Under the Arthur Ashe Stadium lights, Sharapova - the 2006 champion - eventually saw off a stubborn Lisicki 6-2 6-4 in one hour 41 minutes.
The Russian fended off the only two break points she faced in the first set to take it in 40 minutes, but the second set was an entirely different story as the German 26th seed took control.
Lisicki broke and consolidated for a 3-1 lead, defying Sharapova on break point with some extraordinary retrieves before holding serve.
The 2013 Wimbledon finalist then had a point for a double-break as Sharapova looked to drop a set for the second time in as many matches.
However, the five-time major winner showed her trademark resilience to fight back into the set.
Sharapova was in pole position to wrap up the match when she served for it at 5-3, but there was one last twist in the tale as Lisicki broke to 30 to extend it.
Lisicki was edged in a thrilling game, however, Sharapova breaking on her third match point after the German blew two chances to take it to 5-5.
Sharapova will now meet Caroline Wozniacki, the 10th seed of Denmark, in a salivating fourth-round encounter.