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Hot Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 68 reviews

This Hot Honey Lemon Chicken recipe features thinly sliced chicken cutlets pan-seared to golden perfection and coated in a glossy, tangy, and sweet-spicy sauce made from fresh lemon juice, honey, garlic, and chili flakes. The dish is finished with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley for a flavorful and visually appealing meal that cooks quickly on the stovetop.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

  • 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into thin cutlets
  • ¼ cup plain flour
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Sauce and Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup chicken stock
  • 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons chili flakes or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 lemon, sliced into half-moons
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken Cutlets: Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create thinner cutlets, then gently pound them with a mallet to ensure even thickness. This helps the chicken cook quickly and stay juicy.
  2. Coat Chicken: In a shallow dish, mix the flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Press each cutlet into the mixture, coating both sides lightly, and shake off any excess.
  3. Pan-Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken stock, fresh lemon juice, honey, and chili flakes. Add lemon slices and let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over each piece, coating them thoroughly. Let simmer gently for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the chicken.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the finished dish right before serving to add a fresh, herby finish and a pop of color.

Notes

  • For extra heat, increase the chili flakes or use a spicy hot sauce.
  • Using fresh lemon juice is essential for brightness and acidity; avoid bottled lemon juice.
  • Thinly slicing and pounding the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and helps avoid dryness.
  • Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
  • The sauce can be adjusted in sweetness or spice according to taste by altering honey and chili quantities.

Keywords: hot honey chicken, lemon chicken, spicy honey chicken, pan-seared chicken, quick chicken recipe