Honey lemon chicken is a juicy and savory dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy families. With its bright flavors and comforting texture, it’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
Table of Contents
Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe Overview
Quick and Easy Dinner Option
This honey lemon chicken recipe is not only simple but also incredibly satisfying. The tender chicken breasts are beautifully coated in a sweet and tangy sauce that is sure to impress. You can whip it up in no time, making it an excellent choice for a family-friendly meal. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep!
Health Benefits of Honey Lemon Chicken
Honey lemon chicken is a nutritious option packed with protein and flavor. It offers a balance of sweetness and acidity, which can brighten your meal and your mood. Using fresh ingredients like lemon juice and garlic adds vitamins and minerals, making this dish both tasty and healthy.
Ingredients for Honey Lemon Chicken
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (500g) chicken breast (2 pieces)
- Salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup (35g) flour (any type)
- 1 1/2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 3/4 cup (185ml) chicken broth/stock
- 1/4 cup (85g) honey
- 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp water
Optional Garnishes
- Lemon slices
- Finely chopped parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
Begin by cutting each chicken breast horizontally to create four pieces. If desired, pound them to an even thickness of about 1 cm (2/5″). Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Cooking the Chicken
Next, coat the chicken pieces in flour, shaking off any excess. Heat the butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, add the chicken, cooking for about two minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside to rest.
Making the Honey Lemon Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 20 seconds until fragrant and golden. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping any brown bits from the pan into the liquid. Stir in the honey, lemon juice, soy sauce, and a mixture of reserved flour and water. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the honey lemon sauce generously over the chicken. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices for an added touch of color and flavor. Alternatively, return the chicken to the pan for 30 seconds to reheat and allow it to soak up the delicious sauce.
Recipe Notes
Tips for Best Results
For the best flavor, consider using fresh lemon juice instead of bottled. You can also try different types of flour or add herbs like thyme for an extra layer of taste.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat before serving for a quick lunch or dinner.
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for honey lemon chicken?
You will need chicken breast, flour, butter, olive oil, garlic, chicken broth, honey, lemon juice, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
How do I make honey lemon chicken from scratch?
Start by preparing the chicken, cooking it in a skillet, and then making the honey lemon sauce with garlic, broth, honey, and lemon juice.
What side dishes pair well with honey lemon chicken?
Serve it with a side salad, rice, or bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
How can I adjust the sweetness in honey lemon chicken?
You can reduce the amount of honey or add extra lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
Related Recipes to Try
Conclusion
This honey lemon chicken is a delightful dish that marries sweet and tangy flavors beautifully. It’s quick to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for any night of the week. For more inspiration, check out ideas on Pinterest where you can find other delicious recipes to try!
Honey Lemon Chicken: A Delightfully Easy Dinner
Equipment
- skillet
- shallow dish
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast (500g, 2 pieces)
- Salt and pepper
- ¼ cup flour (35g, any type)
- 1 ½ tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ¾ cup chicken broth/stock (185ml)
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp water
- Lemon slices Optional
- finely chopped parsley Optional
Instructions
- Cut each chicken breast horizontally to create 4 pieces and optionally pound to an even thickness.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Coat the chicken pieces in flour, shaking off excess.
- Mix 1 tsp of reserved flour with water and set aside.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet, then cook chicken for 2 minutes on each side until golden.
- Sauté minced garlic in the skillet, then add chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in honey, lemon juice, soy sauce, and flour-water mixture, simmer until sauce thickens.
- Serve sauce over chicken and garnish with parsley and lemon slices, or reheat chicken in sauce.