Lemon Honey Glazed Chicken

This lemon honey glazed chicken transforms ordinary chicken strips into a restaurant-worthy dinner in less than an hour. The tangy-sweet glaze creates a beautiful caramelized coating that makes this dish irresistible even to picky eaters.

I started making this recipe when my family got tired of plain grilled chicken. The first time I served it, there was complete silence at the dinner table because everyone was too busy enjoying every bite to talk.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Boneless skinless breasts work best as they cook evenly and absorb the glaze perfectly
• Cornstarch: Creates that delicate crispy exterior that helps the glaze cling to every piece
• Garlic powder: Adds depth to the chicken coating without burning like fresh garlic would
• Black pepper: Provides subtle heat that balances the sweetness of the honey
• Honey: Forms the base of our glaze providing natural sweetness and helps create caramelization
• Soy sauce: Adds that umami depth and balances the sweetness with savory notes
• Lemon juice: Fresh is best for brightness that cuts through the richness
• Rice vinegar: Adds complexity and tang that regular vinegar cannot match
• Butter: Creates richness and helps the glaze cling to the chicken
• Fresh garlic: Always use fresh minced garlic in the sauce for best flavor
• Vegetable oil: Has a high smoke point perfect for achieving golden brown chicken pieces

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat the Oil:

Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium high heat until shimmering but not smoking. The proper oil temperature ensures your chicken gets golden rather than greasy.

Prepare the Glaze:

Combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and lemon juice in a small bowl, whisking until completely incorporated. This mixture may look thin now but will reduce to a beautiful sticky glaze. Setting it aside allows the flavors to meld.

Prepare the Chicken:

Slice chicken breasts into even strips about 1 inch wide. Uniform pieces ensure everything cooks at the same rate. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels first for better cornstarch adhesion.

Coat the Chicken:

Mix cornstarch, pepper and garlic powder in a medium bowl. Toss chicken strips in the mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch before cooking for best results.

Cook the Chicken:

Place coated chicken strips into the hot oil without overcrowding the pan. Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Work in batches if necessary to maintain proper cooking temperature.

Add Aromatics:

Add butter to the pan with the chicken and allow it to melt completely. Add minced garlic and cook for exactly one minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The fragrance will bloom beautifully during this step.

Glaze the Chicken:

Pour the honey lemon mixture over the chicken, stirring gently to coat each piece. Reduce heat to medium and allow the sauce to simmer and thicken around the chicken, about 5-7 minutes.

Baste and Finish:

Continuously spoon the thickening glaze over the chicken pieces as they finish cooking. This creates multiple layers of flavor and ensures the glaze coats every bit of the chicken.

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The soy sauce is actually my secret weapon in this recipe. While many lemon chicken recipes skip it, I discovered that just the right amount adds incredible depth without making the dish taste Asian inspired. It balances the sweetness perfectly without overwhelming the lemon.

Perfect Rice Pairing

This chicken truly shines when served over fluffy white rice. The rice soaks up the extra glaze creating flavor in every bite. For best results, start your rice before beginning the chicken preparation. Jasmine rice offers a subtle floral aroma that complements the honey lemon flavors beautifully. For a healthier option, brown rice or cauliflower rice work wonderfully too.

Make Ahead Options

This chicken reheats surprisingly well making it perfect for meal prep. Cook the entire recipe then portion into containers with rice for quick weekday lunches. When reheating, add a tablespoon of water to the container to create steam that revitalizes the glaze. The flavors actually develop overnight making day two almost better than day one.

Veggie Additions

Consider adding vegetables directly to this dish for a complete one-pan meal. Broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or sugar snap peas can be added during the final 5 minutes of cooking. They will absorb the glaze while maintaining their texture. For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds just before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If honey is unavailable, maple syrup creates a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile. For a lower sugar version, use half the honey and add a sugar substitute. Chicken thighs can replace breasts for juicier results but will increase the fat content. Gluten free tamari can substitute for soy sauce without changing the flavor significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ How can I make the chicken extra crispy?

To achieve extra crispy chicken, ensure each strip is thoroughly coated in cornstarch before frying. Cook in hot oil until golden brown, avoiding overcrowding the pan for even cooking.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great. They may be juicier and take slightly longer to cook, but the flavor remains delightful.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs excellently with steamed rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables. Add a side salad for a complete meal.

→ Can I make the sauce less sweet?

To make the sauce less sweet, reduce the amount of honey in the glaze or add an extra splash of rice vinegar for a more tangy flavor.

→ Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the glaze ahead of time and refrigerate it. Reheat and cook the chicken fresh when ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.