Honey Garlic Lemon Chicken Breast is a flavorful and easy-to-prepare dish that combines the tangy freshness of lemon juice, the sweetness of honey, and the savory notes of garlic. This recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts with a deliciously sticky sauce that coats each piece perfectly. It’s a quick and healthy meal option that pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. Perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner with friends, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breast: 2 lbs (900 g)
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Flour: 3 tablespoons (24 g)
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Butter: 2 tablespoons (28 g)
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
- Honey: 1 teaspoon (5 ml)
Preparation Procedure
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the Chicken Breasts: Lay the chicken breasts (2 lbs / 900 g) flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, make diagonal cuts across the surface of each chicken breast to create a crosshatch pattern. Be careful not to cut all the way through the meat—this will help the chicken cook evenly and absorb more flavor.
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, ensuring that the seasoning gets into the cuts.
- Coat with Flour: Lightly coat the chicken breasts with 3 tablespoons (24 g) of flour, shaking off any excess. This will help create a light crust when cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat the Skillet: Heat 2 tablespoons (28 g) of butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and foamy.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the prepared chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic (2 cloves) and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add the Sauce Ingredients: Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of honey to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Simmer the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken slightly, about 1-2 minutes. This will enhance the flavors and create a delicious glaze.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Return the Chicken to the Skillet: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over them to ensure it gets into the crosshatch cuts.
- Cook in the Sauce: Let the chicken cook in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to absorb the sauce.
- Serve Hot: Transfer the chicken breasts to a serving plate and drizzle with any remaining sauce from the skillet.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this Honey Garlic Lemon Chicken Breast with a side of steamed vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
- Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Accompany with a fresh green salad for a lighter meal.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Protein: 36 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Vitamin C: 5 mg
- Calcium: 20 mg
- Iron: 1.2 mg
Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Lemon Chicken Breast
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to bottled juice.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the amount of honey to 1 tablespoon (15 ml).
- Enhance with Herbs: Add a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce for extra aroma and flavor.
- Make It Spicy: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Enjoy this quick, delicious, and healthy Honey Garlic Lemon Chicken Breast recipe, perfect for a tasty meal any day of the week!
