Introduction
This delectable chicken dish combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious honey-lemon sauce, creating a perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is simple yet impressive. Follow the steps below to create a memorable meal that will delight your family and friends.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Chicken:
– 1 lb (500g) chicken breast (2 pieces)
– Salt and pepper
– 1/4 cup (35g) flour (any type)
Sauce:
– 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 3/4 cup (185ml) chicken broth or stock
– 1/4 cup (85g) honey
– 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons water
To serve (optional):
– Lemon slices
– Finely chopped parsley
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
This recipe not only offers a burst of flavor but is also straightforward to prepare. With its combination of succulent chicken and a zesty sauce, it is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the delightful experience of cooking and savoring this dish!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
– Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create four steaks. For even cooking, optionally pound them to an even thickness of about 1 cm (2/5 inch).
– Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
– Place the flour in a shallow dish. Dredge each chicken piece in the flour, shaking off any excess.
– Reserve 1 teaspoon of the flour and mix it with the 2 tablespoons of water; set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
– In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter with the olive oil until hot.
– Add the chicken and cook for about 2 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side until golden brown. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
– In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 20 seconds until golden.
– Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
– Add the honey, lemon juice, soy sauce, and the reserved flour-water mixture. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and Serve:
– Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, turning to coat it in the sauce. Let it heat through for about 30 seconds.
– Serve the chicken drizzled with the sauce, garnished with lemon slices and chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
– This dish pairs well with a simple side salad and bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Cooking Tips:
– Ensure chicken is cooked through by checking that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
– Adjust the sweetness and acidity of the sauce by altering the amounts of honey and lemon juice to suit your taste.
Cook techniques
Preparation of Chicken
Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create uniform steaks. Optionally pound them to an even thickness for consistent cooking. Season with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour for a light coating.
Cooking the Chicken
Melt butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides, ensuring an evenly cooked and crispy exterior.
Preparing the Sauce
Sauté minced garlic in the same skillet to infuse flavor, then deglaze with chicken broth. Add honey, lemon juice, soy sauce, and a flour-water mixture. Simmer until the sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency.
Combining and Serving
Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the sauce. Heat through and serve with optional lemon slices and chopped parsley for garnish.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and can add more flavor and moisture to the dish.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce while it simmers.
What can I substitute for honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as alternatives to honey for sweetness.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it just before serving.
What sides pair well with this dish?
This dish pairs well with rice, side salads, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Conclusion
This honey lemon garlic chicken dish is a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors, enhanced by the tanginess of fresh lemon juice. The tender chicken, coated in a rich, syrupy sauce, makes for a satisfying meal that is both quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. Serve it with a side of fresh salad or crusty bread to complete your dining experience.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Lemon Herb Chicken
Marinate the chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs like rosemary and thyme before cooking for a fresh, aromatic twist.
Honey Mustard Chicken
Replace lemon juice with Dijon mustard for a tangy honey mustard sauce that pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken
After preparing the sauce, stir in grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy and cheesy variation that complements the flavors of garlic and honey.
Spicy Honey Chicken
Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick that balances the sweetness of honey.
Chicken with Mixed Vegetables
Sauté bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli in the same skillet before adding the chicken back, creating a colorful and nutritious one-pan meal.
