Description
This Healthy Honey Citrus Chicken Breasts recipe offers a deliciously light and flavorful meal featuring tender chicken breasts glazed with a vibrant honey, orange, and lemon sauce. Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, this skillet-cooked dish combines the fresh zest of citrus with the natural sweetness of honey, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 ounces each), lightly pounded
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped shallot
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice (from about 1 orange)
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon arrowroot powder
- 2 teaspoons water
- 1 orange, peeled, sectioned, and diced
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate.
- Prepare the Glaze Base: Add the finely chopped shallot and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until they become softened and fragrant. Stir in the orange zest, fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice, and honey. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly and develop flavor.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the arrowroot powder and water to create a slurry. Gradually add this slurry to the simmering pan juices, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Then stir in the peeled, sectioned, and diced orange pieces.
- Combine and Warm Through: Push the orange pieces to one side of the skillet and return the cooked chicken breasts to the pan. Spoon the thickened citrus glaze over the chicken evenly. Warm everything through for about 2 minutes to let the flavors meld before plating. Drizzle with any remaining glaze on top before serving.
Notes
- Lightly pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures even cooking.
- Use fresh citrus juice and zest for the best flavor impact.
- Arrowroot powder acts as a natural thickening agent and can be substituted with cornstarch if unavailable.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer for safe and perfect doneness.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.
