Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Honey Lemon Chicken recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, creating a delicious and easy dinner option. Tender chicken breasts are cooked in a buttery lemon sauce with honey and garlic, making it a delightful meal for any weeknight.

Ingredients

• 2 large chicken breasts (around 200g/7oz each), sliced in half to make 4 thin pieces
• 3 tbsp plain (all-purpose) flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 120 ml (1/2 cup) chicken stock
• 4 tbsp fresh lemon juice (juice from approx. 1.5 lemons)
• 3 tbsp honey
• 1 lemon (sliced into half-moon slices)
• 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
• Cooked rice, spaghetti, linguine, or orzo for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the chicken breasts on a tray or board. In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika. Coat both sides of each chicken piece evenly with the flour mixture.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until the butter melts and begins to foam.
3. Step 3: Add the coated chicken to the pan. Cook for 7-8 minutes, turning once halfway through, until both sides are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
4. Step 4: Add the minced garlic to the pan and stir for about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Step 5: Pour in the chicken stock, fresh lemon juice, and honey. Add the lemon slices to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken and sauce. Serve hot with cooked rice or your choice of pasta.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes to the flour mixture or the sauce.
• Use lime juice instead of lemon for a different citrus twist.
• Try adding some steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to make it a complete one-pan meal.
• To keep chicken juicy, avoid overcooking and let it rest a few minutes before serving.

Storage

Store leftover Honey Lemon Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to maintain the sauce’s texture, or microwave covered until heated through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and stay juicy. Adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

The recipe uses plain flour to coat the chicken, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free flour or cornstarch.

Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 149 reviews

A delightful Honey Lemon Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection in a zesty honey-lemon sauce accented with garlic and fresh parsley. Served best with rice, spaghetti, linguine, or orzo, this dish combines sweet and tangy flavors with a savory touch for a quick and satisfying meal.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Coating

• 2 large chicken breasts (around 200g/7oz each), sliced in half to make 4 thin chicken breasts
• 3 tbsp plain (all-purpose) flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika

Cooking and Sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 120 ml (1/2 cup) chicken stock
• 4 tbsp fresh lemon juice (juice from approx. 1.5 lemons)
• 3 tbsp honey
• 1 lemon (sliced into half-moon slices)
• 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley

To Serve

• Cooked rice, spaghetti, linguine, or orzo

Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a tray or board. Mix together the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika in a bowl. Coat both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with the flour mixture, ensuring a light, even coverage.
2. Heat the Pan: In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil and unsalted butter over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and beginning to sizzle.
3. Cook Chicken: Add the coated chicken breasts to the pan and cook for 7-8 minutes, turning once halfway through. Cook until both sides are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
4. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan and stir for about 30 seconds. Take care not to let the garlic burn to maintain its flavor.
5. Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the chicken stock, fresh lemon juice, and honey, then add the lemon slices to the pan with the chicken.
6. Simmer Sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly reduce and thicken, coating the chicken well.
7. Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the cooked chicken with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with your choice of cooked rice, spaghetti, linguine, or orzo.

Notes

• For extra flavor, allow the chicken to marinate briefly in the lemon juice and honey before coating with flour.
• Use fresh lemons for the best bright citrus flavor.
• Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
• If preferred, substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock for a lighter sauce.
• Serve with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Keywords: Honey Lemon Chicken, Garlic Chicken, Lemon Chicken Recipe, Easy Chicken Dinner, Sweet and Tangy Chicken