This Honey Lemon Chicken recipe features tender chicken cutlets cooked in a flavorful sauce made with fresh lemon juice, honey, and savory chicken broth. The dish offers a perfect blend of sweet and tangy notes, finished with a buttery glaze. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners, this easy chicken recipe pairs well with rice, vegetables, or salads. Simple ingredients and fast preparation make it a popular choice for home cooks looking for a delicious, wholesome meal.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Flour for dredging
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner cutlets. Season each piece with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Lightly coat the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Adjust the heat if the oil starts to splatter excessively.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Turn off the heat briefly, then stir in the chicken broth, lemon juice, honey, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Return the chicken to the pan and cook over medium-high heat for another 5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through. Spoon the sauce over the chicken before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Honey Lemon Chicken offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a tender, juicy texture. It cooks quickly, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Tips
- For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before slicing.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out.
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a richer, more flavorful dish.
- Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey for a different sweetness profile.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but make sure they are fully thawed before cooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written due to the flour dredging, but you can use gluten-free flour instead.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over rice, quinoa, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A fresh green salad pairs well to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe
4
servings5
minutes15
minutesIngredients
2 large chicken breasts
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Flour for dredging
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter, divided
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons honey
Directions
- Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner cutlets. Season each piece with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Lightly coat the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Adjust the heat if the oil starts to splatter excessively.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Turn off the heat briefly, then stir in the chicken broth, lemon juice, honey, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Return the chicken to the pan and cook over medium-high heat for another 5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through. Spoon the sauce over the chicken before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if desired.
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