Sweet, tangy, and incredibly satisfying, Honey Lemon Chicken is the ultimate comfort dish that brings together juicy chicken with a glossy honey-lemon glaze. Whether you’re craving a cozy family dinner or planning a special weekend meal, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor right at home.

Imagine tender chicken thighs seared to golden perfection, kissed with zesty lemon and drizzled in a honey sauce that caramelizes just enough to coat every bite. Paired with roasted vegetables or fluffy rice, it’s a meal that feels indulgent but comes together easily in your own kitchen.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For Honey Lemon Chicken, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal because they stay moist during cooking and the skin crisps up beautifully. If you prefer a leaner option, boneless skinless breasts or thighs work well, but you may need to adjust the cooking time to avoid drying them out.

Ingredients for the Honey Lemon Chicken

Chicken thighs: Provide rich flavor and juicy texture that holds up under the sauce.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a glossy, sticky glaze.
Lemon juice and zest: Bring brightness and balance to the dish.
Garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth.
Soy sauce: Adds umami and helps season the chicken perfectly.
Olive oil: Used for searing the chicken to a crisp golden exterior.
Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme): Optional, but add a pop of color and freshness.

How To Make the Honey Lemon Chicken

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season them with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken skin-side down and sear for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Honey Lemon Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, soy sauce, and a splash of water. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken.

Step 3: Combine and Cook Through

Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is glossy and slightly sticky.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme and extra lemon slices if desired. Serve hot with roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or a simple green salad.

Serving and Storing Honey Lemon Chicken

Honey Lemon Chicken shines brightest right after cooking, when the skin is crisp and the glaze is warm and sticky. Serve it over steamed jasmine rice, couscous, or alongside roasted carrots and broccoli. For extra flair, drizzle a bit of extra sauce on top just before serving.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for a sweet-spicy kick.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! Chicken breasts work well but tend to cook faster, so keep an eye on the internal temperature to avoid overcooking.

What vegetables pair best with Honey Lemon Chicken?

Roasted carrots, broccoli, or zucchini are perfect choices. You can also toss in some bell peppers or snap peas.

Can I make it ahead?

You can prep the sauce and marinate the chicken a few hours ahead, but for the crispiest skin, sear and cook it fresh.

Is it gluten-free?

If you use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, it’s easily made gluten-free.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Honey Lemon Chicken, you’ll definitely want to check out these other mouthwatering recipes:

• Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot for a set-it-and-forget-it comfort meal.
• Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet when you crave bold, buttery flavor.
• Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce for a healthy yet satisfying option.
• Easy 3-Ingredient Italian Chicken if you’re short on time but big on flavor.

Explore more of my daily recipe favorites on Pinterest: Life with Jam Pinterest Board.

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

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you stick with thighs or try chicken breasts? Maybe you added some chili flakes for heat? I love hearing your kitchen wins and swaps—let’s inspire each other!

Honey Lemon Chicken

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Honey Lemon Chicken is a sweet and tangy dish with golden-seared chicken thighs coated in a sticky honey-lemon glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, it’s easy to make and loaded with comforting flavors.

Ingredients

4 chicken thighs

3 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon lemon zest

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon soy sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon fresh parsley or thyme (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken skin-side down for 4-5 minutes, flip, and cook another 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Stir in honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, soy sauce, and a splash of water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.

4. Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top. Cover and simmer 15-20 minutes until cooked through and sauce is sticky.

5. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.