This Honey Lemon Chicken delivers a vibrant blend of sweet citrus and savory richness—all in just 30 minutes, making it a go-to for wholesome, weeknight dinners. Loaded with nutrients and easily adaptable for various diets, this Honey Lemon Chicken is the perfect meal prep hero your kitchen will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Fuss-Free – Perfect for busy nights, done in 30 minutes.
- Flavor Explosion – Balanced sweetness, citrus zing, and garlic savor.
- Clean Ingredients – Whole, minimally processed pantry staples.
- Gluten-Free Adaptable – Great for those with dietary restrictions.
- Family-Approved – Even picky eaters love this dish.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to serve four:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets
- Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 Tbsp clarified butter or ghee (or unrefined coconut oil)
- 6 garlic cloves, crushed whole
- ½ cup chicken bone broth
- 2 Tbsp raw honey
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tsp gluten-free flour or arrowroot powder
- Fresh chopped parsley or basil, for garnish
- Lemon slices, for serving
How to Make Honey Lemon Chicken
- Season & Sear
- Dry the chicken thoroughly with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper.
- Melt ghee or coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and cover.
- Make the Sauce
- Toss in the crushed garlic and sauté for about a minute until it becomes aromatic.
- Deglaze the pan by pouring in the chicken broth and scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon.
- Whisk & Thicken
- Stir in the honey, fresh lemon juice and zest, along with flour or arrowroot powder.
- Whisk the mixture until smooth, then simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish the Dish
- Return chicken to skillet. Spoon sauce over and simmer 1 minute.
- Take the pan off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped herbs and lemon slices.
- Serve
- Serve with brown rice or quinoa and a side of steamed vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or broccoli.
Helpful Tips
- Uniform Cooking: Pound chicken evenly for consistent doneness.
- Watch Garlic: Don’t let garlic burn; it can turn bitter quickly.
- Control Sweetness: Adjust honey to taste; more lemon for extra tang.
- Choose Fresh: Using fresh lemon juice and garlic significantly elevates the dish’s flavor.
- Low-Sodium Choice: Opt for low-sodium broth to better manage the overall salt level.
Substitutions And Variations
- Protein Options: Feel free to substitute with chicken thighs, turkey cutlets, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Oil Alternatives: Use olive oil if you prefer.
- Thickener Options: Cornstarch or almond flour can replace arrowroot.
- Add Heat: Include chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
- Herb Variation: Try rosemary, dill, or thyme for a different flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Absolutely. Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
Q: Is it okay to skip arrowroot or flour?
A: Yes, though skipping the thickener will result in a thinner, more broth-like sauce.
Q: How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?
A: Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely! Use a larger skillet or cook in batches, then combine everything for the sauce.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Cool completely and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: To reheat, gently warm on the stove with a splash of broth to revive the sauce’s texture.
Conclusion
This Honey Lemon Chicken is more than just a quick meal—it’s a weeknight upgrade loaded with brightness, nutrition, and ease. It’s flexible, family-friendly, and guaranteed to impress without the fuss. Whether paired with grains or greens, this dish delivers flavor you’ll crave again and again. Try it tonight, leave a comment with your favorite twist, and explore our recipe collection for more simple, sensational dinners!
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Honey Lemon Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Honey Lemon Chicken is a healthy, flavor-packed dish made in just 30 minutes. Sweet citrus, garlic, and tender chicken make this recipe perfect for weeknights or meal prep. Gluten-free, family-friendly, and easy to customize. Try it tonight and enjoy!
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 Tbsp clarified butter, ghee, or coconut oil
6 garlic cloves, crushed
½ cup chicken bone broth
2 Tbsp raw honey
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
2 tsp gluten-free flour or arrowroot powder
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season & Sear
- Dry the chicken thoroughly with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper.
- Melt ghee or coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and cover.
- Make the Sauce
- Toss in the crushed garlic and sauté for about a minute until it becomes aromatic.
- Deglaze the pan by pouring in the chicken broth and scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon.
- Whisk & Thicken
- Stir in the honey, fresh lemon juice and zest, along with flour or arrowroot powder.
- Whisk the mixture until smooth, then simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish the Dish
- Return chicken to skillet. Spoon sauce over and simmer 1 minute.
- Take the pan off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped herbs and lemon slices.
- Serve
- Serve with brown rice or quinoa and a side of steamed vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or broccoli.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice and garlic for best flavor.
Chicken thighs or tofu work well as substitutes.
Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
To reheat, warm with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast cutlet with sauce
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 27 g