Dish guides · Western

Is lemon chicken healthy?

Lemon chicken costs about $3.02 a serving to make at home at typical US grocery prices. Going by its main ingredients, it's a good fit for lower LDL cholesterol, steadier blood sugar and more protein.
We've cooked it 4 times in our own kitchen this year.

By health goal

Lower LDL cholesterol
Good fit
For lower LDL cholesterol, olive oil in lemon chicken helps, and nothing in it works against that goal.
Steadier blood sugar
Good fit
For steadier blood sugar, olive oil in lemon chicken helps, and nothing in it works against that goal.
Lower blood pressure
Watch the sauce
Nothing in the main ingredients works against lower blood pressure. Most of the salt in dishes like this comes from the sauce, so go light on soy sauce or use a low-sodium one.
Weight loss
Neutral
It's neutral for weight loss: nothing in it stands out either way. Add a side of vegetables or beans to make it work harder for you.
More protein
Good fit
For more protein, chicken thigh in lemon chicken helps, and nothing in it works against that goal.

For LDL cholesterol, with sources

2 of 5
LDL habits in this dish
Soluble fiber (oats, barley, beans, eggplant, okra, fruit)
Fish, ideally oily (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
Soy or beans in place of some meat
✓
Nuts, seeds, olive oil or avocado
✓
Little fatty meat, cream, butter or cheese
Helps your LDL
olive oil
Unsaturated fat that can lower LDL.
Mayo Clinic

What goes in (per portion)

chicken thigh
¼ lb
lemon
½
garlic
¼ head
shallots
½
thyme
¼ bunch
olive oil
½ tbsp
We usually serve it with broccoli, spinach, brussels sprouts.

Questions

Is lemon chicken healthy?

Lemon chicken costs about $3.02 a serving to make at home at typical US grocery prices. Going by its main ingredients, it's a good fit for lower LDL cholesterol, steadier blood sugar and more protein.

Is lemon chicken good for high cholesterol?

Yes, going by its main ingredients. For lower LDL cholesterol, olive oil in lemon chicken helps, and nothing in it works against that goal.

Is lemon chicken OK for blood sugar or diabetes?

Yes, going by its main ingredients. For steadier blood sugar, olive oil in lemon chicken helps, and nothing in it works against that goal.

Is lemon chicken OK for high blood pressure?

Mostly, depending on the sauce. Nothing in the main ingredients works against lower blood pressure. Most of the salt in dishes like this comes from the sauce, so go light on soy sauce or use a low-sodium one.

Is lemon chicken good for weight loss?

It's neutral for weight loss: nothing in it stands out either way. Add a side of vegetables or beans to make it work harder for you.

Is lemon chicken high in protein?

Yes, going by its main ingredients. For more protein, chicken thigh in lemon chicken helps, and nothing in it works against that goal.

How much does lemon chicken cost to make at home?

About $3.02 a serving, or $12.08 for four servings, at typical US grocery prices, with pantry staples like soy sauce and oil counted at $0.40 a serving.

How can I make lemon chicken healthier?

It's already in good shape. Serve it with a vegetable side, like spinach or broccoli, and brown rice if you want more fiber.

Plan a week of dishes like this

Eat Healthy AF plans your week of Asian home cooking around your health goal, with one shopping list and the cost of each meal. Free for 7 days.
General nutrition information, not medical advice, based on each dish's main ingredients as we cook it; sauces and salt vary by recipe. Prices are typical US grocery prices and vary by store.
Eat Healthy AF (AF as in Asian Food) is general nutrition information, not medical advice. It doesn't diagnose or treat anything. Keep your doctor in the loop, and don't change any medication without them.