If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and has that perfect balance of sweet and tangy, you’ve got to try this Lemon Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe. It’s incredibly easy to make, yet feels wonderfully special with its glossy honey glaze and zesty lemon punch. Tender chicken strips are coated with a crispy cornstarch crust, then bathed in a luscious, buttery sauce infused with garlic and a bright citrus twist. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend treat, this dish always brings a smile around the table and has quickly become one of my favorite recipes to share with friends and family.

The image shows a close-up of a fork lifting a piece of golden-brown chicken with some brown sauce and cooked rice grains sticking to it. Below the fork, there are several pieces of the same chicken coated in sauce resting on a bed of fluffy cooked rice. The background has a white marbled texture with more chicken pieces on a white plate, slightly out of focus. A woman's hand is holding the fork from the right side of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Lemon Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from creating that crispy coating to building the rich, tangy glaze that makes every bite unforgettable. Keeping these essentials on hand guarantees a quick, fuss-free meal with layers of flavor and texture.

3 chicken breasts, cut into strips: The perfect size for even cooking and soaking up the glaze beautifully.
1 cup cornstarch: Creates a wonderfully light and crispy coating that seals in the chicken’s juiciness.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle but aromatic kick that complements fresh garlic.
1 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a gentle heat that balances the sweetness.
1 cup honey: This natural sweetener forms the backbone of the glaze with a sticky, golden appeal.
⅔ cup soy sauce: Brings a savory depth and beautiful color to the sauce.
½ cup lemon juice: Delivers a bright citrus zing that cuts through the richness.
¼ cup rice vinegar: Adds a subtle acidity that elevates the glaze without overpowering.
3 tablespoons butter: Enriches the sauce, giving it a silky finish and a hint of indulgence.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic amplifies the flavor and aroma in the glaze.
3 tablespoons vegetable oil: Perfect for frying the chicken to a golden crisp.

How to Make Lemon Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into strips—this helps them cook consistently and absorb more glaze. Then, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and lemon juice in a small bowl. This simple yet powerful glaze mixture will bring your dish to life with sweet, sour, and salty harmony.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken Strips

In a medium bowl, combine the cornstarch, garlic powder, black pepper, and a little salt. Toss your chicken strips in this mixture, ensuring each piece is generously coated. This cornstarch coating is the secret to that irresistible crunchy exterior.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken strips carefully to the skillet and cook until they turn golden brown on all sides. This step locks in moisture while giving the chicken a satisfyingly crisp texture.

Step 4: Build the Glaze

Once the chicken is browned, add butter to the pan and let it melt gently. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—about a minute. The garlic infuses the butter, creating a flavor-packed base for your glaze.

Step 5: Glaze and Finish Cooking

Pour the prepared honey-lemon-soy mixture over the chicken. Lower the heat to medium and let it cook, spooning the glaze continuously over the chicken strips. As the sauce thickens, it beautifully coats each piece, resulting in a shiny, sticky finish. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce reaches a luscious consistency.

How to Serve Lemon Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe

Lemon Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions over the chicken for a fresh, herbal pop of color and flavor. A few lemon wedges on the side offer guests the chance to add extra brightness bite by bite, giving a vibrant final touch.

Side Dishes

This chicken shines when paired with simple steamed rice, which soaks up the glaze perfectly. You can also serve it alongside sautéed green beans or a crisp Asian slaw to add some contrasting crunch and freshness, balancing the rich glaze.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Lemon Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe on a bed of fluffy quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthy twist. For a more casual vibe, pile the chicken into warm tortillas with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime for quick, tasty wraps that everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The glaze holds up well in the fridge, keeping the chicken juicy and flavorful.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked chicken strips in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months without losing their delicious flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low to medium heat to keep the glaze sticky and avoid drying out the chicken. Alternatively, use the microwave covered with a damp paper towel and heat in short bursts to maintain texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and will work beautifully with this Lemon Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Can I prepare the glaze in advance?

Yes! The glaze mixture can be combined ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just give it a good stir before using.

How do I get the glaze to thicken properly?

Simmer the glaze slowly over medium heat and spoon it over the chicken regularly. The butter and cornstarch on the chicken help thicken the sauce as it cooks, creating that perfect sticky finish.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! This Lemon Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe is great for meal prep since it reheats well and keeps its flavor intact. Pair it with your favorite grains and vegetables for balanced meals throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe has become one of those dishes I turn to when I want impressive flavor with minimal fuss. The way the glaze perfectly balances sweet, salty, and tangy notes makes every bite pure comfort food pleasure. I’m confident you’ll love making and sharing this recipe as much as I do, and once you try it, it just might become a new staple in your kitchen too!

Lemon Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe