Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken Fillet with Soy Butter Sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner or an elegant meal. The chicken fillet is tender and juicy, seasoned with a delightful mix of tangy lemon, savory soy sauce, sweet honey, and aromatic garlic. What makes this dish stand out is the buttery sauce infused with lemon zest, adding a bright, refreshing note to balance the richness of the chicken. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and ease of preparation. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe will leave you and your guests craving more.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delectable Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken Fillet:
For the Chicken:
- Chicken fillet – 2 large pieces
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
- Flour – for coating the chicken (about 1/4 cup)
For the Sauce:
- Butter – 30 g
- Soy sauce – 2 tbsp
- Lemon juice – 1 tbsp (freshly squeezed)
- Honey – 1 tsp
- Garlic – 1-2 cloves (minced)
- Zest of 1/4 lemon
- Fresh parsley – for garnish
Making It Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by making shallow cuts on the surface of the chicken fillet in a criss-cross pattern, forming small diamond shapes. These cuts will help the chicken cook more evenly and allow the sauce to penetrate the meat.
Season both sides of the chicken fillet with salt and pepper. Be sure to rub the seasoning into the cuts for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken in Flour
Place some flour on a plate or in a shallow bowl. Lightly dredge the chicken fillets in the flour, coating both sides. Shake off any excess flour. The flour will help create a light crust on the chicken and also thicken the sauce slightly as it cooks.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil (about 1 tablespoon) to the pan. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken fillets. Fry the chicken over high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the outside is golden brown. The high heat will help seal in the juices and create a nice crust.
Once both sides are browned, reduce the heat to low.
Step 4: Add the Sauce Ingredients
After browning the chicken, add 30 g of butter to the pan. As the butter melts, add the soy sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, honey, and lemon zest. Stir the ingredients together in the pan, making sure the garlic doesn’t burn. The sauce will become fragrant as the garlic cooks and the butter and soy sauce mix.
Step 5: Simmer the Chicken
Once the sauce is well mixed, cover the pan with a lid. Let the chicken fillets simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes on each side over low heat. This simmering process allows the chicken to soak up the flavors of the sauce while staying moist and tender.
Check the chicken for doneness by cutting into the thickest part. The meat should be fully cooked but still juicy. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the fillets, so adjust accordingly.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve the chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice, and spoon the remaining sauce from the pan over the chicken for extra flavor.
Cooking Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: The key to tender, juicy chicken is not overcooking it. Simmer the chicken on low heat and check for doneness after 2-3 minutes on each side. Overcooking the chicken will make it dry, so keep a close eye on it.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly minced garlic for the best flavor. The zest of the lemon adds a refreshing, bright taste to balance the rich sauce.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add a bit more honey. Likewise, if you want it tangier, feel free to add more lemon juice.
- Marinate for More Flavor: For even more flavorful chicken, you can marinate the fillets in a mix of soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and honey for 30 minutes before cooking.
Storage
- In the Refrigerator: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pan with a little extra butter or sauce to keep the chicken moist.
- In the Freezer: You can freeze the cooked chicken fillets in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight, then warm it gently in a pan or microwave.
Nutritional Facts (Per serving, based on 2 servings)
- Calories: Approximately 380 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Vitamin C: 15% of daily recommended intake
- Calcium: 4% of daily recommended intake
- Iron: 8% of daily recommended intake
FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken fillets?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used in place of fillets. Just keep in mind that thighs may take a bit longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. - What sides pair well with this dish?
This chicken dish pairs well with a variety of sides, such as steamed or roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or even a light green salad. The sauce also complements starchy sides like couscous or quinoa. - Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply add the sauce to the pan after browning the chicken. You can also double the sauce recipe if you want extra for drizzling over rice or vegetables. - How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F). You can also check by cutting into the thickest part of the fillet; the meat should be white and juices should run clear. - Can I substitute the butter for a healthier option?
If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can replace the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. However, keep in mind that butter adds a rich flavor to the sauce, so the taste may vary slightly with substitutions.
Conclusion
Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken Fillet with Soy Butter Sauce is a delightful dish that balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The combination of tender chicken fillet with the rich sauce made from butter, soy sauce, lemon juice, and honey is simply irresistible. This recipe is easy to prepare, quick to cook, and offers a nutritious, satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving it with rice, potatoes, or veggies, this dish is sure to impress your family or guests. The versatility and bold flavors make it a perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation!