Honey Lemon Chicken

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If you’re craving a quick and vibrant dinner that’s both healthy and satisfying, this Honey Lemon Chicken hits the spot. Tender bites of chicken coated in a glossy, citrusy glaze are perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something homemade. The combination of sweet honey and bright lemon is a match made in heaven, creating a dish that feels light yet full of flavor.

This recipe brings together a wonderful balance of savory and sweet, with just a hint of tang. It’s easy enough for beginners and impressive enough to serve guests. You’ll love how the sticky sauce clings to each piece, making every bite irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Lemon Chicken

You’ll love this recipe for its simplicity and versatility. It comes together quickly with ingredients you probably already have on hand, making it perfect for weeknights. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad. The sweet and tangy glaze keeps things interesting, making this dish a family favorite in no time.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For the best results, use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh cut into bite-sized pieces. Thighs tend to stay juicier and have more flavor, but breasts work wonderfully if you prefer something leaner. The key is to keep the pieces uniform in size so they cook evenly and stay tender inside while the outside gets beautifully glazed.

Ingredients for the Honey Lemon Chicken

Chicken is the star of this dish, providing a tender, protein-packed base that soaks up the delicious glaze beautifully. Honey brings a natural sweetness that caramelizes perfectly in the pan. Fresh lemon juice and zest add brightness and a little tang to cut through the sweetness. Soy sauce gives the glaze its savory depth while balancing the other flavors. Garlic is a must for its aromatic punch, and a touch of cornstarch helps the sauce thicken and cling to the chicken. Olive oil is used for cooking, adding richness and keeping the chicken juicy.

How To Make the Honey Lemon Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut your chicken breast or thigh into even, bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they brown nicely.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, soy sauce, minced garlic, and cornstarch dissolved in a little water. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Sauce

Pour the prepared honey lemon sauce into the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken, letting it simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken.

Step 5: Serve

Remove from heat and serve warm, garnished with extra lemon slices or chopped parsley if desired.

How to Serve and Store This Honey Lemon Chicken

This honey lemon chicken serves about 4 people, making it a perfect family dinner or an easy option when having a couple of friends over. Serve it fresh from the skillet while the sauce is still warm and glossy. If you have leftovers, let them cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

What to Serve With Honey Lemon Chicken?

Steamed Jasmine Rice

The subtle fragrance of jasmine rice is a wonderful companion to the tangy, sweet sauce.

Buttered Egg Noodles

Soft, buttery noodles catch all the delicious glaze, adding comforting richness to the dish.

Roasted Broccoli

Crispy roasted broccoli balances the sweetness with its earthy flavor and crunch.

Garlic Green Beans

These garlicky greens keep the plate vibrant and pack a punch of freshness.

Simple Side Salad

A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness and keeps the meal feeling light.

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes soak up every bit of sauce for a hearty pairing.

Quinoa

For a healthier twist, serve it over nutty, fluffy quinoa for added protein and texture.

Roasted Asparagus

Its delicate, slightly bitter taste complements the honey lemon glaze beautifully.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Honey Lemon Chicken, you’ll probably enjoy these other flavorful chicken dishes:

• Try my Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl for a fresh and cozy meal.
• Whip up a comforting No Peek Chicken Casserole when you need something hands-off and hearty.
• For a creamy and rich dinner, make my Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Potatoes, and Mushrooms.
• Don’t miss the Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken for that restaurant-inspired flavor at home.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a little ginger? Maybe some chili flakes for heat? I love seeing your twists on my recipes, so don’t hesitate to share your creations!

Explore beautifully curated chicken dinners and more on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover even more mealtime inspiration.

Conclusion

This Honey Lemon Chicken is proof that simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. Sweet, tangy, savory, and satisfying, it’s sure to earn a regular spot on your dinner rotation. Enjoy the bright flavors and the ease of preparation, and make every bite count.

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