Prep the ChickenStart by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper—don’t be stingy with it. It’s your only chance to get that seasoning into the meat itself. Then, lightly coat the chicken in cornstarch. You want just enough to give it a nice coating. If you use too much, you’ll end up with a heavy batter-like texture, and that’s not the vibe we’re going for.Pro Chef Tip: Dry the chicken with a paper towel before seasoning. It helps get the skin extra crispy when you fry it!Pan-Fry the ChickenNext, heat some oil over medium-high heat in a pan. Add your chicken skin-side down and let it cook for about 7 minutes on each side, until the skin is golden and crispy. Don’t rush this part—the crispy skin is the highlight of this Honey Garlic Lemon Chicken.Pro Chef Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you crowd the chicken, it won’t crisp up properly. Always give your chicken room to breathe in the pan!Make the SauceIn the same pan (yes, keep all those delicious brown bits in there), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté it for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. Then, pour in the soy sauce, mirin, honey, lemon juice, and zest. Stir in the paprika, chili flakes, and black pepper, and let it simmer. As it cooks, the sauce will thicken into a sticky, syrupy glaze that’s perfect for coating the chicken.Pro Chef Tip: Don’t rush the sauce. Let it simmer gently so the flavors can develop. If it’s too watery, it won’t stick to the chicken, and that’s a no-go.Baste the ChickenNow, add the chicken back into the pan and spoon that luscious sauce over it. Let it simmer together for a minute or two, so the chicken absorbs all that flavor.Pro Chef Tip: Baste the chicken as it cooks. Keep spooning the sauce over the top to make sure it’s evenly coated. This step is what makes the chicken extra flavorful and sticky.Serve and EnjoyServe your Honey Garlic Lemon Chicken over steamed rice. Don’t forget to drizzle that extra sauce over the top—it’s too good to waste. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chives for garnish, and you’re ready to dig in!