1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces on both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Brown the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
3. Make the Honey Lemon Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, soy sauce, and thyme. Cook and stir until the sauce is well combined and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Finish the Chicken:
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the pieces. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley over the chicken for garnish.
- Serve the chicken hot, drizzled with the remaining honey lemon sauce from the skillet.
Tips:
- Serving Suggestions: Honey Lemon Chicken pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Adjusting Sweetness and Tartness: You can adjust the amount of honey or lemon juice to suit your taste preferences. Add more honey for a sweeter sauce or more lemon juice for extra tanginess.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can dissolve 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in 2 teaspoons of water and stir this slurry into the sauce before adding the chicken back to the skillet.
Enjoy your Honey Lemon Chicken, a dish that’s sure to impress with its beautiful balance of flavors, making it a hit for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.