Name: Honey Lemon Chicken Skillet
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 1/2 cup chicken stock; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 lemon (sliced); 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional)

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This one-pan Honey Lemon Chicken Skillet is a lifesaver on busy weeknights! With just a handful of ingredients and in less than 20 minutes, the chicken cooks up beautifully in a delicious honey lemon sauce.

Between the tender chicken cutlets and the sweet and tangy honey glaze, this is one chicken recipe you will be putting on your meal plan on repeat! And with one dish to clean up after dinner, there is NO excuse not to try this easy chicken recipe.

Chicken cutlets in skillet with honey lemon sauce.

When it comes to creating flavorful dishes with minimal ingredients, I love using ingredients that are rich and robust in flavor.

One of my favorite flavor combinations is sweet honey paired with tart citrus. This duo adds intense flavor to meals without the need for many other ingredients.

Whether transforming chicken cutlets into this simple glazed Honey Lemon Skillet, or preparing Honey Baked Pork Chops, Instant Pot Ham, Honey Lime Chicken Fajitas, or Honey Glazed Salmon, honey plus citrus equals wholesome, delicious meals!

why you'll love honey lemon chicken

When I am looking for quick and healthy dinner options, this recipe for Honey Lemon Chicken is one of my favorite go-to recipes for many reasons!

Fast. This chicken skillet is ready in less than 20 minutes. In fact, I would argue that it is easier than driving through any drive-thru and certainly easier than running into a store to grab a frozen meal that you have to come home and cook.
Minimal Ingredients. This recipe is made with only a few ingredients that pack in a ton of flavor.
Healthy. Honey Lemon Chicken is low in fat, low in sodium, gluten-free, and full of protein.
Delicious. The chicken is melt-in-your-mouth tender and glazed with a sauce that is both sweet and savory.

Notes on Ingredients & Equipment

Chicken Cutlets: I recommend using thin chicken breast cutlets for this chicken skillet recipe. Because the chicken is thinly sliced it will cook quickly, remain tender, and have an ample sauce-to-chicken ratio, which translates to more flavor.
Lemon: Do not use jarred lemon juice! Fresh lemon juice is a must for the sauce. It makes for a beautiful presentation to add sliced lemon to the chicken skillet as well, but it is not crucial to this recipe.
Saute Pan: I do recommend using a nonstick skillet for easier cleanup and less risk of burning the sauce. The honey in the sauce is a bit sticky and high in sugar and can burn quickly if not watched carefully--I never have an issue in a non-stick pan.

∗ money saving tip ∗

Chicken breasts are much more affordable than purchasing chicken cutlets. You can prepare your own chicken cutlets using chicken breasts by using a sharp fillet knife to slice the chicken breast horizontally into two even pieces. Place the sliced chicken breast between two slices of plastic wrap and then pound with a meat mallet. For more help, watch the video on how to make chicken breast cutlets out of chicken breasts here.

How to Make Honey Lemon Chicken

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet. I do recommend using a nonstick skillet for easier cleanup and less risk of burning the sauce. The honey in the sauce is a bit sticky and high in sugar and can burn quickly if not watched carefully--I never have an issue in a non-stick pan.
While the oil is heating, season the chicken evenly with salt and pepper on both sides.
Place the seasoned chicken cutlets in the saute pan, ensuring that they are not overlapping! It is better to work in batches than to overcrowd your pan, which will result in steamed, not seared chicken.
Sear the chicken on each side until golden brown on both sides.

Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate.
Whisk together the honey, lemon juice, chicken stock, and Dijon together in a large bowl.

Lemon honey sauce mixed together in small clear bowl.

Pour the honey lemon sauce into the skillet and whisk constantly until the sauce is boiling.
Once bubbling, turn the heat to medium-low, add the chicken back into the skillet, top with lemon slices if desired, and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked through.

Chicken cutlets in a skillet topped with lemon slices.

Once the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, remove the skillet from the heat.
Serve the glazed honey lemon chicken with a garnish of fresh parsley if desired.

Honey Lemon Chicken on white plate topped with fresh lemons and parsley.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Honey Lemon Chicken with Green Beans Almondine and a simple Spinach Salad for an easy, healthy 30-minute meal.

Leftover Honey Lemon Chicken

Leftover Honey Lemon Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days. You can also freeze the chicken in the sauce for up to 6 weeks in the freezer.

The leftover chicken cutlets are also delicious diced up and added to a spinach avocado salad or tossed salad for a quick and healthy lunch.

More Simple Chicken Recipes

If you try this simple recipe for Honey Lemon Chicken, I would love for you to leave a review below.