Name: Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 12 min
Cuisine: Western
Ingredients: 1 lb / 500g chicken breast (2 pieces); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup / 35 g flour (any); 1 1/2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 garlic clove, minced; 3/4 cup / 185 ml chicken broth / stock; 1/4 cup / 85 g honey; 1/4 cup / 60 ml lemon juice (fresh); 1 tsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp water; 1 tsp flour (reserved from chicken coating); Lemon slices; Finely chopped parsley

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If you are looking for a dish that delivers the perfect harmony of sweet and tangy flavors with juicy, tender chicken, then this Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. Ready in just 12 minutes, it transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dinner featuring crispy-coated chicken bathed in a luscious honey-lemon sauce that clings beautifully to every bite. Whether you’re rushing through a busy weeknight or wanting to impress friends without fuss, this recipe brings freshness, warmth, and a pop of zest to your table effortlessly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A thin raw piece of meat lies flat in the middle of a shallow white plate, covered with a layer of fine white flour. The meat has a light pink color, and the flour dusting on top adds a pale, powdery texture. Small black specks of seasoning are scattered unevenly across the meat's surface. The plate sits on a white marbled surface that adds a clean, bright background to the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe really shines through the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each element is essential, not just for flavor but also for texture and color, making the dish as delightful to eat as it is to look at.

Chicken breast (1 lb / 500g): Choose fresh, firm chicken breasts for tender, juicy meat that cooks quickly and evenly.
Salt and pepper: These basic seasonings are crucial for bringing out the natural flavor of the chicken.
Flour (1/4 cup / 35g): A light dusting helps create a slightly crispy skin that holds the sauce wonderfully.
Butter (1 1/2 tbsp): Adds richness and depth to the sauce’s flavor.
Olive oil (1 tbsp): Helps in browning the chicken to a perfect golden color.
Garlic clove, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and a subtle kick.
Chicken broth (3/4 cup / 185 ml): Creates a savory base for the honey-lemon sauce.
Honey (1/4 cup / 85g): Brings natural sweetness and a lovely sticky texture.
Fresh lemon juice (1/4 cup / 60 ml): Provides the bright citrus zing that balances the honey.
Soy sauce (1 tsp): Adds a hint of umami to deepen the sauce’s complexity.
Water (2 tbsp): Mixed with flour to help thicken the sauce perfectly.
Optional garnish: Lemon slices and finely chopped parsley: These add a refreshing visual and flavor contrast.

How to Make Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create four thin steaks for quick and even cooking. If you want, pound the pieces so they’re about 1cm thick—that ensures every bite is tender and cooks uniformly. Generously season both sides with salt and pepper to enhance flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Coat with Flour

Place the flour in a shallow dish and coat each piece of chicken thoroughly, shaking off any excess. This step might seem small, but it’s key for that delightful crispy texture that helps the sauce cling incredibly well later on.

Step 3: Make Flour-Water Mixture

Reserve about a teaspoon of flour and mix it with the water set aside earlier. This slurry will be used in thickening the honey lemon sauce to the perfect consistency.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat the butter and olive oil together in a skillet over medium-high heat until the butter has melted and the pan is hot. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about two minutes on each side until golden brown and deliciously crispy. Remove the chicken and let it rest on a plate—it will continue to stay juicy as the sauce is made.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Add minced garlic to the same skillet and stir for about 20 seconds until fragrant and golden—this quick step boosts the sauce’s flavor immensely. Pour in the chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape up the brown bits stuck to the pan for extra savory goodness. Next, mix in honey, fresh lemon juice, soy sauce, and the flour-water mixture. Let everything simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens into a glossy syrup. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Pour the luscious sauce directly over the resting chicken or return the chicken to the skillet for 30 seconds, flipping to coat every piece with that irresistible honey-lemon glaze. This final step ensures each bite is bursting with vibrant flavor.

How to Serve Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe

A white pan holds four cooked chicken pieces with a golden-brown color and slight caramelized edges. Each piece is covered with small green herb sprinkles. Around and under the chicken, there is a light brown sauce that looks glossy and slightly thick. Thin yellow lemon slices are placed evenly around the chicken, adding contrast and freshness. The pan sits on a soft white cloth with a white marbled surface below. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle some finely chopped parsley over the chicken to add a burst of fresh color and a subtle herbal note. Adding lemon slices on the side is not only beautiful but also provides an extra citrusy pop when squeezed over the dish.

Side Dishes

This Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the sauce perfectly. For a fresher touch, a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans offer balance and vibrant texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken on a bed of fragrant rice, top it with lemon zest for an elevated citrus aroma, or place it alongside roasted vegetables for a colorful, hearty meal. For a fun twist, try skewering the chicken pieces and drizzling the sauce over for a party-ready presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Honey Lemon Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate it. It’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days to keep the chicken juicy and the sauce fresh. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making for a tasty next-day meal.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover chicken and sauce, but be aware that the sauce’s texture might change slightly once thawed. For best results, freeze separately if possible and reheat gently. Use within 1 to 2 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, spooning sauce over the pieces to keep them moist. Avoid overheating in the microwave to keep the chicken tender and the sauce glossy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work beautifully and may add extra juiciness and flavor due to their higher fat content. Adjust cooking time slightly so they cook through properly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for coating and thickening without compromising the delicious texture.

How can I adjust the sweetness or tartness?

If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the honey slightly. For more tang, add a bit more fresh lemon juice. Taste as you go to get the balance you love most.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! This Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe stores well and reheats nicely, making it a great option for quick meals throughout the week.

Can I add vegetables to the skillet?

Yes, adding quick-cooking veggies like snap peas or bell peppers in the last few minutes will boost nutrition and add crunch, but make sure they don’t crowd the pan to keep the chicken crispy.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels both special and approachable. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something fresh, flavorful, and fuss-free. I hope you enjoy whipping it up as much as I’ve enjoyed sharing it—go ahead and make this your new weeknight favorite!