Why You’ll Love Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe

It comes together in about 15 minutes — great for busy weeknights.
The light flour coating gives a slightly crispy texture while helping the sauce cling to the chicken.
The honey‑lemon sauce is bright, balanced, and simple — minimal ingredients but maximal flavour.
It’s fairly light: around 320 calories per serving (assuming all the sauce is used).

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken
500 g (about 1 lb) chicken breast (2 pieces)
Salt and pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for coating)

Sauce
1 1/2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
185 ml (3/4 cup) chicken broth (stock)
85 g (1/4 cup) honey
60 ml (1/4 cup) fresh lemon juice
1 tsp soy sauce
2 tbsp water (mixed with a little reserved flour)

To serve (optional)
Lemon slices
Finely chopped parsley

Directions

Slice each chicken breast horizontally to make 4 thin steaks, or pound to an even thickness of about 1 cm.
Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
Place the flour in a shallow dish. Coat each chicken piece in the flour, shaking off the excess. Reserve about a teaspoon of flour and mix it with 2 tbsp of water; set aside.
Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for about 20 seconds until fragrant. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits.
Stir in honey, lemon juice, soy sauce, and the flour-water mixture. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
To serve, pour the sauce over the chicken and garnish with parsley and lemon slices, or return chicken to the pan to reheat and coat with sauce.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 7 minutes
Total time: 12 minutes

Variations

Swap chicken breast for thin pork steaks, fish fillets, or salmon for a different protein.
Add vegetables like asparagus or green beans during the sauce simmer for a complete one-pan meal.
Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a substitute for a gluten-free version.

Storage/Reheating

To store: Keep chicken and sauce separate to preserve the coating’s texture.
To reheat: Bring chicken to room temperature, then reheat in a skillet with a little oil. Warm the sauce separately and pour over the chicken before serving.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken should be golden brown on both sides and have an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Slicing it thin ensures quick, even cooking.

Can I use skin-on chicken thighs instead of breast?

Yes, but you may need additional cooking time. You can skip the flour coating if preferred — the sauce will still work well.

Can I make this without butter?

Yes, but butter adds richness. You can use only olive oil, though the flavor may be slightly less full-bodied.

Is it okay to use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is best for brightness, but bottled can be used if needed. Adjust quantity to taste.

What if the sauce doesn’t thicken?

Make sure you added the flour-water mixture and allowed the sauce to simmer. Extend cooking slightly if needed to reduce it further.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Double all ingredients and cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Is this recipe low-carb?

Moderately. To make it lower in carbs, skip the flour coating and serve with low-carb sides like greens or cauliflower rice.

How best to serve this dish?

Over rice, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a simple salad. Crusty bread is also excellent for soaking up the sauce.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, freeze chicken and sauce separately. Reheat the chicken in a skillet and warm the sauce before serving together.

Will the flavour change if I prep in advance?

Seasoning and slicing the chicken ahead is fine, but flour and cook it just before serving for the best texture.

Conclusion

Honey Lemon Chicken is the kind of meal that feels special but requires minimal effort. With a crisp exterior, juicy center, and a sweet-tangy sauce, it hits all the right notes. Whether you’re in a rush or just want something simple and delicious, this dish delivers every time.

Honey Lemon Chicken