Description
Honey Lemon Chicken is a quick and easy dish featuring tender, juicy chicken thighs or breasts coated in a luscious glaze of honey, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and soy sauce. This recipe balances sweet and tangy flavors for a comforting and bright meal perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. It’s versatile, family-friendly, and made with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
Sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Optional: 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat your chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and black pepper on both sides to build foundational flavors that will shine once cooked.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside to rest.
- Make the Honey Lemon Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned. Pour in fresh lemon juice, honey, and soy sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine and Glaze: Return the chicken to the skillet, turning it in the sauce to coat each piece thoroughly. Simmer for another 2 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken slightly and soak into the chicken.
- Final Touch: If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk the cornstarch with water and stir it into the pan. Cook until the sauce is glossy and thickened. Remove from heat and prepare to serve.
Notes
- Pat dry chicken: Ensures a good sear without steaming, giving a beautifully caramelized crust.
- Use fresh lemon juice: Bottled lemon juice won’t give the same vibrant, fresh flavor impact.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook chicken in batches if needed to maintain heat and prevent steaming.
- Balance sweetness and acidity: Adjust honey and lemon juice quantities to your personal taste for the perfect zing.
- Rest the chicken: Letting it rest before slicing helps retain juicy tenderness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg