for 2 minutes. This is to keep your family safe.
How long can you keep Lemon Chicken in the fridge?
Once you’ve served this dish, ideally you should eat it within 4 hours.
If you allow any leftovers to cool, make sure to refrigerate in a container with a lid and chill. You can keep leftovers of Lemon Chicken in the fridge for approximately 3 days or so.
Can I freeze Lemon Chicken?
Yes you can! This recipe can be frozen, but please remember to do the following;
- Freeze it as soon as it is cold enough.
- Use a container or bag that is suitable for freezing.
Don’t forget to add a label with what it is, and on what date you put it in the freezer!
How do I reheat Lemon Chicken?
From chilled: Place in a microwave proof container with loosely fitting lid and heat for 4-7 minutes until piping hot.
From frozen: Allow to defrost, and heat covered in the microwave for 3-5 minutes then stir. Cook for a further 5-7 minutes until piping hot.
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Lemon Chicken
We adore a Fakeaway and our slimming friendly Lemon Chicken is one of our favourites – great if you’re calorie counting or following a plan like Weight Watchers!
-
Prep Time
5 MINS
-
Cook Time
20 MINS
- KCals 201
- Carbs 15G
Instructions
- Spray the frying pan with low calorie cooking spray and cook the onions, chilli and chicken on a medium heat.
- When the onion has softened and the chicken has browned slightly, remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add the stock, onion powder and no added sugar lemon squash to the pan and bring to the boil.
- Allow to simmer for a few minutes. Place half of the sauce into a jug and whisk in the xanthan gum a 1/4 of a tsp at a time. You will need to whisk well - and keep whisking!
- When the right consistency is achieved, return the sauce to the pan and add the chicken.
- Add the lemon slices and cook gently for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in the pineapple and remove from the heat immediately.
- Taste, and add a little granulated sweetener if it's a bit too sour.
- Serve with your choice of accompaniment.
Looking for Slimming World Syns or Weight Watchers (WW) Points?
With ever-changing plans and point calculations, we have made the decision to remove WW Points from the website - referring to your individual plan or advice from your consultant is always going to give the most accurate results.
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We agreed with Slimming World to remove their trademarked terms from our website
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53 comments
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Caroline ClarkeThursday 20th January 2022
Hi, which of your books is this recipe in?
HollyFriday 21st January 2022
Hey Caroline, the Lemon Chicken is exclusive to our website. We have an article HERE which explains how to save a recipe to favourites so you can find it quickly next time, hope that helps!
JoySaturday 27th February 2021
Can I use cornflour instead of xanthan gum
SharonMonday 1st March 2021
Hi Joy, yes, you can use cornflour if you prefer. Mix it with a little water until it forms a smooth, lump free liquid before adding to the recipe. Thanks for your question.
JacklynSaturday 20th February 2021
Can I leave out the pineapple?
SharonMonday 22nd February 2021
Hi Jacklyn, yes you can leave out the pineapple if you prefer. Hope you enjoy the recipe.
JenniTuesday 23rd June 2020
What do I do with the other half of the sauce
Holly LevellTuesday 23rd June 2020
Hey Jenni, Once you have allowed it to simmer for a few minutes. Place half of the sauce into a jug and whisk in the xanthan gum a 1/4 of a tsp at a time. When the right consistency is achieved, return sauce to the pan and add the chicken. So that’s when you add it back in. Hope that helps!
JenTuesday 23rd June 2020
Yes so you take half the sauce out, do you leave the rest of the sauce in the pan and then add the thickened sauce back into it?
Holly LevellWednesday 24th June 2020
Hi Jen, yes thats correct
HelenMonday 15th June 2020
Do I use 125ml of undiluted squash? Or am I supposed to dilute? Thanks
SharonTuesday 16th June 2020
Hi Helen, thanks for your question. The 125 ml of lemon squash is the undiluted amount. Hope you enjoy this recipe!
JoThursday 11th June 2020
Can I use lemon juice instead of lemon squash
LisaThursday 11th June 2020
Hi Jo. We developed this recipe using lemon squash. If you wanted to use lemon juice you would need to experiment with amounts, dilution and would need to add some sugar or sweetener. If you decide to try it, please let us know how you get on.
Kay wallisSaturday 23rd May 2020
Could I use tin pineapple instead of fresh for this lemon chicken please?
LisaSaturday 23rd May 2020
Hi Kay. Yes you could!
LeanneWednesday 4th March 2020
I’ve made this tonight & wondering why on earth I’ve not made this before?! This is another winner & will be a firm favourite from now on, 10/10.
LisaWednesday 6th May 2020
Thank you for your comment, Leanne. So glad you enjoyed it!
