Name: Lemonade Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1/2 cup frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp ketchup; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil (or cooking spray); Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Optional: 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening); Optional: green onions or sesame seeds for garnish

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemonade Chicken is a fun twist on classic sweet-and-sour dishes, with a bright citrus kick and a perfect balance of sweet and savory. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, using pantry staples and requiring just one skillet or baking dish. Whether grilled, baked, or simmered on the stove, it’s a crowd-pleaser that goes great with rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
frozen lemonade concentrate (thawed)
soy sauce
ketchup
brown sugar
garlic, minced
cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
water (if using cornstarch)
olive oil or cooking spray
salt
black pepper
optional: green onions or sesame seeds for garnish

Directions

In a medium bowl, whisk together lemonade concentrate, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Set aside.
Season chicken with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and sear on both sides until golden brown (about 3–4 minutes per side).
Pour the lemonade mixture over the chicken. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and sauce is slightly reduced.
(Optional) For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, stir into the sauce, and simmer uncovered for 3–5 more minutes until thickened.
Serve hot, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Grilled version: Marinate chicken in the lemonade mixture for 2–4 hours, then grill and baste with sauce.
Oven-baked: Bake chicken in a 9×13-inch dish at 375°F (190°C) for 35–40 minutes, basting occasionally.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Use drumsticks or wings: Great for party-style chicken—just adjust cook time accordingly.
Citrus mix: Combine lemonade with orange juice or pineapple juice for extra depth.
Use honey: Swap brown sugar for honey for a different kind of sweetness.
Add herbs: Fresh rosemary or thyme add aromatic flavor.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Low-sugar version: Use sugar-free lemonade concentrate and reduce added sweeteners.
Asian-inspired: Add ginger and sesame oil for a teriyaki-style flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover lemonade chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce if it thickens too much in the fridge.
This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of lemonade concentrate?

Lemonade concentrate provides sweetness and intensity. If using fresh lemon juice, add extra sugar to balance the flavor.

What’s the best cut of chicken to use?

Boneless thighs offer the most flavor and stay juicy, but breasts work well for a leaner option.

Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours.

Is this dish very sweet?

It has a balanced sweet-and-savory flavor. You can adjust the brown sugar to your taste.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, stir in bell peppers, onions, or snap peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Can I serve this with pasta?

Absolutely. It pairs well with rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, or even on a sandwich roll.

How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer—chicken is done at an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I marinate the chicken in the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, marinate for 2–4 hours in the fridge for even more flavor before cooking.

Does this work with pork or shrimp?

Yes, the sauce is versatile and also delicious with pork tenderloin or large shrimp.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger skillet or baking dish and adjust cook time as needed.

Conclusion

Lemonade Chicken is a deliciously simple recipe that brings sweet, tangy, and savory flavors together in every bite. Whether you simmer it on the stove or bake it in the oven, the citrusy glaze makes this dish shine. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining, it’s a quick, flavorful meal that’s sure to earn a spot in your dinner rotation.

Lemonade Chicken

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Lemonade Chicken is a sweet, tangy, and savory dish made with lemonade concentrate, soy sauce, and garlic. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights, served over rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together lemonade concentrate, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Set aside.
Season chicken with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Pour lemonade mixture over the chicken. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and sauce reduces slightly.
(Optional) Mix cornstarch and water, stir into sauce, and simmer uncovered for 3–5 minutes until thickened.
Serve hot over rice or noodles, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

Use thighs for juicier results; breasts for a leaner option.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Marinate chicken in the sauce for 2–4 hours for deeper flavor.
This dish is freezer-friendly—cool completely before freezing.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
Calories: 360
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 820mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 110mg