This simple honey lemon chicken recipe features tender pan-fried chicken coated in a sweet and tangy lemon and honey sauce. It’s fast to make and uses common ingredients you probably already have!
Honey Lemon Chicken
For a meal that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors, Honey Lemon Chicken is an excellent choice. This dish features chicken with a golden-brown sear, coated in a delicious honey lemon glaze, and served over a bed of rice. Garnished with slices of lemon and fresh parsley, it’s a visually appealing and flavorful meal.
A Harmony of Flavors
The honey lemon glaze is the star of this dish, providing a delightful combination of sweetness from the honey and a refreshing tang from the lemon. The golden-brown sear on the chicken adds a depth of flavor and a satisfying texture, making each bite a delightful experience. The fresh parsley and lemon slices not only enhance the presentation but also add a burst of freshness.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re preparing a special dinner for guests or looking for a quick and tasty weeknight meal, Honey Lemon Chicken is a versatile choice. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for a casual meal. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a dish that everyone will love.
Easy to Prepare
Despite its sophisticated appearance, this dish is relatively easy to prepare. The key is to cook the chicken until it’s perfectly seared and then coat it in the honey lemon glaze. Serving it over rice allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
A Family Favorite
This dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Its sweet and tangy flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, the ease of preparation means you can enjoy more time at the table and less time in the kitchen.
What you’ll need:
- Chicken: Two chicken breasts, cut into four thinner cutlets for even cooking and tenderness.
- Garlic powder: Along with salt and pepper, it adds savory goodness to the chicken.
- Flour: Used for dredging to create a nice crust.
- Olive oil and butter: For sautéing and forming the base of the sauce.
- Chicken broth: Adds an extra layer of flavor to the sauce.
- Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice brings acidity and brightness.
- Honey: Adds a pop of sweet flavor!
Helpful Tips:
- The sauce in this recipe isn’t intended to be very thick or syrupy, but it will reduce and thicken while the chicken finishes cooking.
- When coating the chicken with flour, it’s better to start with less. You can add more if needed, but if you use too much, you’ll have to discard the excess flour. It’s easy to overestimate and waste flour.
Substitutions and Variations:
- For an extra kick, grate some fresh ginger into the sauce.
- Adding the zest of half a lemon enhances the flavor. Use a Microplane grater or zester for this.
- What to Serve with Lemon Honey Chicken:
- Extra lemon slices for garnish are optional.
- Good pairings include rice, Boursin Mashed Potatoes, or pasta like Quick Garlic Butter Pasta. Steamed veggies such as broccolini or Easy Roasted Green Beans make great sides. A salad with mixed greens and quick Homemade Ranch Dressing is also a tasty option.
Leftovers and Storage:
- Store leftover lemon honey chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for around 3 to 4 days.
- Reheat slowly over low heat until warmed through.
- Freezing is not recommended for this recipe.
Be sure to check out these other delicious chicken recipes!
Creamy White Chicken Chili
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken Pesto Pasta
Buffalo Chicken Soup
Honey Lemon Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Flour for dredging
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter divided
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner cutlets. Sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Coat them evenly by dredging in flour.
- Cook Chicken: Heat oil and one tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden. If it splatters too much, lower the heat slightly.
- Set Aside: Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Take the pan off the heat and add chicken broth, lemon juice, honey, and the remaining butter. Scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Combine and Cook: Return the chicken to the pan. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or so over medium-high heat until the sauce reduces and thickens slightly, and the chicken is fully cooked. Spoon the sauce over the chicken.
- Season: If needed, season with extra salt and pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy!