This Easy Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken with Zucchini is a tasty way to enjoy dinner! Juicy chicken combined with sweet and spicy honey garlic sauce makes every bite delicious.
Plus, the best part? You can cook everything on one pan, which means less mess to clean up! I love how the zucchini gets tasty and soft while everything bakes together. Trust me, it’s a quick win for weeknight meals!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work too. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using turkey pieces instead.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is great here, but you could swap it with bell peppers, asparagus, or broccoli if you prefer. Just adjust cooking time as needed.
Honey: Honey gives that sweet touch. If you’re avoiding sugar, try maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute.
Hot Sauce: The hot sauce adds a kick! You can replace it with chili flakes or sriracha for a different heat level. For a milder dish, skip it altogether!
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is a healthier choice. If you’re gluten-free, opt for tamari instead.
How Do You Achieve Juicy, Flavorful Chicken?
To ensure your chicken is juicy and tasty, marinating is key. While you prepare the sauce, let the chicken sit in half of it for about 15-30 minutes. This simple step not only adds flavor but also helps keep the chicken tender.
- Mix up your sauce in a bowl first. Reserve a bit to drizzle over after baking.
- Coat the chicken well, and let it marinate while prepping zucchini.
- Cook at the right temperature—too high can dry it out.
Following these tips will help you serve the best hot honey garlic chicken!
Easy Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken with Zucchini
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds or half-moons
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to your heat preference)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 40 minutes to make this delicious sheet pan meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure everything cooks evenly and gets nice and crispy.
2. Prepare Your Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, hot sauce, olive oil, soy sauce, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix it well until everything is combined and set it aside.
3. Arrange Chicken and Zucchini:
Get your sheet pan ready! Place the chicken thighs on one side of the pan and arrange the sliced zucchini on the other side. It’s okay if they touch a bit; they’ll all cook together perfectly!
4. Sauce It Up:
Now, pour that yummy hot honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken and zucchini. Use a brush or spoon to make sure everything is nicely coated.
5. Roast in the Oven:
Pop the sheet pan in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. You know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through (reaching an internal temp of 165°F or 75°C) and the zucchini is tender.
6. Optional Broiling for Extra Flavor:
If you like a bit of caramelization, turn on the broiler for an extra 2-3 minutes at the end. Keep a close eye on it so things don’t burn!
7. Add Final Touches:
Once done, take the pan out of the oven and sprinkle fresh parsley or chopped green onions over the top for a pop of color and flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the hot honey garlic chicken and zucchini straight from the pan. Don’t forget to spoon any extra sauce from the pan over your chicken. Absolutely delicious!
Enjoy your flavorful, easy-to-make sheet pan hot honey garlic chicken with zucchini!
FAQ about Easy Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken with Zucchini
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Frozen chicken is not recommended as it needs to be fully thawed before cooking. Thaw it safely in the fridge overnight or use the quick method by submerging the sealed chicken in cold water for a couple of hours. Pat it dry before using to avoid excess moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Zucchini?
If you don’t have zucchini on hand, feel free to substitute it with other vegetables like bell peppers, asparagus, or broccoli. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the vegetable you choose!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the chicken and veggies with the sauce and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. When ready to cook, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to keep the chicken moist.
