Sophia Langley
Glazed in a sticky-sweet honey lemon sauce, this Honey Lemon Chicken is your ticket to an easy, flavor-packed weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken thighs are pan-seared until golden and then simmered in a rich citrusy glaze that balances sweetness with a hint of tang. It’s vibrant, comforting, and completely crave-worthy.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping for a cozy night in, this recipe checks all the boxes: quick, simple, and delicious. Served over rice or paired with roasted veggies, this dish brings sunshine to the plate no matter the season.
What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Honey Lemon Chicken?
While you can use either chicken breasts or thighs, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs work best for this recipe. The dark meat stays moist during cooking, and the skin crisps up beautifully when seared. That added richness really complements the bright lemon and honey sauce.
If you only have boneless, skinless thighs or breasts, they’ll still work—just reduce the cook time slightly and keep an eye out to avoid overcooking.
Ingredients for the Honey Lemon Chicken
Chicken Thighs: Choose bone-in, skin-on for optimal juiciness and crisp texture. These are the heart of the dish.
Honey: This brings the signature sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize into a beautiful, sticky coating.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Essential for that sharp, zesty brightness that cuts through the sweetness.
Garlic: Adds depth and savory flavor to the sauce.
Soy Sauce: Gives a touch of umami and saltiness to balance the sweet and tart notes.
Olive Oil: Used to sear the chicken to a perfect golden brown.
Butter: Mixed into the sauce for a silky, glossy finish.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to a luscious consistency without overpowering the flavors.
Lemon Zest: Intensifies the citrus flavor in every bite.
Fresh Parsley: Optional, but perfect for garnishing and adding a pop of color at the end.
How To Make the Honey Lemon Chicken
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and seasoning both sides with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for about 5-6 minutes or until golden and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for another 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add honey, lemon juice, soy sauce, lemon zest, and butter. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Thicken the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to make a slurry. Pour it into the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce begins to thicken, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 4: Return the Chicken
Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet. Spoon some of the glaze over each piece, cover the pan, and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Uncover the pan, spoon more sauce over the chicken, and let it cook uncovered for another 2-3 minutes to thicken the glaze further. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices if desired.
How to Serve and Store Honey Lemon Chicken
This dish is best served fresh and hot, straight from the skillet. Spoon extra glaze over the chicken just before plating for that irresistible shine and flavor boost. It pairs beautifully with rice, couscous, or roasted vegetables.
For leftovers, let the chicken cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
You can also freeze the chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as desired.
What to Serve With Honey Lemon Chicken?
Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes
Creamy and comforting, these potatoes soak up every bit of the citrusy glaze.
Roasted Parmesan Potatoes and Broccoli
A perfect medley of crispy, cheesy goodness and green crunch. Try the recipe here.
Steamed Jasmine Rice
Fluffy and fragrant, rice is the go-to base for this bold chicken dish.
Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread
Add a cozy, southern-style bread to your meal. Full recipe available here.
Creamed Potatoes
Ultra-smooth and rich, this side brings additional comfort to the plate.
Grilled Asparagus or Green Beans
Adds freshness and a slight char that balances the sweet-savory chicken.
Simple Cucumber Salad
A refreshing and cooling side to contrast the warm glaze.
Lemon Garlic Salmon (as a duo protein meal)
Make it a feast by pairing this with our 15-minute Lemon Garlic Salmon for double the citrus flair.
Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?
If you loved this Honey Lemon Chicken, here are more must-try recipes from the kitchen:
- Try the rich and cozy Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken for the ultimate comfort dish.
- Our Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Gravy is perfect for hands-off cooking.
- Need something fresh? The Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is loaded with creamy goodness.
- The Texas Roadhouse-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet brings restaurant flavor straight to your table.
- For a cheesy kick, don’t miss the Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole as a hearty side or alternative main.
Save This Honey Lemon Chicken
Hit that Save button if you’re planning to whip this up for your next family dinner – trust me, you’ll want this recipe within arm’s reach when that craving strikes.
Tried this Honey Lemon Chicken? I want to hear all about it! Did you drizzle extra sauce or pair it with a fun side? Share your take in the comments!
📌 Pin this recipe to your ‘Chicken Dinners’ board on Pinterest – when the weeknight rush hits, you’ll be glad it’s saved!
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Honey Lemon Chicken
Equipment
- Skillet
- Tongs
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water for slurry
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped, optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Sear chicken skin-side down for 5-6 minutes until golden, flip and cook another 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds. Stir in honey, lemon juice, soy sauce, lemon zest, and butter. Simmer gently.
- Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir it into the sauce and let thicken for 1-2 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Uncover, spoon more glaze over chicken, and cook uncovered 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.