Honey Lemon Chicken (always a hit at the table!)
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The sweet richness of honey melds with the zesty brightness of lemon to create a sticky, tangy-sweet sauce that coats crispy-skinned chicken in this honey lemon chicken recipe. With a prep time of less than 30 minutes and use of everyday ingredients, this dish is an ideal choice for when you want a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s big on flavor.
It’s a tough call deciding what steals the spotlight in this dish—the tender, succulent chicken, the satisfying crunch of perfectly crispy skin, or the irresistible sweet and tangy glaze. Despite all the delicious elements of this dish, it’s incredibly easy to put together!
The lemony notes of this glaze are perfectly balanced – it’s not the sort of sharp, face-scrunching sourness, but rather the kind of lemon flavor that is forward without being overpowering. As the sauce heats up and thickens, it bubbles into a glaze-y finish.
Ingredients needed
Honey and lemon are a testament to how simple flavors can effortlessly elevate the taste of a dish. You’ll likely have most of these ingredients in your kitchen cupboard! This is what you need:
- Chicken thighs: Skin-on and boneless work best – crispy chicken skin is the best. But you can also use skinless to lighten things up. Or opt for chicken breast if that is what your family likes best.
- Other ingredients: All-purpose flour, olive oil, butter, salt, and pepper.
- Toppings: Thinly sliced green onions and lemon slices for garnish.
- Honey lemon sauce: Cornstarch, chicken stock, honey, fresh lemon juice, soy sauce, grated ginger, and garlic combine to make a sweet tangy sauce.
How to make honey lemon chicken
This honey lemon chicken recipe is easy and quick enough for a weeknight meal – it takes a total time of 25 minutes, so a delicious chicken dinner will be ready in no time! Here are the instructions:
- Prep: Season both sides of the chicken before coating it in flour. Whisk the cornstarch and chicken stock together, then add the remaining sauce ingredients and mix.
- Cook: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the chicken, letting it brown until golden. Flip them over and let the other side cook. Add the sauce to the pan over the chicken, letting it simmer and thicken.
- Serve: Sprinkle some thinly sliced green onions over top, and dig in!
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.
- Gluten-free: If you have any diners that avoid gluten, you can swap the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or rice flour. Both create a crispy texture, but it will be a little lighter or thinner than all-purpose flour.
- Adjust the spice: If you enjoy a little heat in your dishes, add some sambal oelek, chili powder, or red chili flakes.
- Change proteins: These flavors work on other proteins, too! Try it on tofu, shrimp, or pork. Just remember to adjust the cook time according to your protein of choice.
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 basmati rice, lemon butter orzo, or sour cream and chive mashed potatoes. Add a side of sauteed green beans, honey roasted carrots, broccoli coleslaw, or sauteed asparagus to round out the meal!
Honey Lemon Chicken (always a hit at the table!)
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
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use any other cut of chicken instead of thighs?
Sure, that will work – use chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. We recommend a cut that still has the skin on so you can enjoy the crispiness! You may have to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the cut you choose.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Replace the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or rice flour. Both create a crispy texture, but it will be a little lighter or thinner than all-purpose flour.
More lemon chicken recipes
For more inspiration, check out all of my dinner ideas!
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?