Make 5 Meals In 35 Minutes With This Lemon Chicken Meal Prep

Make 5 Meals In 35 Minutes With This Lemon Chicken Meal Prep is a medium Asian Fusion recipe that serves 5. 520 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Jack Ovens on YouTube.

Prep: 22 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 1 hr 17 min

Cost: $25.80 total, $5.16 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 heads Broccoli (Trim florets and stems into bite‑size pieces; keep stems for extra flavor)
  • 250 g Green Beans (Wash, trim ends, leave whole or halve)
  • 2 Lemon (Juice and optionally zest; discard seeds)
  • 1 kg Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (Slice into strips then dice into bite‑size pieces)
  • 125 ml Chicken Stock (Low‑sodium preferred)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (Grated into a paste using microplane or fine grater)
  • 80 ml Honey (Warm in microwave 20 seconds to loosen)
  • 2.5 g Onion Powder (Strong concentrated flavor; about ½ tsp)
  • 30 ml Soy Sauce (Low‑sodium for salty umami)
  • 10 ml Sesame Oil (Toasted sesame oil for nutty flavor)
  • 12 g Corn Flour (For thickening the sauce)
  • Sea Salt Flakes (To taste)
  • Cracked Black Pepper (To taste; about 10 cracks worth)
  • 50 ml Olive Oil (30 ml for vegetables, 20 ml for chicken)
  • 350 g Basmati Rice (Rinse before cooking)
  • 700 ml Water (for rice) (2:1 water to rice ratio)
  • 80 ml Water (for vegetables) (Adds steam to veg pan)
  • 5 g White Sesame Seeds (Optional garnish)
  • 5 g Black Sesame Seeds (Optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Trim and Cut Broccoli

    Using a sharp paring knife, cut the broccoli heads into florets and slice the stems into bite‑size pieces, trimming any woody outer layers.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Prepare Green Beans

    Wash the green beans, snap off the stem ends, and leave whole or halve them for quicker cooking.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Juice Lemons

    Slice the lemons in half and juice them, removing any seeds. Set the juice aside.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Cut Chicken

    Pat the chicken thighs dry, slice into strips, then dice into bite‑size pieces.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Make Sauce

    In a small mixing bowl whisk together chicken stock, grated garlic, lemon juice, warmed honey, onion powder, soy sauce, sesame oil, and corn flour until smooth. Season with sea salt and cracked black pepper.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Cook Rice

    Add the rinsed basmati rice, 700 ml cold water, and a pinch of sea salt to a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then cover, reduce to low, and simmer for 14 minutes. Turn off heat and let sit, covered, for 4 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

    Time: PT19M

  7. Sauté Vegetables

    Heat 30 ml olive oil in the large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add broccoli florets and stems, season with a pinch of sea salt, and sauté 3‑4 minutes until lightly golden. Add green beans, continue sautéing 3 minutes, then add cracked black pepper. Pour in 80 ml water, cover, and steam for 2 minutes. Uncover, stir, and transfer vegetables to a serving bowl.

    Time: PT9M

  8. Cook Chicken

    Wipe the skillet clean, add 20 ml olive oil and return to high heat. Spread the chicken pieces in a single layer, season with sea salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes until fully cooked and nicely browned.

    Time: PT10M

  9. Add Sauce and Finish

    Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken, stir, and cook 1½‑2 minutes until the sauce boils and thickens, coating the chicken. Optional: stir in 5 g white and 5 g black sesame seeds. Taste and adjust seasoning with sea salt and cracked black pepper.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Plate and Serve

    Divide the fluffy rice onto plates, top with the sautéed vegetables, then spoon the lemon honey chicken over everything. Garnish with additional black sesame seeds if desired.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
520
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
55 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, High-Protein

Allergens: Soy, Sesame, Honey

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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Make 5 Meals In 35 Minutes With This Lemon Chicken Meal Prep

Recipe by Chef Jack Ovens

A bright, honey‑sweet lemon chicken served over fluffy basmati rice with sautéed broccoli, broccoli stems, and green beans. The sauce is thickened with corn flour and finished with toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch.

