Honey Lemon Chicken Breasts
Tender chicken breasts glazed with honey and lemon, infused with citrus and herbs, perfect for a quick, flavorful meal suited for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Score chicken breasts diagonally at 1-inch intervals in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife.
- Set aside.
- In a 9-inch square baking dish, combine soy sauce, parsley, lemon peel, honey, lemon juice, brown sugar, and bouquet sauce.
- Stir to dissolve the sugar.
- Add chicken breasts, scored side down, coating them with the honey mixture.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Arrange breast halves scored side up on a roasting rack, with meaty portions toward outside.
- Cover with wax paper and microwave at High for 13 to 15 minutes, rotating the rack 2 or 3 times and basting with honey mixture once, until chicken near bone is no longer pink and juices run clear.
- Before serving, garnish with lemon slices.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts overnight with the honey mixture. If you don't have bouquet sauce, a dash of Worcestershire sauce can work as a substitute. To enhance the dish, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. This recipe is similar to Easy Fancy Chicken, making it a great option for special occasions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Honey Lemon Chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a Mixed Squash Casserole for a colorful and nutritious meal. A light salad or rice pilaf also pairs well, balancing the sweetness of the chicken. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh lemon slices for added zest and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Honey Lemon Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Honey Lemon Chicken Breasts contains roughly 112 calories, with 12g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts can be used, but reduce the cooking time to prevent them from drying out. Aim for about 8 to 10 minutes in the microwave, checking for doneness to ensure they are cooked through but still juicy.
What can I substitute for honey if I want to make it less sweet?
If you want to reduce the sweetness, try using maple syrup or agave nectar, which will provide a similar consistency without being overly sweet. You can also replace some of the honey with extra lemon juice for a tangier flavor.
Can I grill the chicken instead of microwaving it?
Absolutely! Grilling the chicken will add a wonderful smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high, then cook the marinated chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Baste with the honey mixture while grilling for added flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).