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Top view of Chinese Lemon Chicken in an Instant Pot with lemon slices

Instant Pot Chinese Lemon Chicken

Instant Pot Chinese Lemon Chicken – an easy homemade pressure cooker recipe of the classic Asian Takeout-Style Lemon Chicken. This healthier low carb / keto version of the popular favorite has a light and crispy coating covered in a flavorful sweet, savory and tangy lemon sauce.

Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Keyword Asian chicken recipe, chicken, chinese chicken, Instant Pot, keto, lemon, lemon chicken, low carb, paleo, pressure cooker
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 292 kcal
Author Kelly

Ingredients

  • 1 egg white lightly beaten
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast , cut into bite-sized chunks (or long strips if preferred)
  • 1/3 cup almond meal , (can sub with arrowroot starch or cornstarch if not low carb)
  • 1/4 cup finely crushed pork rinds , (can sub with panko crumbs if not low carb / keto)
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil , for sauteing

For the Sauce:

  • 1/3 cup coconut aminos
  • 1-2 tablespoons golden monk fruit sweetener , (can sub with 3 tablespoons honey if not low carb)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 3 Tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic , minced, (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon xanthum gum , (can sub with 1 tablespoon arrowroot starch for paleo)
  • 2-3 Tablespoons water , plus more to thin out sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon Sriracha hot sauce , optional or to taste

Garnish (optional):

  • Green onions and sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Combine the sauce ingredients together in a medium bowl. Measure out 3 tablespoons and add to a large mixing bowl. Set aside the saucepan. To the mixing bowl, lightly beat in the egg white and add chicken pieces. Mix well.
  2. In a large zip-top freezer bag, combine the almond meal, pork rinds, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken and shake well to coat.
  3. Turn your Instant Pot to SAUTE then add in oil. Once oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for 1-2 minutes, until a brown coating appears (chicken will not be cooked through which is fine). You may have to work in batches.
  4. Once you've browned all the chicken, place back in the Instant Pot and pour in the remaining sauce along with 1/3 cup water (or chicken broth). Cover with lid.
  5. Press the valve to SEALING and press MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK for 4 minutes. The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure. Once the 4 minutes is up, use a long spoon and push the valve to VENTING for a QUICK RELEASE.
  6. Once all the pressure is released, carefully unlock the lid. Press the SAUTE button, then whisk the arrowroot starch (or xanthum gum) with 2 tablespoons water until combined and stir into the Instant Pot. Allow sauce to cook until it bubbles and thicken.
  7. Taste and adjust seasonings to what you prefer - add additional lemon for tangier, more sweetener for sweeter and sriracha for spicier, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Instant Pot Chinese Lemon Chicken
Amount Per Serving (1 g)
Calories 292 Calories from Fat 135
% Daily Value*
Fat 15g23%
Carbohydrates 7g2%
Fiber 1g4%
Protein 26g52%
* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.