MediumAsian FusionServes 5

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
17m
Prep
45m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 12m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$25.80
Total cost
$5.16
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Trimming broccoli stems uniformly
  • Ensuring corn flour is fully dissolved in the sauce
  • Cooking chicken until fully done but not over‑cooked
  • Thickening the sauce to a glossy coating

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil with care to avoid splatter burns.
  • Use a sharp knife and keep fingertips tucked while trimming vegetables.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Lemon Chicken with Broccoli and Green Beans in Asian-inspired cuisine?

A

Lemon chicken blends the bright acidity of citrus, a staple in many Chinese and Southeast Asian dishes, with the sweet‑savory profile of honey and soy. The addition of broccoli and green beans reflects modern home‑cooking adaptations that incorporate Western vegetables into traditional Asian stir‑fries.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Lemon Chicken in Chinese cuisine?

A

In Cantonese cooking, lemon chicken is often battered and deep‑fried before being tossed in a glossy lemon‑soy glaze. In Sichuan style, the sauce may include chili oil for heat, while in Taiwanese versions a touch of rice wine is added for depth.

cultural
Q

How is Lemon Chicken with Broccoli and Green Beans traditionally served in Asian family meals?

A

It is typically served family‑style on a large platter alongside steamed rice, allowing diners to scoop sauce‑coated chicken and vegetables over the rice. The dish is meant to be shared, emphasizing communal eating.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Lemon Chicken with Broccoli and Green Beans commonly associated with in Asian cultures?

A

While not tied to a specific holiday, the bright lemon flavor makes it popular for festive gatherings, birthday meals, and weekend family dinners where a quick yet impressive main dish is desired.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for an authentic Lemon Chicken sauce versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic sauce relies on fresh lemon juice, light soy sauce, and a touch of honey. Substitutes like lime juice, tamari, or maple syrup can be used, but they alter the traditional flavor balance.

cultural
Q

What other Asian dishes pair well with Lemon Chicken with Broccoli and Green Beans?

A

Pair it with a simple cucumber‑sesame salad, hot and sour soup, or steamed dumplings. A side of pickled vegetables also adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet‑tart chicken.

cultural
Q

What makes Lemon Chicken with Broccoli and Green Beans special in Asian fusion cuisine?

A

The dish balances sweet, sour, salty, and nutty flavors while offering a nutritious mix of protein and vegetables. Its quick stovetop method makes it accessible for weeknight meals without sacrificing depth of flavor.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Lemon Chicken with Broccoli and Green Beans?

A

Common errors include overcooking the chicken, which dries it out, not dissolving the corn flour properly, leading to lumps, and overcrowding the pan, which steams rather than sautés the vegetables.

technical
Q

Why does this Lemon Chicken recipe use corn flour instead of regular flour for thickening the sauce?

A

Corn flour (cornstarch) thickens at lower temperatures and creates a clear, glossy finish, whereas regular wheat flour can make the sauce cloudy and heavier. It also keeps the dish gluten‑free.

technical
Q

Can I make Lemon Chicken with Broccoli and Green Beans ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Store the cooked chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the rice and vegetables separate to maintain texture, and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Chef Jack Ovens specialize in?

A

Chef Jack Ovens focuses on approachable, high‑flavor home cooking with an emphasis on quick weeknight meals, detailed technique explanations, and meal‑prep friendly recipes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Chef Jack Ovens' approach to Asian-inspired cooking differ from other Asian cooking channels?

A

Chef Jack Ovens blends classic Asian flavor profiles with Western kitchen tools and ingredients, prioritizing simplicity and speed while still teaching the cultural background of each dish, unlike many channels that stick strictly to traditional methods.

channel

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