Sometimes the day slips away faster than planned, and dinner calls for something that feels both special and effortless. This honey lemon chicken skillet fits right into those moments—where you want to sit down to a warm, comforting meal without hours in the kitchen. The golden chicken breasts soak up a sauce that’s bright with fresh lemon and sweetened just enough by honey, creating a balance that’s hard to resist.
I remember the first time I made this dish; the lemon zest and honey bubbling in the skillet filled the kitchen with a scent that made me pause and almost forget the timer. I was juggling a few things, so the chicken browned a little unevenly—some parts crispier than others—but it only added to the charm. The sauce clung to the chicken in those spots, bursting with flavor in every bite. It was the kind of meal you want to savor slowly, maybe with a glass of something chilled and a simple side to soak up every drop.
- Quick and approachable with a cook time that fits weeknight schedules
- The sauce is luscious but not overly sticky—it’s simple, and that’s kind of the point
- Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the dish without overwhelming it
- Uses basic pantry ingredients that you likely already have on hand
- Offers a reliable, crowd-pleasing option without fancy techniques
If you’re worried about the sauce thickening too much or not enough, it’s pretty forgiving—just keep an eye and adjust the simmer time a bit. Even if you can’t get your chicken perfectly golden every time, that’s okay. The flavors still come through beautifully.
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Honey Lemon Chicken Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A quick and delicious honey lemon chicken skillet recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a sweet and tangy honey lemon sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the fresh lemon juice, honey, and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add lemon zest and continue to simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.
Turn off the heat and stir in the unsalted butter until melted and the sauce is smooth.
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them to coat well.
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and sauce.
Serve the honey lemon chicken skillet immediately with your choice of side dishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Using a sturdy skillet that holds heat well makes all the difference here, helping that sauce come together smoothly. I like serving this alongside steamed veggies or a simple rice pilaf to soak up the sauce. Sometimes I toss in a handful of spinach at the end for some green, although I haven’t tested that with all variations yet. If you want to switch things up, a splash of soy sauce adds a subtle depth, or you could swap honey with maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness, though it changes the flavor profile a bit.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely. Thighs stay juicy and work well with the sauce, though cooking times might vary slightly.
What side dishes pair nicely? I usually go with something simple—rice, couscous, or roasted veggies all work great.
Is the sauce good leftover? Yes, just reheat gently to keep the chicken tender and the sauce smooth.
Give this honey lemon chicken skillet a try when you want dinner that feels like a little treat but doesn’t take forever. Save it, print it, and come back to it on those busy nights when something quick and satisfying hits the spot.