Looking for an easy dinner with less cleanup? This honey garlic chicken and vegetables recipe brings tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a sweet and savory sauce together on one pan.
The recipe takes about 30 minutes and works well for busy weeknights. Serve it with rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Uses one pan
- Simple ingredients
- Easy weeknight dinner
- Family-friendly
- Sweet and savory honey garlic sauce
- Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
For the vegetables:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 small zucchini, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the honey garlic sauce:
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For garnish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken
1. Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Place the chicken in a bowl and add olive oil, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Toss until evenly coated.
2. Prepare the Sauce
Add honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, ginger, and sesame oil to a small bowl.
In another small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth.
Add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce and stir well.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a plate.
4. Cook the Vegetables
Add the broccoli, bell pepper, carrots, and zucchini to the same skillet.
Add olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep the vegetables slightly crisp for the best texture.
5. Add the Sauce
Return the chicken to the skillet.
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
Stir everything together and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes.
The sauce should become glossy and slightly thick.
6. Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top.
Serve warm with rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish.
What to Serve With Honey Garlic Chicken
This recipe pairs well with:
- Steamed white rice
- Brown rice
- Fried rice
- Egg noodles
- Quinoa
- Mashed potatoes
- Fresh green salad
Recipe Tips
Cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces so everything cooks evenly.
Do not overcook the vegetables. Slightly crisp vegetables give the dish better texture.
Add the sauce near the end of cooking so the honey does not burn.
Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a less salty dish.
Add red pepper flakes if you like spicy food.
Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor.
Easy Variations
Make It Spicy
Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a little sriracha to the sauce.
Use Different Vegetables
Try green beans, mushrooms, snap peas, cauliflower, or asparagus.
Make It With Chicken Thighs
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and give the dish a juicy texture.
Add Pineapple
Add small pineapple chunks for a sweet tropical flavor.
Make a Meal Prep Version
Divide the cooked chicken, vegetables, and rice into four containers. Store them in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
How to Store Leftovers
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet or microwave until hot.
If the sauce becomes thick after refrigeration, add a small splash of water before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this recipe take?
The recipe takes about 30 minutes from preparation to serving.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes. Frozen broccoli, carrots, and mixed vegetables work well. Cook them until heated through before adding the sauce.
Is honey garlic chicken good for meal prep?
Yes. Divide the chicken and vegetables into meal prep containers with rice for easy lunches or dinners during the week.
Can I make this recipe without soy sauce?
Use coconut aminos as an alternative if you prefer a soy-free option.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Method: One Pan
Final Thoughts
This one-pan honey garlic chicken makes busy weeknight dinners easier. Tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a sweet garlic sauce come together in about 30 minutes.
Save this recipe for your next quick dinner and serve it with rice or noodles for a complete meal.