Honey Lemon Chicken with Vegetables

This Honey Lemon Chicken with Vegetables is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish featuring tender pieces of chicken and crisp, colorful vegetables tossed in a bright, sweet-tangy honey lemon sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a wholesome, satisfying meal that comes together quickly in one pan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan simplicity makes cooking and cleanup easy

• Bright, balanced flavors from the honey and lemon

• Packed with nutritious vegetables and lean protein

• Easy to customize with different vegetables or proteins

• Family-friendly and great for meal prep

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Honey Lemon Sauce:

• Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

• 3 tablespoons honey

• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, chicken broth, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for 5–6 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the broccoli, asparagus, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

4. Return the chicken to the pan. Pour the honey lemon sauce over the mixture and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

5. Remove from heat and serve immediately with rice, quinoa, or your preferred side.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or turkey

• Use snap peas, zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots as alternative vegetables

• Add toasted cashews or sesame seeds for crunch

• For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice

• Spice it up with extra red pepper flakes or sriracha

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well. Thighs offer more juiciness, while breasts are leaner.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish reheats well and can be made in advance for meal prep.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, just thaw and drain them well before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What’s the best way to zest a lemon?

Use a microplane or fine grater to remove only the yellow skin, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Can I double the sauce?

Absolutely. If you like more sauce for serving over rice or grains, double the sauce ingredients.

How do I thicken the sauce more?

If needed, mix an extra ½ teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir into the sauce while it simmers.

Can I bake this instead?

Yes. Bake everything in a covered baking dish at 375°F (190°C) for about 25–30 minutes, then uncover and bake 5–10 minutes more to caramelize.

What sides go well with this?

Steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, noodles, or even a light green salad pair well.

How long does it keep in the fridge?

This dish stays fresh for up to 3 days when properly stored in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

Honey Lemon Chicken with Vegetables is a fast, flavorful, and nourishing dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The sweet citrusy sauce, crisp vegetables, and tender chicken come together to create a comforting meal that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re cooking for family or prepping ahead, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.