Honey Lemon Glazed Chicken

Instructions

1. Prepare the marinade
   In a bowl, whisk together honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Marinate the chicken
   Place chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour 2/3 of the marinade over the chicken, reserving the remaining 1/3 for the glaze. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.
3. Cook the chicken
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove chicken from marinade, discarding the used marinade. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
4. Finish in the oven
   Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Prepare the glaze
   While chicken is baking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a glaze, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Glaze and serve
   Remove chicken from the oven and brush generously with the honey-lemon glaze. Return to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes to set the glaze. Serve hot, drizzling any remaining glaze over the chicken.