Honey Lemon Chicken Thighs (made in 25 minutes!)
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This honey lemon chicken is sticky, glossy, and packed with sweet-tangy flavor. With juicy chicken and a perfectly balanced lemon glaze, it’s an easy dinner that tastes restaurant-worthy.
This honey lemon chicken has a little bit of everything going for it — juicy chicken, crispy golden skin, and a glossy sweet-tangy glaze that clings to every bite. It’s one of those dinners that tastes like it took far more effort than it actually did, thanks to a simple sauce that transforms into something seriously irresistible once it hits the pan.
The lemon flavor here is bright and fresh without tipping into sharp or overly sour territory. Honey softens the citrus beautifully, while soy sauce, garlic, and ginger add savory depth, keeping the glaze balanced and flavorful. As the sauce simmers, it thickens into a sticky, glossy coating that’s perfect spooned over rice.
I especially love using skin-on chicken thighs because the crispy skin adds so much texture and flavor, but the recipe is flexible enough to work with skinless thighs or chicken breasts, too. Finished with green onions and lemon slices, it’s simple, comforting, and exactly the kind of dinner that disappears fast.
Recipe variations
Honey lemon chicken is delicious as it is, while also being super versatile! You can make little adjustments to suit your taste. Here are some suggestions of variations:
- Ratios: Craving something a little sweeter? Drizzle the honey! Want a more lemon-forward dish? Squeeze that lemon! Play with the ratios according to your taste – the soy sauce cuts through with an umami savoriness, so use more or less depending on what you’re craving.
- Garnishes: Add some fresh herbs for a burst of freshness. Thinly chopped chives, parsley, or cilantro work well. A sprinkle of sesame seeds add some texture, too.
- Adjust the spice: If you enjoy a little heat in your dishes, add some sambal oelek, chili powder, or red chili flakes.
What to serve with honey lemon chicken
Honey lemon chicken is a versatile main and will pair well wonderfully with many sides. It’s great to add a grain or potato base, then some veggies or salad on the side.
Enjoy honey lemon chicken over a bed of lemon butter orzo or sour cream and chive mashed potatoes. Add a side of sauteed green beans is a lovely way to brighten up dinner. To add a little crunch, broccoli coleslaw with buttermilk dressing.
Honey Lemon Chicken Thighs (made in 25 minutes!)
Ingredients
- 8 boneless chicken thighs
- ½ teaspoon EACH: salt and pepper
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch)
- 1 tablespoon EACH: olive oil and butter
- Thinly sliced green onions and lemon slices (to serve)
Honey Lemon Sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ cup chicken stock
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup lemon juice (fresh is best)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
Instructions
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Place the flour into a shallow bowl and dredge the chicken in the flour.½ teaspoon EACH: salt and pepper, ¼ cup all-purpose flour, 8 boneless chicken thighs
- Mix the cornstarch and chicken stock in a mixing glass. Add the remaining sauce ingredients and mix well.1 tablespoon cornstarch, ½ cup chicken stock, ¼ cup honey, ¼ cup lemon juice, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- Heat the oil and butter over medium heat in a large cast iron or non-stick skillet. Add the chicken thighs and cook until they are golden on one side, about 6 minutes. Flip the chicken over and cook for 5 minutes more, until they are cooked through.1 tablespoon EACH: olive oil and butter
- Give the sauce a quick stir and then pour it over the chicken. Mix it around in the pan and let it boil until it thickens, about 1 minute.
- Serve the chicken with sprinkled with thinly sliced green onions and lemon slices on the side.Thinly sliced green onions and lemon slices
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Nutrition
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Absolutely delicious! A family favorite ! I doubled the recipe for extra sauce for the rice!
I’m so happy to hear that—it’s one of our favorites too! Doubling the sauce for the rice is such a great idea; there’s never too much of that goodness!
This was the perfect combination of sweet and lemony flavor. I might double the honey and lemon next time to have a little more sauce. It was so good!
Unfortunately made this for tonight’s dinner and found it lacking in flavor. It was simple but the guidance and timing of cooking was woefully understated to assure chicken was cooked through. Will not make this one ever again.
I’m sorry to hear that this recipe wasn’t a hit for you.
You do not tell calories, carbs, sugars, etc if I am on Atkins what recipes work?