There’s something special about a dish that balances sweet, savoury, and tangy flavours in one bite and Lemon Honey Soy Chicken does exactly that. It delivers a perfect harmony of citrusy brightness, deep umami notes, and rich caramelised sweetness. This dish comes together in just 15 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you want something homemade but without too much effort. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a hungry family, this recipe is sure to impress with its simplicity and depth of flavour.
The sauce is the real hero of this dish. A blend of fresh lemon juice, soy sauce, and honey creates a glossy glaze that clings beautifully to the chicken thighs. The addition of garlic brings warmth and aromatic depth, while the quick-cooking method ensures that the chicken remains tender and juicy. Serve it alongside steamed rice and fresh vegetables for a balanced meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
Table of Contents
- Ingredient Breakdown
- Why Chicken Thighs Are the Best Choice
- Mastering the Cooking Technique
- How to Serve Lemon Honey Soy Chicken
- Alternative Proteins
- Tips for Meal Prepping and Storage
- More Chicken Recipes
Ingredient Breakdown
- Chicken thigh fillets: Juicy, flavourful, and perfect for absorbing marinades and sauces.
- Lemon juice and zest: Adds brightness and enhances the overall flavour profile.
- Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps create a caramelised glaze.
- Soy sauce: Brings umami depth and saltiness to the sauce.
- Boiling water: Helps dissolve and mix the sauce ingredients.
- Garlic: Enhances the dish with its aromatic, savoury quality.
- Neutral oil: Prevents sticking and helps achieve an even sear on the chicken.
Why Chicken Thighs Are the Best Choice
When it comes to quick-cooking chicken recipes, thighs are often the best option. Unlike chicken breast, which can dry out easily, thigh fillets remain juicy and tender even when cooked at high heat. They also have a slightly higher fat content, which enhances their flavour and makes them more forgiving to cook.
Another advantage of using chicken thighs in Lemon Honey Soy Chicken is their ability to absorb flavour. Because they contain more connective tissue than breast meat, they take on marinades and sauces exceptionally well. This means that every bite is packed with flavour, ensuring a more satisfying and well-rounded dish. If you prefer using chicken breast, you can still achieve a great result. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent drying out.
Mastering the Cooking Technique
The key to making Lemon Honey Soy Chicken successfully is mastering the cooking technique. Start by searing the chicken in a hot pan with a small amount of neutral oil. This step is crucial because it locks in moisture while also creating a beautifully golden crust. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the chicken to ensure a good sear.
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pan and quickly sauté the garlic. This allows the garlic to release its fragrance without burning. Then, add the sauce ingredients and bring everything to a simmer. As the sauce reduces, it will thicken into a glossy glaze that clings perfectly to the chicken. Finally, return the chicken to the pan, turning it frequently to coat it evenly in the sauce.
How to Serve Lemon Honey Soy Chicken
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it easy to customise based on your preferences. The most classic pairing is steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce and complements the dish’s bold flavours.
For vegetables, opt for fresh, crisp options that contrast with the richness of the sauce. Steamed broccoli, stir-fried green beans, or roasted bell peppers work beautifully. You can also serve this dish with a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame seeds for a refreshing contrast.
Alternative Proteins
While Lemon Honey Soy Chicken is a standout on its own, the sauce is incredibly versatile and works well with other proteins too.
- If you’re a fan of seafood, try swapping the chicken for salmon fillets. The lemon and honey create a stunning glaze on the fish, while the soy sauce adds depth.
- For a vegetarian option, tofu makes an excellent alternative. Use firm tofu, cut into cubes, and pan-fry until golden before adding the sauce. The tofu will absorb the flavours beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s just as satisfying as the original.
Tips for Meal Prepping and Storage
This dish is ideal for meal prep, as it stores well and reheats beautifully. To store leftovers, transfer the chicken and sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent the chicken from drying out.
If you prefer to prepare components in advance, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. This allows you to save time when cooking, as you’ll only need to sear the chicken and add the pre-made sauce.
More Chicken Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed making these Lemon Honey Soy Chicken, here are some more of my recipes I think you’ll like:
- Chicken Parm: A classic chicken parm, no frills, no fuss. Each cutlet is then topped with a simple yet rich homemade tomato sauce and finished with yet more parmigiano reggiano and mozzarella.
- Chimichurri Chicken: Chicken so good it’ll make you dance! The chicken is marinated in a tasty combination of herbs and spices then seared until perfectly cooked and juicy.
- Kimchi Chicken Katsu: This kimchi chicken katsu recipe puts a Korean spin on a Japanese classic. The chicken gets marinated in kimchi juice, before being breaded and fried to golden perfection.
- Chicken Biryani: This recipe is an homage to the iconic Hyderabadi Biryani, a perfect blend of Mughlai and Telugu culinary traditions.
- Grilled Garlic & Lemon Chicken Thighs: The combination of garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs creates a marinade that deeply infuses the meat, ensuring every bite is succulent and aromatic. Whether cooked over an open flame or roasted in the oven, these chicken thighs turn out juicy, golden, and packed with zest.
If you’d like to see how I make all these recipes and more, head on over to my Instagram!
Lemon Honey Soy Chicken
Juicy chicken thighs glazed in a tasty, sweet and tangy sauce. This dish is absolutely delicious and so quick and easy to prepare. All you need to do is combine the sauce ingredients, cook the chicken in a non-stick pan, and add the sauce to finish. It’s a simple 3-step recipe that comes together in just 15 minutes! The sauce also works really well with salmon and/or tofu. Serve with rice and veg for a healthy, satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 1x
- Category: Chicken
Ingredients
For the sauce:
- 1 small lemon, zest
- 4 tbsps freshly-squeezed lemon juice
- 4 tbsps runny honey
- 4 tbsps light soy sauce
- 4 tbsps boiling water
For the chicken:
- neutral oil
- 6 large chicken thighs fillets (boneless, skinless chicken thighs)
- 2 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Combine the sauce ingredients in a bowl and mix until well-incorporated.
- Heat 1 tsp neutral oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thigh fillets in a single layer and cook until browned and cooked through, around 5 minutes per side depending on the thickness of the fillets. It seems crazy to cook the chicken without an ounce of seasoning but trust the process! The sauce is enough to salt and flavour the chicken.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate. Add the garlic to the pan and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute then add the sauce and stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the pan and bring the sauce to a boil. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes to reduce the sauce, frequently turning the chicken in the sauce so that it begins to form a glaze. Serve the chicken with rice and vegetables and drizzle the sauce over the top – enjoy!
