Gordon Ramsay Sticky Lemon Chicken Recipe
Chicken Dinners

Gordon Ramsay Sticky Lemon Chicken Recipe


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This tender sticky gordon ramsay sticky lemon chicken recipe is made with bone-in chicken thighs, fresh lemons, and honey, and ready in 45 minutes. The glossy citrus glaze reduces down until it deeply coats the crispy, pan-fried chicken skin. I use this exact method when I need something fast but impressive for dinner.

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Why You Will Love This Sticky Lemon Chicken Recipe:

  • Perfect balance of sweet and tangy: The combination of fresh lemon juice and a touch of sweetness creates a bright, bold flavor that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying.
  • Sticky, glossy sauce: The sauce thickens beautifully, coating every piece of chicken with a rich, shiny glaze that looks and tastes amazing.
  • Juicy and tender chicken: The cooking method locks in moisture, giving you soft, flavorful chicken in every bite.
  • Easy to make at home: Simple ingredients and clear steps make this recipe perfect for beginners and busy weeknights.
  • Restaurant-quality results: This dish delivers a takeout-style experience with better freshness and control over ingredients.
  • Quick cooking time: You can have this meal ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for fast dinners.
Gordon Ramsay Sticky Lemon Chicken Recipe
Gordon Ramsay Sticky Lemon Chicken Recipe

Gordon Ramsay Sticky Lemon Chicken Ingredients

  • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 teaspoon salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 head of garlic, halved horizontally
  • 4 sprigs of fresh thyme
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
  • 150ml chicken stock
Gordon Ramsay Sticky Lemon Chicken Recipe
Gordon Ramsay Sticky Lemon Chicken Recipe

How To Make Gordon Ramsay Sticky Lemon Chicken

  1. Sear The Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and sear skin-side down for 10 minutes until golden.
  2. Add The Aromatics: Turn the chicken over. Toss in the halved garlic head and fresh thyme sprigs, letting them sizzle for 2 minutes.
  3. Caramelize The Lemon: Add the lemon slices, honey, soy sauce, and sherry vinegar. Cook for 3 minutes until the liquid reduces and turns syrupy.
  4. Simmer And Glaze: Pour in the chicken stock. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thick.

Recipe Tips

  • Dry the chicken: Patting the skin dry with paper towels ensures a better, quicker sear in the pan.
  • Watch the honey: Do not add the honey too early or it will burn before the chicken renders its fat.
  • Use bone-in meat: Bone-in thighs stay juicy and hold up well to the high heat and simmering.
Gordon Ramsay Sticky Lemon Chicken Recipe
Gordon Ramsay Sticky Lemon Chicken Recipe

What To Serve With Sticky Lemon Chicken?

Serve this Sticky Lemon Chicken with a simple side of creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the leftover sticky sauce crisp green beans or roasted asparagus also cut through the rich sweetness nicely.

How To Store Leftovers Sticky Lemon Chicken?

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Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water to loosen the glaze. I do not recommend freezing this as the lemon rinds can become bitter.

Gordon Ramsay Sticky Lemon Chicken Recipe
Gordon Ramsay Sticky Lemon Chicken Recipe

How To Reheat Leftovers Sticky Lemon Chicken?

Stovetop Method (Best flavor): Place chicken in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Cover and heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring gently until warm. This keeps the chicken juicy and the sauce glossy.

Microwave Method (Quick way): Put chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Add a little water or broth and cover loosely. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot.

Tip: Avoid high heat to keep the chicken tender, not dry.

Gordon Ramsay Sticky Lemon Chicken Recipe
Gordon Ramsay Sticky Lemon Chicken Recipe

FAQs

  • Can I use chicken breasts instead? Yes, but reduce the simmering time. Chicken breasts dry out faster than thighs.
  • What can I substitute for sherry vinegar? Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar works well as a direct replacement.
  • Can I use boneless thighs? Absolutely. Just reduce the initial searing time to 5 minutes per side.

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Sticky Lemon Chicken Nutrition Fact

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 135mg
  • Sodium: 540mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15g
  • Protein: 28g

gordon ramsay sticky lemon chicken recipe

Recipe by Sophie LaneCourse: Chicken, Dinner, LunchCuisine: American, BritishDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

35

minutes
Total time

45

minutes

Bold gordon ramsay sticky lemon chicken recipe featuring tender bone-in thighs, fresh lemons, and sweet honey ready in 45 minutes. This quick weeknight dinner relies on a sharp vinegar and soy glaze for deep flavour.

Ingredients

  • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

  • 1 teaspoon salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 head of garlic, halved horizontally

  • 4 sprigs of fresh thyme

  • 1 lemon, sliced

  • 2 tablespoons honey

  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce

  • 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar

  • 150ml chicken stock

Directions

  • 1. Sear The Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and sear skin-side down for 10 minutes until golden.
  • 2. Add The Aromatics: Turn the chicken over. Toss in the halved garlic head and fresh thyme sprigs, letting them sizzle for 2 minutes.
  • 3. Caramelize The Lemon: Add the lemon slices, honey, soy sauce, and sherry vinegar. Cook for 3 minutes until the liquid reduces and turns syrupy.
  • 4. Simmer And Glaze: Pour in the chicken stock. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thick.
Sophie Lane

AboutSophie Lane

I’m Sophie, a British home cook and fan of Gordon Ramsay. I test his recipes in my kitchen and share simple, step-by-step versions anyone can make at home.