Honey & Lemon Chicken

Looking for a mouthwatering chicken recipe that’s both sweet and savory? This Honey Lemon Chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! This gluten-free and easy-to-make recipe combines the zesty flavors of fresh lemon and garlic with the sweet goodness of honey in a sticky honey lemon sauce. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create this delectable dish using just a cast iron skillet and a few key ingredients. Let’s dive into this irresistible lemon chicken recipe that’s bound to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love Honey Lemon Chicken

You’ll absolutely love this Honey Lemon Chicken recipe for three compelling reasons. Firstly, the harmonious blend of sweet honey and zesty fresh lemon juice creates a mouthwatering sauce that’s both tangy and savory, making each bite a burst of flavor.

Secondly, it’s an incredibly simple and time-efficient dish, perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. I love adding it to my favourite greens or enjoy it with a side of quinoa.

Lastly, the use of a cast iron skillet imparts a delightful sear to the boneless, skinless chicken breasts, resulting in a golden, crispy exterior that perfectly complements the sticky honey lemon sauce. This recipe is a winning combination of taste, convenience, and texture, making it a true favorite for all occasions.

Sticky Honey Lemon Chicken Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts

• 1/3 cup of olive oil

• 2 lemons

• 4 tbsp of honey

• 3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped

• pinch of sea salt

• pinch black pepper or lemon pepper seasoning

How to Make Honey Lemon Chicken

1. Begin by preparing your chicken breasts. Season them with a pinch of sea salt and your choice of black pepper or lemon pepper seasoning. This step ensures that your chicken is perfectly seasoned before cooking.
2. Heat your cast iron skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts.
3. While your chicken is cooking, it’s time to prepare the mouthwatering honey lemon sauce. In a small bowl, combine the juice of the two fresh lemons, honey, and chopped garlic. Mix them well until the honey is fully incorporated, and you have a flavorful honey lemon sauce.
4. Once your chicken is cooked through and has a nice golden crust, pour the honey lemon sauce over the chicken breasts in the skillet. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes, letting it thicken and coat the chicken beautifully. Make sure to turn the chicken in the sauce to ensure even coverage.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer in the honey lemon sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld together, creating an unforgettable taste.
6. Serve your Honey Lemon Chicken hot, garnished with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley if desired. The combination of sweet honey, tangy lemon, and savory garlic will make your taste buds dance with delight!

What to Serve with Lemon Honey Chicken

Here are a few options that pair perfectly with this Lemon Honey Chicken recipe:

1. Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Roasted asparagus spears seasoned with garlic and a drizzle of olive oil make a perfect side dish to complement the bright flavors of lemon honey chicken. Suggested Recipe: Garlic Roasted Asparagus
2. Lemon Herb Quinoa: Cooked quinoa infused with lemon zest and fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro provides a nutritious and flavorful base for your meal. Suggested Recipe: Lemon Herb Quinoa 
3. Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing mixed green salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and crumbled feta cheese offers a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Roasted sweet potato chunks, seasoned with a sprinkle of cinnamon or paprika, add a touch of sweetness and warmth to your plate.
5. Steamed Broccoli: Steamed broccoli florets served with a drizzle of lemon juice and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese provide a healthy and vibrant side to balance the dish.
6. Garlic Buttered Rice: Fragrant, fluffy white rice cooked with garlic and a pat of butter pairs wonderfully with the flavors of the honey lemon chicken and soaks up the delicious sauce. Suggested Recipe: Garlic Butter Rice

These side dish ideas offer a variety of flavors and textures to enhance your lemon honey chicken meal and cater to different preferences.

Can You Make This Recipe in Advance

Yes, you can make the Honey Lemon Chicken recipe in advance, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

1. Chicken Cooking: It’s best to cook the chicken and make the honey lemon sauce fresh, just before serving. Chicken tends to lose its juiciness and can become dry when reheated. To save time, you can season the chicken and even prepare the sauce in advance but wait to cook the chicken until you’re ready to eat.
2. Sauce Preparation: You can mix the honey, lemon juice, and garlic to prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, reheat the sauce in a saucepan and proceed with the recipe, cooking the chicken and simmering it in the warm sauce.
3. Marinating: Another option is to marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This can infuse the chicken with more flavor. When you’re ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade, let excess sauce drip off, and then cook it in a hot skillet. Meanwhile, you can heat the reserved marinade in a separate pan and use it to glaze the chicken as it cooks.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, it’s best to use an oven or toaster oven to maintain the crispy texture of the chicken. Reheat at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) until the chicken is heated through.