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Honey Lemon Chicken

Honey Lemon Chicken
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Honey Lemon Chicken is a quick and easy dish that perfectly balances juicy, tender chicken with bright, zesty lemon and sweet honey flavors. This versatile recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create a flavorful meal that’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or any occasion when you want a tasty yet straightforward dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 to 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Marinade and Sauce

  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for cooking)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional

  • Fresh thyme or parsley, chopped for garnish
  • Red pepper flakes or cayenne (for a spicy twist)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper until fully combined. This mixture will tenderize and flavor the chicken.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over them and turn to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes and up to 2 hours for best flavor absorption.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade). Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan for even cooking.
  4. Make the Sauce: Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet, bring it to a simmer, and let it thicken slightly, turning into a glossy sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Once the sauce thickens and the chicken is glazed, plate the chicken and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme and a sprinkle of lemon zest for extra brightness.

Notes

  • Use room-temperature chicken to ensure even cooking.
  • Don’t skip the lemon zest for added fragrance and flavor depth.
  • Always cook the reserved marinade separately to avoid contamination.
  • Adjust honey gradually to balance sweetness to your taste.
  • Use a meat thermometer and cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety and juiciness.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey lemon chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, gluten-free chicken, weeknight chicken, tangy chicken, sweet and sour chicken

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/honey-lemon-chicken/