Lemon Honey Glazed Chicken

Lemon Honey Glazed Chicken

Lemon Honey Glazed Chicken is a light, flavorful dish that combines the tangy zest of fresh lemons with the natural sweetness of honey. This dish is a perfect balance of citrus and sweetness, offering a delightful glaze that enhances the juicy chicken. Ideal for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or when you’re in the mood for something refreshing, this recipe is both easy to make and packed with flavor.

The History of Lemon Honey Glazed Chicken

Lemon and honey are classic ingredients in both savory and sweet cooking. The combination of these two has been used in various culinary traditions for centuries, particularly in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, where lemon and honey are often paired in both sauces and desserts. Over time, this pairing has been adapted to modern cooking, especially in the form of glazes for meats like chicken. The introduction of fresh herbs and spices has further enhanced the flavor profile, making it a popular dish in contemporary cooking for its balance of acidity, sweetness, and freshness.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients used in this dish:

• Chicken: Typically, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well, as they cook quickly and absorb the glaze flavors well.
• Lemon: Fresh lemon juice provides the tangy acidity that balances out the sweetness of the honey. Lemon zest adds an extra punch of citrus flavor.
• Honey: The natural sweetness from honey is the star of the glaze, creating a shiny, sticky coating on the chicken.
• Garlic: Adds a savory depth to the glaze, making the sweetness of honey more complex and grounded.
• Olive Oil: Used to cook the chicken, olive oil also imparts a light richness.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to the glaze to balance out the honey and lemon.
• Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, or parsley can be added for fragrance and an herbal layer to the dish.
• Salt & Pepper: Seasoning for the chicken, ensuring the flavors are well-balanced.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients (for 2-3 servings):

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup honey
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
• Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts (or thighs) with salt and pepper.
2. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Set the glaze mixture aside.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
4. Add the Glaze: Once the chicken is cooked, pour the lemon-honey glaze over the chicken in the skillet. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken and coat the chicken.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme and serve the chicken with additional lemon slices and chopped parsley. Pair with rice, roasted vegetables, or a salad.

Tips for the Perfect Lemon Honey Glazed Chicken

• Ensure the Chicken Is Cooked Through: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, ensuring it’s fully cooked at 165°F (74°C).
• Adjust the Glaze Consistency: If you prefer a thicker glaze, let the sauce simmer for a little longer. If it gets too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry. Chicken thighs are more forgiving than breasts in this regard.
• Add a Touch of Spice: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or a small chopped chili to the glaze for a spicy-sweet kick.
• Use Fresh Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest give the dish its vibrant, aromatic flavor. Bottled lemon juice won’t have the same brightness.

Variations and Customizations

• Lemon Honey Glazed Chicken with Vegetables: Add vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers to the skillet while the chicken cooks, so they can absorb some of the glaze.
• Spicy Lemon Honey Glazed Chicken: Add a dash of cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or even Sriracha to the glaze for a spicy version.
• Lemon Honey Chicken with Herbs: Customize the herbs to your liking. Basil or thyme pairs beautifully with lemon, while parsley adds a fresh, vibrant touch.
• Grilled Version: Instead of pan-frying the chicken, grill it for a smoky flavor and baste with the lemon honey glaze during the last few minutes of grilling.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

While delicious, this dish is best enjoyed in moderation, especially considering the honey content. To make it healthier, consider:

• Grilling instead of Frying: Grilling the chicken instead of pan-frying will reduce the oil content and add a smoky flavor.
• Use Less Honey: You can reduce the amount of honey in the glaze to make it less sweet and lower in sugar.
• Serve with a Side Salad or Veggies: Serve the chicken with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad to add more fiber and nutrients to the meal.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):

• Calories: 300-350
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 25g
• Fat: 15g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully with this recipe! They stay moist and tender while absorbing the honey lemon glaze nicely.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time? While the glaze is best when fresh, you can prepare the chicken and glaze in advance. Simply reheat the chicken and add the glaze before serving.
3. Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the chicken, though the glaze may become slightly less glossy after reheating. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator and warm in a skillet until heated through.
4. Can I use other fruits for the glaze? Yes, you can substitute lemon with lime or orange for a different citrus flavor. Adjust the honey to balance out the new fruit’s acidity.

Lemon Honey Glazed Chicken offers a delightful combination of sweet and tart, with the added benefit of being quick and easy to prepare. This dish is sure to become a family favorite with its juicy chicken and vibrant glaze!

Lemon Honey Glazed Chicken

Lemon Honey Glazed Chicken is a light, flavorful dish that combines the tangy zest of fresh lemons with the natural sweetness of honey. This dish is a perfect balance of citrus and sweetness, offering a delightful glaze that enhances the juicy chicken. Ideal for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or when you're in the mood for something refreshing, this recipe is both easy to make and packed with flavor.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 9 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings 2

Ingredients

  

• Marinate CHICKEN:
• 350 g chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 tbsp Chinese Cooking Wine
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• Lemon sauce:
• 1/4 cup of chicken stock
• 3 tbsp of lemon juice
• 1 tbsp of soy sauce
• 1 tbsp of lemon zest
• 1 tbsp of sugar
• 2 tbsp of honey
• 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
• STIR FRY:
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp ginger minced
• 6 dried Chinese chilies
• 2 tbsp of oil for stir frying

Instructions

 

• Coat the chicken with oil, baking soda and Shao-xing wine. Then, dredge the chicken in cornstarch and shake off the excess.
• Heat up some oil in a large frying pan. Fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy. Set aside.
• For the honey lemon sauce, combine all of the ingredients above and set aside.
• Coat the chicken with oil, baking soda and Shao-xing wine. Then, dredge the chicken in cornstarch and shake off the excess.
• Heat up some oil in a large frying pan. Fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy. Set aside.
• For the honey lemon sauce, combine all of the ingredients above and set aside.
• In a pan, heat the oil over high heat. Add the garlic, ginger and dried chillies. Sauté for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
• Then, pour the sauce and continue stirring until the sauce thickens.
• Add the chicken to the pan and toss until it is evenly coated with the sauce.
• Serve the chicken with hot steamed rice, garnish with sesame seeds, spring onions and enjoy!