Go Back

Quick Lemon Garlic Chicken With Veggies - A Fresh, Weeknight Favorite

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • Veggies: 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 1 small red onion (sliced), 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • Lemon garlic sauce: 3 tablespoons olive oil, zest of 1 lemon, juice of 1–2 lemons (about 3–4 tablespoons), 3–4 garlic cloves (minced)
  • Seasoning: 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional), pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh finish: 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, lemon wedges for serving
  • Optional add-ons: 1 tablespoon butter for extra richness, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, cooked rice or couscous for serving

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Toss with half the salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika if using.
  2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Add red pepper flakes if you like a kick.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add a drizzle of oil. Cook chicken in a single layer until browned and just cooked through, about 5–7 minutes total. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Cook the veggies: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté broccoli, bell pepper, and red onion with the remaining salt and pepper for 4–5 minutes until crisp-tender.
  5. Add tomatoes and sauce: Stir in cherry tomatoes and pour in the lemon garlic sauce. Let it bubble for 30–60 seconds to mellow the garlic.
  6. Combine: Return chicken and any juices to the skillet. Toss to coat. If you want extra richness, swirl in the butter now. Cook 1–2 more minutes.
  7. Finish and serve: Sprinkle with parsley. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon. Serve with rice, couscous, or on its own with lemon wedges.