Golden brown, sticky, and citrusy—this Honey Lemon Chicken is everything you want in a fast and flavorful weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken thighs are coated in a glossy glaze that’s equal parts tangy and sweet, with just a hint of garlic warmth. The caramelized lemon slices scattered throughout the pan add bursts of brightness and an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen.

Whether you’re serving it over a bed of fluffy rice, next to crisp roasted vegetables, or simply enjoying it straight from the skillet, this dish brings comfort and zing in every bite. It’s an easy one-pan recipe that’s as good for casual family meals as it is for impressing guests.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best for this recipe because they stay tender and juicy even after searing and simmering in the sauce. You can also use chicken breasts if preferred, but make sure not to overcook them.

Ingredients for the Honey Lemon Chicken

Chicken Thighs: The main protein—boneless and skinless thighs are ideal for soaking up the bold glaze while remaining moist.

Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create that sticky, lacquered finish on the chicken.

Lemon Juice + Slices: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the sauce its tangy zing, while lemon slices caramelize for added visual and flavor appeal.

Soy Sauce: Brings a touch of umami and saltiness to balance the sweet and sour elements.

Garlic: Finely minced garlic deepens the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic kick.

Cornstarch: A light dusting helps brown the chicken nicely and gives the sauce a slight thickness.

Olive Oil: For pan-frying the chicken to a golden crisp.

Fresh Parsley (optional): A final sprinkle for a pop of color and herby brightness.

How To Make the Honey Lemon Chicken

Step 1: Coat and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry and lightly coat them with cornstarch. This helps achieve a crisp, golden crust. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs in a single layer and sear for about 3–4 minutes per side until deeply golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Honey Lemon Sauce

In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the honey, lemon juice, soy sauce, and a splash of water. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 3: Simmer with Lemon Slices

Add the seared chicken back to the skillet along with thin lemon slices. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and allow everything to simmer together for 3–4 more minutes. The sauce will reduce and coat the chicken in a sticky glaze while the lemon slices caramelize slightly.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle fresh parsley over the top if using. Serve immediately while hot, with any extra sauce drizzled on top.

How to Serve and Store Honey Lemon Chicken

This Honey Lemon Chicken is versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides. Serve it over jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the sauce, or try it alongside roasted broccoli or stir-fried vegetables for a balanced plate. Crusty bread also works great for mopping up every last drop of glaze.

To store leftovers, allow the chicken to cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but be careful not to overcook them. Chicken breasts can dry out faster, so monitor closely and slice them into smaller, even pieces for quicker cooking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can! Cook the chicken and store the sauce separately for best results. Reheat them together just before serving to restore the texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to get that sticky glaze?

Let the sauce simmer with the chicken during the final minutes of cooking. This helps it thicken naturally and cling to each piece.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Definitely. Bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli florets work wonderfully. Add them to the pan after searing the chicken and cook until just tender before returning the chicken to the skillet.

How do I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick that balances the sweetness.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, but for best texture, freeze the chicken and sauce separately. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat together when ready to eat.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this sticky-sweet Honey Lemon Chicken, you’ll definitely want to check out these other standout meals:

Teriyaki Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Veggies for a sweet-savory fusion dinner.
Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Alfredo Tortellini if you want indulgent steakhouse vibes.
Creamy Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff for comfort food with a creamy twist.
Chicken Street Tacos when you’re in the mood for handheld flavor.
Garlic Butter Beef Linguine in Creamy Parmesan Sauce for a pasta night with a hearty finish.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you stick with thighs or switch it up with breasts? Did you toss in extra lemon or sneak in chili flakes?

I love hearing your kitchen wins! Feel free to drop any questions, too—let’s make cooking fun and flavorful together.

Honey Lemon Chicken

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Honey Lemon Chicken is a zesty, sticky, and flavorful dish made with juicy chicken thighs glazed in a sweet-and-sour honey lemon sauce. It’s quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and turns out restaurant-quality results perfect for any night of the week.

Instructions

Pat chicken thighs dry and coat lightly with cornstarch.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet.
Lower heat to medium and add garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds.
Add honey, lemon juice, soy sauce, and water. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Return chicken to skillet and add lemon slices. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is coated.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner