Description
Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies is a delicious one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, crisp-tender vegetables, and a sweet-savory honey garlic sauce. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a wholesome, flavorful dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The honey garlic glaze coats the chicken and veggies beautifully, making it a meal the whole family will love. Plus, it’s customizable with your favorite vegetables and can be prepared in less than 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Veggies:
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots (sliced into thin rounds or sticks)
- 1 cup bell peppers (sliced, any color)
- 1 zucchini (sliced into half-moons)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for sauce adjustment)
Ingredient Highlights
- Chicken Thighs vs. Breasts: Chicken thighs are juicier, but chicken breasts are leaner and cook quickly. Both work well in this recipe.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness to balance the soy sauce and garlic.
- Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic flavor that’s key to the sauce.
- Soy Sauce: Brings the umami element and complements the sweetness of honey.
- Fresh Veggies: Use seasonal vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Veggies:
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the veggies are tender but still crisp. Remove from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.
Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and minced garlic.
- Optional Sauce Thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the sauce mixture.
Combine and Finish:
- Return Everything to the Skillet: Add the chicken and vegetables back to the skillet. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the top.
- Cook the Sauce: Stir everything together and cook for 2-3 minutes over medium heat until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken and veggies evenly.
- Serve: Serve hot over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles, if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 35g