Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken (Ready In 20 Min)

Name: Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 chicken thighs, skin on and boneless; Salt and pepper, to season; Cornstarch; 3 tbsp of butter; 5 cloves of garlic, minced; 2 tbsp of soy sauce; 2 tbsp of mirin; 2 tbsp of honey; 1 lemon juice; 1/2 tbsp of lemon zest; 1/2 tsp of paprika; 1/2 tsp of chili flakes; 1/2 tsp of black pepper; Sesame seeds, for garnish; Chives, for garnish

kate

Update : May 3, 2026

Delicious Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken dish served on a plate

introduction

Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken is a quick and delicious dish that brings together the sweetness of honey, the tanginess of lemon, and the savory hit of garlic. This flavorful chicken is not only ready in just 20 minutes but also makes for a satisfying meal any day of the week.

why make this recipe

This recipe is perfect for busy evenings or when you want to impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Its simple ingredients and fast cooking time make it accessible for even novice cooks. Plus, the combination of honey and garlic creates a mouthwatering sauce that’s hard to resist!

how to make Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken

Ingredients:

Marinate your chicken:
- 2 chicken thighs, skin on and boneless
- Salt and pepper, to season
- Cornstarch
For The Sauce:
- 3 tbsp of butter
- 5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp of soy sauce
- 2 tbsp of mirin
- 2 tbsp of honey
- 1 lemon juice
- 1/2 tbsp of lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp of paprika
- 1/2 tsp of chili flakes
- 1/2 tsp of black pepper
Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Chives

Directions:

Prep the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Next, lightly coat the chicken in cornstarch, just enough for a nice thin coat. Too much will make it heavy. Pro Chef Tip: Make sure to dry the chicken with a paper towel before seasoning; this helps the skin get extra crispy when frying.
Pan-Fry the Chicken
Heat some oil over medium-high heat in a pan. Place the chicken skin-side down and cook for about 7 minutes on each side until the skin is golden and crispy. Patience is key here—the crispy skin is what makes this dish special. Pro Chef Tip: Don’t crowd the pan; each piece of chicken needs space to crisp up properly.
Make the Sauce
In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Then, add in the soy sauce, mirin, honey, lemon juice, and zest. Stir in the paprika, chili flakes, and black pepper, and let the sauce simmer. This will thicken into a sticky glaze perfect for the chicken. Pro Chef Tip: Allow the sauce to simmer gently; rushing this step will make it watery and not stick to the chicken.
Baste the Chicken
Place the chicken back into the pan and spoon the sauce over it. Let it simmer together for 1-2 minutes, so the chicken soaks up the flavor. Pro Chef Tip: Basting while it cooks helps ensure the chicken is evenly coated and extra flavorful.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Honey Garlic Lemon Chicken over steamed rice. Don’t forget to drizzle extra sauce on top; it’s too good to waste! Garnish with sesame seeds and chives, and then enjoy your meal!

how to serve Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken

This dish pairs well with steamed rice or a side of vegetables. You can also serve it with a fresh salad to balance out the flavors. The sticky sauce makes everything taste better!

how to store Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat until warmed through. You can also add a splash of water to help rehydrate the sauce.

tips to make Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken

Always season your chicken well to ensure maximum flavor.
Make sure the pan is hot enough before adding the chicken to get that crispy skin.
Feel free to adjust the heat by adding more or less chili flakes based on your preference.
If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer until it reaches your desired consistency.

variation (if any)

You can switch up the protein by using chicken breast instead of thighs, or even try this recipe with tofu for a vegetarian option. Adding veggies like bell peppers or snap peas to the pan while cooking can also enhance the dish.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may cook faster. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

2. What if I don’t have mirin?
If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute it with a mix of rice vinegar and a little honey for sweetness.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge, then add it to the chicken when you’re ready to cook.