Lemon Honey Glazed Chicken

Lemon Honey Glazed Chicken is a bright, flavorful dish that combines the sweet tang of honey and lemon with juicy, tender chicken. Glazed to perfection with a sticky citrus sauce, this recipe is one I love to turn to when I want something that’s easy to prepare but full of bold, fresh flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and zesty. The glaze is made with simple ingredients and coats the chicken beautifully, caramelizing slightly as it cooks. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough to serve to guests. Whether I pair it with rice, vegetables, or salad, it always feels like a complete, satisfying plate.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Olive oil or butter

• Garlic, minced

• Fresh lemon juice

• Lemon zest

• Honey

• Soy sauce or Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)

• Fresh thyme or parsley (optional, for garnish)

directions

1. I season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. I remove the chicken and set it aside.

3. In the same skillet, I reduce the heat to medium and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

4. I add lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, and a splash of soy sauce or Dijon (if using). I stir and let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. I return the chicken to the pan, spoon the glaze over it, and let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes so it’s well coated and glossy.

6. I garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: about 30 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicy kick. I’ve used bone-in thighs or even drumsticks when I want a more rustic meal—just adjust the cooking time. For a deeper citrus flavor, I mix in orange juice or slices along with lemon. I also like roasting the chicken with the glaze for a sticky oven-baked version.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat, spooning the glaze over it until heated through. The microwave works too, but I prefer the stove to keep the glaze from becoming too runny.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, but I’ve used bottled in a pinch. I just add extra zest to boost the citrus taste.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, it holds up well for a few days in the fridge. I store the chicken and glaze together so the flavors continue to develop.

What sides go well with this dish?

I love pairing it with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple arugula salad. Mashed potatoes or couscous also soak up the glaze beautifully.

Can I grill the chicken instead?

Absolutely. I grill the chicken first, then brush the glaze on in the last few minutes of cooking or toss it in the sauce afterward.

Can I thicken the glaze more?

Yes, I simmer it longer to reduce it or add a small cornstarch slurry if I want a quicker, thicker consistency.

Conclusion

Lemon Honey Glazed Chicken is one of those dishes that feels both comforting and fresh. I love how fast it comes together and how every bite delivers that irresistible sweet-and-tangy flavor. It’s a recipe I keep in regular rotation because it’s as easy as it is delicious—perfect for any night of the week.