Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken (Ready In 20 Min)
Juicy chicken thighs pan-seared until golden and coated in a sticky honey lemon garlic sauce. A quick 20-minute dinner that’s packed with sweet, tangy, and savory flavor perfect with steamed rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-fried, Simmered
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
2 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
2–3 tbsp cornstarch
2–3 tbsp neutral oil (for frying)
3 tbsp butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp mirin
2 tbsp honey
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 tbsp lemon zest
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp chili flakes
1/2 tsp black pepper
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Coat evenly with cornstarch, shaking off excess.
Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Place chicken skin-side down and fry for about 7 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add soy sauce, mirin, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, chili flakes, and black pepper. Stir and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
Return chicken to the pan and coat well by basting with the sauce.
Cook for another 2–3 minutes until glazed and sticky.
Serve hot with steamed rice and garnish with sesame seeds and chives.
Notes
For extra crispiness, ensure chicken is fully dry before coating with cornstarch.
Adjust chili flakes based on spice preference.
Sauce thickens quickly, so keep an eye while simmering.
Can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast, but cooking time may vary.
