Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
385kcal
Ingredients
- 🍗 Main Ingredients
- 500 g chicken thighs or breast
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 4 –6 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 🌿 Optional Ingredients
- 1 tsp ginger grated
- Chili flakes for spice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp cornstarch for thickening sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Frying pan or skillet (non-stick preferred)
- Oven or air fryer (optional)
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk or fork
- Tongs or spatula
- Small saucepan (for sauce reduction)
Method
- 🔪 Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut chicken into even-sized pieces. Pat dry to ensure better browning and texture.
- 🥣 Step 2: Make the Marinade
- In a bowl, mix honey, lemon juice, minced garlic, soy sauce, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- 🧴 Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
- Add chicken to the marinade and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).
- 🔥 Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- Pan Method:
- Heat oil in a pan and cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Oven Method:
- Bake at 180–200°C for 25–35 minutes until tender.
- Air Fryer Method:
- Cook at 180°C for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
- 🍯 Step 5: Make the Sauce
- Simmer leftover marinade in a pan. Add cornstarch slurry (optional) and cook until thick and glossy.
- 🍽️ Step 6: Combine and Serve
- Toss cooked chicken in the sauce until fully coated. Serve hot with rice or vegetables.
Nutrition
Serving180gCalories385kcalCarbohydrates22gProtein32gFat18gSaturated Fat5gPolyunsaturated Fat3gMonounsaturated Fat8gCholesterol110mgSodium620mgPotassium410mgFiber35gSugar18gVitamin A120IUVitamin C9mgCalcium35mgIron2mg
Notes
- Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor—avoid bottled if possible.
- Chicken thighs stay juicier than chicken breast.
- Do not overcook, or the chicken may become dry.
- Balance is key: too much lemon makes it sour, too much honey makes it overly sweet.
- For a restaurant-style glaze, reduce sauce slowly until sticky and shiny.
- This recipe stores well for 3–4 days in the refrigerator.
- You can customize it with chili for spice or ginger for extra aroma.