Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken

$To make Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken, gather these ingredients: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish - Lemon slices, for garnish Using quality ingredients is key. Fresh chicken makes a big difference in taste and texture. Choose honey that is pure and local if possible. Fresh lemon juice gives a bright flavor that bottled juice cannot match. Fresh garlic has a stronger taste than dried or jarred versions. The soy sauce adds depth, so pick a good brand. Finally, fresh herbs like parsley enhance the dish's look and flavor. If you need substitutions, here are a few ideas: - You can use bone-in chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time. - Maple syrup can replace honey for a different sweetness. - Lime juice works well instead of lemon juice for a twist. - Coconut aminos can substitute soy sauce for a gluten-free option. - For a stronger flavor, use shallots in place of garlic. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a mixing bowl. In this bowl, whisk together the following: - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste Mix these well until you see a smooth blend. This marinade brings a sweet and tangy flavor to the chicken. Next, take 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure every piece gets well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Now, let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. You can marinate for up to 2 hours for even better taste. Now it’s time to cook! Preheat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. If you choose a skillet, add a little olive oil to keep the chicken from sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let the excess drip off. Keep the leftover marinade for basting later. If grilling, cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a nice char and check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If using a skillet, follow the same timing. During the last few minutes, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade for added flavor. Once cooked, take the chicken off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. When ready, serve it with chopped parsley and lemon slices for a bright finish. To get a great char, start with a hot grill or skillet. The heat helps the chicken cook evenly. Make sure to let the chicken rest on the grill. This keeps the juices inside and helps form a nice crust. If you cook the chicken too fast, it may dry out. Always cook until the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C) for safety and taste. Use a meat thermometer for the best results. Marinating is key for flavor. I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, let it sit for up to 2 hours. This gives the chicken a deeper taste. The honey and lemon juice will soak in, making it sweet and tangy. If you marinate too long, the lemon juice can make the chicken mushy. Keep an eye on the time! Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices settle, making each bite juicy. When serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color. Add lemon slices on the side for a nice touch. This dish pairs well with rice or veggies. Enjoy your delicious and flavorful meal! Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours. If time allows, marinating overnight will intensify the sweet and tangy notes of the honey and lemon. Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. This guarantees juicy, perfectly cooked chicken without overcooking. Baste for Extra Taste: Reserve some of the marinade for basting towards the end of cooking. This adds an extra layer of flavor and keeps the chicken moist. Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices, resulting in a more succulent final dish. {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavor of Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken by using different herbs. For a fresh twist, try rosemary or basil. These herbs add a nice touch. If you want heat, add some red pepper flakes. They bring a warm kick to the dish. You can also mix in some cumin for an earthy flavor. Each herb or spice changes the taste and makes it unique. You don’t have to grill or use a skillet. Baking the chicken is easy and healthy. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Air frying is another great option. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Both methods keep the chicken juicy and tender. To make a full meal, pair Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken with tasty sides. Steamed broccoli or green beans add great color and nutrition. You can also serve it with rice or quinoa to soak up the extra sauce. A simple salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the chicken's flavors nicely. These sides balance the meal and make it feel complete. After enjoying your Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure the chicken is cool before sealing it. This helps keep the chicken fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it for longer, freezing is a great option. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating correctly is key. You can use a microwave, skillet, or oven. If using a microwave, place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it. Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes. In a skillet, add a bit of oil and heat over medium heat. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally. The oven method is great too. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes. For longer storage, freezing is perfect. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date. Your Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it as mentioned above. Enjoy your meal! Yes, you can use bone-in chicken. Bone-in chicken adds rich flavor. It may take longer to cook. Adjust your cooking time to about 10-12 minutes per side. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You can use maple syrup or agave nectar. Both are great substitutes. They add sweetness without using honey. You can also try stevia or a sugar-free syrup for fewer calories. You can refrigerate the marinade for up to 2 hours. This time allows the flavors to soak into the chicken. If you marinate longer than 2 hours, the chicken may start to break down. Keep an eye on it for the best taste. This blog post covered how to make Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken. We discussed key ingredients, their quality, and useful substitutions. I shared step-by-step instructions for marinating and cooking. Tips were included for perfecting flavor and serving. We also explored variations for different tastes and storage tips for leftovers. In the kitchen, using good ingredients and technique makes a big difference. Enjoy experimenting with this tasty recipe!$

Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken

A delicious and flavorful chicken dish marinated in honey, lemon, and garlic.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
0.25 cup honey
0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
for garnish lemon slices

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, lemon juice, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it's well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and marinade in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
Preheat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. If using a skillet, add a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Reserve the marinade for basting.
Grill or cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken has a nice char. During the last few minutes of cooking, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade for added flavor.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Serve the chicken garnished with chopped parsley and lemon slices.

Notes

Marinate for up to 2 hours for more flavor.

Keyword chicken, grilled, honey, lemon, marinade