BarbaraMonday 6th May 2019
The most amazing book I have ever bought and I have bought a lot!
Could live on Lemon Chicken recipe
Can’t wait for new book to come out.
Big thank you x
Elaine PhillipsSaturday 6th April 2019
Hi could I use quorn in this recipe
Emma TSunday 7th April 2019
Hi Elaine,
Yes! Use it as you would chicken ????
Emma
Nicola JohnstonSaturday 27th October 2018
Can the sauce be made in advance and warmed later? Having a dinner party and selected this as as the main but want to know if I can get most of it ready before hand and reheat (sauce that it, don’t want to over cook my chicken) TIA
EmmaSaturday 28th April 2018
Delicious! I’ve just made this and I thought it was great! I feel like I’ve had a take away without the bloating and guilt!!
I didn’t need the sweetener and added some more lemon squash but I don’t have a sweet tooth, I didn’t find it tart. Added extra veg to bulk up and get my superfree.
First time I’d used the gum – really straight forward to use and excellent thickener
Would definitely recommend, Thanks!!
Tracey tyeFriday 6th April 2018
Instead of lemon squash could I use lemon juice?
Irene MorrisonWednesday 14th March 2018
I have tried many a recipe for lemon chicken and this is “BY FAR” the best i have ever had…… i did not add the pineapple as is seemed wrong and no chilli. It is a stunning recipe and i will be having this often. The Xantham gum is an amazing find and we are grateful as ever – keep them coming 🙂
RebeccaSaturday 6th January 2018
Hi,
Thinking of making this but want to know if I use cornflour instead of xantham gum, how much should I use?
Becka
ClaireThursday 26th October 2017
Hi is onion powder the same as onion granules?
ROSIESaturday 14th October 2017
I’m probably being silly but when taking out 200ml of the liquid, do you add the gym to the remainder or just the 200 ml? TIA
Anne WoodwardFriday 13th October 2017
Didnt like this at all to tart and was so excited to try this never mind were all different!
MonicaWednesday 13th September 2017
Thank you for the Lemon Chicken recipe! It was a great success and tasted so authentic. Pinch of Nom you are amazing!
Best regards. Monica x
Jodie LeslieMonday 8th May 2017
Going to try this tonight for work. Is there anything I can add other than pineapple as it does not agree with me. Thanks looks lovely.
LeahWednesday 19th April 2017
I made this at the weekend for the family as i was really craving Chinese food! It was absolutely amazing, just like the real thing and my 4 children loved it too. Its really easy to make, so we will definitely be having this again! Thank you for sharing all your lovely recipes, they help keep us on plan! xxx
HeatherSaturday 18th March 2017
Sorry what is xantham gum and where do you get it. Thanks xx
KateSunday 19th March 2017
Hi Heather
Xanthan Gum is used as a thickener, but you only need a very small amount compared to flour or cornflour. You can find it in the Free From section of most supermarkets
PamelaSaturday 4th March 2017
Trying this tonight, fair drooling at the thought of a cheeky Chinese 😛
KateMonday 6th March 2017
Hi Pamela
I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. It tastes just like the real thing from the takeaway
Kate dowlingMonday 13th February 2017
I made this yesterday and it was really delicious – definitely one of my new favourites to cook again! – Thank you so much.
KateTuesday 14th February 2017
Hi Kate
We love this one too. We’re having it again this weekend 🙂
JoSaturday 11th February 2017
Making this tomorrow – can’t wait as I’ve REALLY missed having a cheeky Chinese! B-)
Jude StokerThursday 26th January 2017
Made this tonight. I like it quite tart so added a few more lemon slices and it was delicious. Thank you for the recipe and the tip about the gum. What a great find ????
KateFriday 27th January 2017
Hi Jude,
Glad you like it. Isn’t Xanthan gum great?!
LucySaturday 21st January 2017
I assume the lemon squash is added as concentrate-?
KateSaturday 21st January 2017
Hi Lucy
Yes it is added as is, not diluted
NadiaMonday 16th January 2017
Just made this and found it hard to get the tartness out. Felt like I added quite a bit of sweetener. Also, I added more lemon squash as it just tasted like chicken stock to start with. I agree with the rating. First time I have used xanthan gum and I love it! What a find.
KateMonday 16th January 2017
Hi Nadia
If the dish was too tart then you will have added far too much extra Lemon Squash
Emma RhymesSunday 8th January 2017
Would you say that this is a freezer friendly recipe?
I have tried this recipe before and loves it. I am trying to find some recipes that I can make then pop in the freezer for days of no time or no food.
KateMonday 16th January 2017
Hi Emma,
We’ve never tried freezing it, but I would imagine it would be fine in the freezer
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