There’s a teenage girl inside me who smiles every time I see Jennifer Garner. It’s mostly because she reminds me of the good old days of sleepovers and hour-long phone conversations with my best friend on the landline (IYKYK). I love her movies and I appreciate that, like me, she loves to cook. So when I read about her favorite chicken recipe in an interview with “People” last year, I knew I had to try it.
Garner told “People” that her sister introduced her to the dish, a viral TikTok recipe for Honey Lemon Chicken shared by Jeremy Scheck (aka @scheckeats) in 2020. After watching it, I understand why the dish became such a hit—and why it’s one of Jennifer Garner’s go-to dinners.
In the video, Jeremy gives a shout-out to his mom, the creator of the dish, and they work through the recipe together. The highlight is definitely the beginning, where Jeremy hugs his mom (Awwwwww!). They make it look easy and delicious.
How to Make Jennifer Garner’s Favorite Honey Lemon Chicken
Sara Haas
To make Jeremy’s famous chicken dinner, you’ll need about 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of chicken tenders. Season them with salt and pepper, then toss them in flour mixed with paprika, garlic powder, and oregano.
Heat some oil in a large skillet, then add the tenders in batches, cooking until lightly browned. Transfer the tenders to a baking pan, then make a quick pan sauce with chicken broth, butter, and honey.
Pour that mixture over and around the chicken along with the juice of two lemons. Slice a third lemon and tuck that in between tenders, then bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Garnish with a bit of fresh parsley and serve with your favorite side.
My Honest Review of Honey Lemon Chicken
This chicken is delicious! I was afraid the tenders would dry out in the oven, but they stayed perfectly moist. While it’s an extra step to flour, then saute the chicken before baking, it’s worth the effort. Not only does flouring help lock in moisture and add another layer of flavor, but it also helps with creating that delicious pan sauce.
This dish is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and tart—and I loved it. Like Jennifer told “People,” I have to admit, “it’s so flipping good!” I served the chicken with rice as Jeremy recommended on TikTok, but these tenders would be delicious with any whole grain or potato.
Tips for Making Honey Lemon Chicken
Sara Haas
Season with salt and pepper first. Salt and pepper can get lost in the seasoned flour, which means you’ll end up with bland chicken. Instead, season the tenders with salt and pepper before tossing in the flour mixture. Toss the tenders. Coating individual tenders in the seasoned flour mixture can be time-consuming. Make your life easier by combining the mixture in a resealable bag, then add your tenders, seal the bag, and toss to coat. Tap off excess flour before adding to the pan. Make more sauce. The sauce is really good, and you’ll wish you had more if you don’t make extra. It’s as easy as doubling the sauce ingredients, and you’ll be in sauce heaven.