Juicy Lemon Honey Butter Chicken

This Juicy Lemon Honey Butter Chicken is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, this easy dinner recipe comes together in under 20 minutes in one skillet and delivers tender, golden chicken coated in a glossy honey lemon butter sauce.

The idea here is simple. Fresh chicken is lightly seasoned and pan-seared until golden, then finished with butter, lemon juice, honey, garlic, and soy sauce for a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavor.

Like most simple skillet recipes, the key to success is in the technique. A quick sear locks in moisture, while the butter sauce keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful without feeling heavy.

Why This Recipe Works

This is one of my favorite ways to turn simple chicken into a cozy, satisfying dinner. The combination of honey, lemon, and butter creates a rich sauce that coats every bite without overpowering the chicken.

This is one of those cozy one-pan dinners that’s perfect for busy nights when you want something homemade without extra cleanup.

The flavors are approachable and family-friendly, making this recipe perfect for picky eaters. It’s comforting, well-balanced, and easy enough for busy nights when you still want something homemade.

If you’re looking for a reliable skillet chicken recipe that’s quick, flavorful, and consistently juicy, this lemon honey butter chicken is one you’ll want to make again and again.

A Quick Look at the Ingredients

• Chicken: Boneless chicken works best for this recipe. Light crosshatch cuts help the seasoning and sauce absorb better and allow the chicken to cook evenly.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is key here. It adds brightness and balances the richness of the butter and honey.
• Butter: Butter creates a rich, glossy sauce and keeps the chicken tender. It’s added after searing to prevent burning.
• Honey: Just a small amount adds gentle sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize slightly without becoming overly sweet.
• Soy Sauce: Adds savory depth and balances the lemon and honey. It also helps season the sauce without extra salt.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic brings warmth and aroma to the sauce. Add it gently so it softens without browning.
• Flour: A light coating helps create a golden crust and locks in moisture while the chicken cooks.

How to Make Juicy Lemon Honey Butter Chicken

Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to make juicy lemon honey butter chicken in one skillet. Each step is quick and straightforward, helping you achieve golden, tender chicken with a rich, buttery sauce every time.

Pat the chicken very dry with paper towels. Make shallow crosshatch cuts on the surface of each piece, then season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.

Lightly coat the chicken with flour, shaking off any excess. This thin coating helps create a golden crust and keeps the chicken juicy as it cooks.

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the chicken and cook for about 4 minutes per side, until golden and nicely seared.

Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the butter, lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, and garlic. Stir gently to combine and coat the chicken in the sauce.

Continue cooking the chicken in the sauce for about 2 minutes per side, spooning the sauce over the top as it cooks.

Cover the skillet with a lid and let the chicken gently simmer over low heat for 3 minutes.

Serve warm with the buttery lemon honey sauce spooned over the top.

Pro Tips for the Best Lemon Honey Butter Chicken

• Dry chicken = better sear: Make sure the chicken is completely dry before seasoning and coating with flour. Any excess moisture will cause the chicken to steam instead of searing, which affects both texture and flavor.
• Use a light flour coating: The flour should be barely visible. This thin layer helps create a golden crust and protects the chicken from overcooking while still allowing the sauce to stay silky, not thick or gummy.
• Let the skillet get hot first: Always heat the oil before adding the chicken. A properly heated pan ensures even browning and helps the chicken release easily from the skillet.
• Lower the heat before adding butter and honey: Butter and honey can burn quickly. Reducing the heat prevents bitterness and keeps the sauce glossy and smooth.
• Spoon the sauce over the chicken: As the chicken finishes cooking, continuously spoon the sauce over the top. This builds flavor and keeps the meat moist.
• Cover and simmer at the end: Keep the skillet covered and let the chicken gently simmer over low heat for 2–3 minutes. This finishes cooking evenly and keeps the chicken juicy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this lemon honey butter chicken ahead of time?
This chicken is best served fresh, but you can cook it ahead and reheat gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work very well and stay extra juicy. You may need to cook them 1–2 minutes longer per side.

Why do I need to lightly coat the chicken with flour?
A thin flour coating helps create a golden crust and protects the chicken from drying out while the sauce simmers.

Serving

Serve this chicken with something that can soak up the sauce. Rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta are all perfect, and it also pairs great with steamed broccoli or a simple green salad. Don’t forget to spoon that lemon honey butter sauce over everything.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover lemon honey butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and sauce together so it stays moist.

To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a small splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring the sauce in between to prevent drying.

Recipe Notes & Variations

• Use chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well and stay extra juicy.
• Adjust the sweetness: Add a little more honey for a sweeter sauce, or reduce it slightly for a more savory finish.
• Add herbs: Fresh thyme or parsley stirred in at the end adds a nice pop of freshness.
• Make it spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce gives the sauce a gentle kick.