Malissa'S Lemon Chicken Sauce

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

A tangy and sweet lemon chicken sauce with buttery richness, perfect for pairing with fried chicken and rice for a flavorful meal.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 4 teaspoons cornstarch
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon peel (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • yellow food color (optional for color)

Instructions

  1. Mix sugar, cornstarch, salt, water, and lemon peel in a saucepan.
  2. Add butter, lemon juice, and food coloring to the mixture.
  3. Cook over low heat until smooth, beating occasionally with a wire whisk.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of white wine or a touch of garlic powder to the sauce. If you don't have lemon juice, substitute with vinegar for acidity; however, fresh lemon juice will give the best taste. Ensure you whisk continuously while cooking to prevent lumps, similar to the technique used in American recipes like Texas Sheet Bars.

Serving Suggestions

This lemon chicken sauce pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, adding a zesty flavor that complements the dish. Serve it over rice or pasta for a complete meal. For a delightful dessert after your meal, consider serving with Lucky Chocolate Cake for a sweet ending.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover lemon chicken sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain its smooth consistency. If it thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen it up.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Malissa'S Lemon Chicken Sauce contains roughly 103 calories, with 1g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 490mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).

103 kcal 5% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.8g 2% DV
Total Fat 7.6g 10% DV
Carbs 9.1g 3% DV
Fiber 2.1g 8% DV
Sugar 0.4g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 490.3mg 21% DV
Potassium 91.8mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 22.5mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.2mcg
Vitamin C 20.6mg 23% DV
Calcium 24mg 2% DV
Iron 0.3mg 1% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, reheat gently while stirring to restore its smooth texture.

What can I use instead of cornstarch?

If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that it may not thicken as effectively. For a gluten-free option, consider using arrowroot powder or tapioca starch.

Is it possible to make this sauce without sugar?

Absolutely! You can use sugar substitutes like honey, agave syrup, or a stevia blend to achieve sweetness without using refined sugar. Adjust the quantity to taste, as these alternatives may vary in sweetness.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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