This Honey Lemon Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Tender chicken cutlets are cooked to golden perfection in a skillet, then coated in a sweet and savory honey lemon sauce. It’s a versatile recipe that pairs well with a variety of sides.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Easy: This recipe combines the sweetness of honey and the tanginess of lemon juice to create a delicious and easy-to-prepare dish.
- Quick and Convenient: It’s ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Serve it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables, for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Honey Lemon Chicken:
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, cut in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the chicken.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Flour: For dredging the chicken cutlets.
- Olive oil: For cooking the chicken.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
- Chicken broth: Adds flavor and moisture to the sauce.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed, for a bright and zesty flavor.
- Honey: Adds sweetness and creates a glaze.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Honey Lemon Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets, which will cook more quickly and evenly. Season the chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge the cutlets in flour, shaking off any excess.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken cutlets and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. If the chicken starts to splatter, reduce the heat slightly. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Honey Lemon Sauce
Remove the skillet from the heat and add the chicken broth, lemon juice, honey, and the remaining tablespoon of butter. Stir to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Cook the chicken for another 5 minutes over medium-high heat, or until the sauce has reduced and thickened slightly and the chicken is fully cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Spoon the sauce over the chicken and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use an instant-read thermometer: An instant-read thermometer is the best way to ensure that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature without overcooking it.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the amount of salt, pepper, lemon juice, or honey to your liking.
- Customize the flavors: Feel free to add other herbs and spices to the sauce, such as dried thyme, oregano, or paprika.
How to Serve Honey Lemon Chicken

- Weeknight Meal: This Honey Lemon Chicken is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
- With Sides: Serve it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
- Lunch or Brunch: Enjoy it for lunch or brunch with a side of fruit or a salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time.
Can I make this dish without the sauce?
Yes, you can simply cook the seasoned chicken cutlets in the skillet and serve them with a squeeze of lemon juice.
Can I add other ingredients to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach, to the skillet along with the chicken.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper to the sauce.
There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Honey Lemon Chicken that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
Print
Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
Description
This Honey Lemon Chicken is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. Tender chicken cutlets are pan-fried until golden brown and then coated in a luscious honey lemon sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- All-purpose flour, for dredging
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken cutlets and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 4-5 minutes per side). Remove chicken and set aside.
- Make Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat and add chicken broth, lemon juice, honey, and remaining butter. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Return Chicken and Simmer: Return chicken to the skillet and simmer over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced and thickened slightly. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and serve immediately.
Notes
- Chicken Size: If using smaller chicken breasts, you can skip cutting them in half lengthwise. Adjust cooking time as needed.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this dish with rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken cutlet with sauce
- Calories: 250kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg