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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons) - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for cooking) - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish - Lemon slices, for serving - Alternative sweeteners for honey: You can use maple syrup or agave nectar if you want. Both will add sweetness. - Options for low-sodium soy sauce: Try coconut aminos or tamari for a gluten-free option. They taste great too. - Fresh vs. dried herbs: Fresh thyme adds a bright flavor. If you only have dried thyme, use half the amount. Dried herbs are stronger. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, you will mix the marinade. In a bowl, combine the honey, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Whisk it well until smooth. This mixture is key to great flavor. Marinating the chicken is very important. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece is coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate. For best flavor, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, two hours is even better. Next, you need to decide how to cook your chicken. You can use a grill or a skillet. Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. If using a skillet, add a little olive oil to avoid sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade. Let excess marinade drip off. Reserve any leftover marinade for basting. Grill or sear the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Cook it until the inside reaches 165°F (75°C). A nice char on the outside adds flavor. Baste with the reserved marinade in the last minutes of cooking for extra taste. After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This step helps keep it juicy and tender. It allows the juices to spread evenly throughout the meat. To serve, plate the chicken and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Add lemon slices on the side for color and zest. For a nice touch, serve it alongside a fresh salad or mixed roasted vegetables. The colors will make your dish pop! To make your Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken even better, try adding herbs. Fresh rosemary, oregano, or basil pair nicely. You can also add spices like paprika for a smoky flavor. Basting is key. Use the leftover marinade to brush the chicken while it cooks. This adds moisture and boosts the taste. Cook your chicken to the right temperature. The magic number is 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for best results. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after cooking. This step keeps the juices in, making the chicken juicy and tender. For side dishes, serve your chicken with a fresh green salad or roasted veggies. Bright colors make the meal more appealing. When plating, sprinkle chopped parsley on top and add lemon slices. This adds a nice touch and extra flavor. Enjoy your beautifully presented dish! Pro Tips Marinating Time: For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours. This helps the flavors penetrate deeply, making the chicken more delicious. Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This guarantees that it's cooked through and safe to eat. Basting for Flavor: Reserve some marinade to baste the chicken during cooking. This adds an extra layer of flavor and keeps the chicken moist. Resting Time: After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more tender chicken. {{image_4}} You can make this dish even better by adding fresh vegetables. Pick seasonal choices like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add them to the grill or skillet with the chicken. The veggies will soak up the flavors from the marinade. This adds color and nutrition to your meal. If you like heat, try adding chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade. Start with a pinch of chili flakes and taste. You can always add more if needed. This gives the dish a nice kick! The sweet honey and spicy notes balance well. Your family and friends will love this spicy twist. Using chicken thighs gives you a juicier result. Just remember, they take a bit longer to cook. Grill or pan-sear them for about 8-10 minutes on each side. Always check the internal temperature. It should be 165°F (75°C) like with chicken breasts. Thighs also have more flavor, making this dish even tastier! Store any leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container for best results. They stay fresh for up to three days. Always let the chicken cool before sealing. This helps avoid moisture buildup inside. To freeze the chicken, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place it in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. This way, it can last for up to three months. For best results, freeze in single portions so you can thaw only what you need. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave on the defrost setting. Just be careful not to start cooking it during this process. To reheat, use an oven or skillet for the best flavor. Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps it moist while warming. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or broth. Heat on medium-low, turning gently until warmed through. This method helps keep the chicken juicy and flavorful. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. It is safe to cook frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it properly. The best way to thaw chicken is in the fridge. Place the frozen chicken on a plate. This will catch any juices. Leave it in the fridge for several hours or overnight. You can also thaw it in cold water. Seal the chicken in a bag and submerge it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes. Avoid using warm water, as it can promote bacteria growth. Once thawed, you can follow the recipe as normal. You have many options for sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed broccoli - Roasted sweet potatoes - Mixed green salad - Quinoa or rice - Grilled asparagus - Garlic bread These sides complement the flavors well. They add color and texture to your meal. You can mix and match based on what you like. Using a meat thermometer is key. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. The safe temperature is 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, look for signs of doneness. The juices should run clear, not pink. The meat should no longer be shiny or translucent. Cooked chicken should feel firm when you press it. These methods ensure you serve safe and delicious chicken. This article covered how to make honey lemon garlic chicken with ease. We discussed key ingredients and possible substitutions. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing, cooking, and serving. We also offered tips to boost flavor, ensure tenderness, and suggested variations. Finally, storage info and FAQs will keep your meal fresh and safe. Cooking this dish offers great taste and flexibility. Enjoy trying new flavors and sharing this recipe with family!

Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken

A flavorful chicken dish marinated in honey, lemon, and garlic, perfect for grilling.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces 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
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • for serving lemon slices

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture thoroughly to blend all the flavors, creating a smooth marinade.
  • Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For enhanced flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours.
  • Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. If using a skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
  • Carefully remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Reserve the remaining marinade for basting later.
  • Grill or sear the chicken for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and a beautiful char develops on the outside. In the final minutes of cooking, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade for a burst of flavor.
  • Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
  • To serve, plate the chicken and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and a few lemon slices on the side for added color and zest.

Notes

For an appealing plate, serve the chicken alongside a fresh green salad or mixed roasted vegetables.
Keyword chicken, garlic, grilled, honey, lemon