🍯 Honey Lemon Ginger Glazed Chicken

Sweet, tangy, savory, and done in 30 minutes!

This vibrant dish combines honey’s natural sweetness, lemon’s bright acidity, and fresh ginger’s warm spice into a silky glaze that wraps juicy chicken in bold, irresistible flavor.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Glaze:

• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water (optional, for thickening)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

🥄 Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Pat dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder.
• Slice thick breasts in half for faster, even cooking.

2. Cook the Chicken

Option A: Skillet Method

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Sear chicken 6–7 minutes per side until golden and internal temp hits 165°F (74°C).
• Remove and set aside.

Option B: Oven-Baked

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Bake seasoned chicken for 20–25 minutes, flipping once.

3. Make the Glaze

In a small saucepan or the same skillet:

• Combine honey, lemon juice, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes.
• Simmer 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
• For a thicker glaze: Mix cornstarch with water and whisk into glaze. Simmer 2 more minutes until glossy.

4. Glaze the Chicken

• Return chicken to the pan with glaze. Spoon sauce over pieces and simmer 2–3 minutes to coat.
• If baking, brush glaze on in the last 5 minutes of baking, or drizzle on before serving.

5. Serve & Garnish

Let rest 5 minutes, then garnish with:

• Chopped parsley or green onions
• Lemon wedges
• Toasted sesame seeds

Serve with rice, veggies, or in wraps!

🍚 Serving Ideas

Best Sides:

• Jasmine rice, coconut rice, or quinoa
• Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or stir-fried snow peas
• Cucumber salad or garlic mashed potatoes

Creative Serving:

• In rice bowls with fresh herbs
• In lettuce wraps with pickled veggies
• Stuffed in wraps or sandwiches

🔥 Tips for Success

• Use fresh lemon juice and grated ginger for best flavor.
• Don’t over-thicken the glaze — it should be silky and spoonable.
• Let the chicken rest before slicing to retain moisture.

🌀 Variations

Spicy: Add sriracha or chili paste to the glaze
Orange version: Swap lemon for orange juice and zest
Asian-style: Add sesame oil or a dash of fish sauce
Herbed: Add rosemary or thyme to the marinade

❄️ Make-Ahead & Storage

• Make-Ahead: Marinate chicken in lemon, garlic, and soy sauce up to 12 hrs. Glaze keeps 2–3 days in the fridge.
• Store: Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days. Reheat in skillet with splash of water.
• Freeze: Store cooked chicken and glaze separately for up to 2 months.

❓ FAQs

Can I use ground ginger?
Yes – use ½ tsp ground ginger instead of fresh.

What kind of honey is best?
Use raw or mild-flavored honey. Avoid strong ones like buckwheat.

Can I grill it?
Yes! Grill over medium heat, basting with glaze in the final minutes.

Is it kid-friendly?
Yes! Omit red pepper flakes for a milder version.

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