Honey Lemon Chicken Clara quick dinners

Honey lemon chicken is a vibrant, tangy-sweet dish featuring tender chicken coated in a glossy sauce made with fresh lemon juice and honey. It’s a flavorful meal that’s quick enough for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for dinner guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This honey lemon chicken hits the perfect balance between sweet and savory. The honey brings natural sweetness, the lemon adds brightness, and the garlic and soy sauce round it out with umami depth. It’s simple to prepare, pairs well with rice or vegetables, and is a lighter, fresher alternative to heavier takeout-style dishes. Plus, it’s made with everyday pantry ingredients.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• Cornstarch (for coating)
• Olive oil or vegetable oil
• Garlic (minced)
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Honey
• Soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• Chicken broth or water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: sesame seeds, green onions for garnish

directions

1. Toss chicken pieces in cornstarch, seasoning with a little salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook until golden and cooked through, about 56 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, soy sauce, and chicken broth.
5. Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 23 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Simmer another 2 minutes until heated through and sauce is glossy.
7. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for heat.
• Sticky glaze: Let the sauce reduce longer for a stickier finish.
• Grilled version: Marinate chicken in the sauce and grill, then simmer leftover sauce to drizzle.
• Crispy version: Deep fry the cornstarch-coated chicken for a crunchier texture.
• Low-carb: Skip the cornstarch and use arrowroot powder or almond flour for coating.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat:

• Microwave: Reheat on medium heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat gently in a pan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Freezing is possible, but the texture may change slightly. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and add extra flavor and tenderness.

What can I serve with honey lemon chicken?

It pairs well with white rice, quinoa, steamed broccoli, or stir-fried vegetables.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, cook and refrigerate. Reheat gently and serve within 3 days for best flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Avoid overcooking. Cook just until the chicken is done and simmer briefly in the sauce.

Can I bake the chicken instead?

Yes, bake coated chicken pieces at 400°F for 1520 minutes, then toss with the simmered sauce.

Does this recipe double well?

Yes. Simply double the ingredients and use a larger skillet or cook in batches.

Can I add vegetables to the pan?

Yes. Bell peppers, snow peas, or zucchini work great—add them during the final minutes of cooking.

What kind of honey should I use?

Any pure, natural honey works. For a deeper flavor, try wildflower or orange blossom honey.

How can I thicken the sauce more?

Simmer longer or whisk a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce while cooking.

Conclusion

Honey lemon chicken is a simple yet impressive dish that brings bright citrus and sweet-savory flavor to your dinner table. With minimal prep and tons of versatility, it’s a perfect go-to meal for busy nights or casual entertaining. Try it once, and it just might become a weekly favorite.

Print