This easy sheet pan hot honey garlic chicken is full of flavor! The chicken is sweet and spicy, while the zucchini adds a nice crunch. Everything cooks together, making cleanup a breeze!
And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a meal that cooks itself? I enjoy how the chicken gets that caramelized glaze as it bakes. Serve it all on a plate, and dinner’s ready! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their tenderness. However, you can swap them for chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. Or, try using tofu for a plant-based meal!
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds great texture and flavor. If you can’t find zucchini, bell peppers or broccoli make good alternatives. Just cut them into similar sizes so they cook at the same rate!
Honey: For sweetness, honey works wonderfully, but you can use maple syrup or agave if you want a vegan option. Just note that the flavor will slightly change, but it will still be delicious!
Hot Sauce: I enjoy a bit of sriracha for heat, but feel free to pick your favorite hot sauce or use chili flakes for a milder spice level. Adjust based on your taste!
How Do You Get the Chicken and Zucchini Just Right?
Getting perfectly cooked chicken and zucchini is key. Start by evenly cutting the chicken and zucchini into similar sizes to ensure even cooking. Space them out on the baking sheet for optimal caramelization.
- Preheat your oven to ensure even cooking.
- Toss the zucchini lightly in olive oil, salt, and pepper for seasoning. This helps enhance the natural flavors.
- For the chicken, coat well with spices to really get those flavors in. Remember, the more evenly you arrange everything on the baking sheet, the better the results!
- Ensure to flip both chicken and zucchini halfway through cooking for even browning.
Easy Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken with Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Zucchini:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Hot Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste, e.g., sriracha or your favorite)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
For Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional for extra spice)
For Serving:
- 1 cup white rice, cooked
- Fresh green onions, sliced, for garnish
- Fresh basil or oregano leaves, for garnish
- Optional: Greek yogurt or sour cream for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 20 minutes to bake and get that gorgeous caramelization on the chicken and zucchini. In total, you’ll need around 30 minutes to have this delicious dish on your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures even cooking and helps everything get nice and crispy.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
In a large bowl, toss the zucchini slices with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out evenly on one side of the lined baking sheet. This will help them roast beautifully.
3. Season the Chicken:
In another large bowl, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over them, then season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and chili powder (if using). Toss everything really well to make sure the chicken is coated with all those yummy spices.
4. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Place the seasoned chicken pieces on the other side of the baking sheet, spreading them out into a single layer so they cook evenly.
5. Bake:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Make sure to flip the chicken and zucchini halfway through to get that perfect golden color on both sides. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and the zucchini is tender.
6. Make the Hot Honey Garlic Sauce:
While everything is baking, it’s time to whip up the sauce! In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir it all together and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until it’s fragrant and slightly thickened. Then, take it off the heat.
7. Combine Everything:
Once the chicken and zucchini are out of the oven, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the hot honey garlic sauce over the top, gently tossing everything together to coat all the pieces in that delicious sauce.
8. Serve:
To serve, place a mound of cooked white rice on each plate and top it with the hot honey garlic chicken and zucchini mixture. Sprinkle sliced green onions and fresh basil or oregano leaves on top for a bit of freshness.
9. Optional Toppings:
If you like, drizzle a little Greek yogurt or sour cream on top for a nice cooling effect against the spicy sauce.
10. Dig In!
Enjoy your flavorful and easy one-pan meal! It’s bursting with sweet and spicy notes from the hot honey and garlic, combined with lovely caramelized chicken and tender zucchini, all served over a comforting bed of rice.
FAQ for Easy Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken with Zucchini
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking! The best way to thaw chicken is to place it in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the cold water method: seal the chicken in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour.
What Can I Substitute for Zucchini?
If you don’t have zucchini on hand, you can easily substitute it with bell peppers, broccoli florets, or even asparagus. Just make sure the pieces are similar in size to ensure even cooking!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until heated through. You might want to add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Absolutely! If you love heat, increase the amount of hot sauce in the sauce or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. You could also replace the honey with a spicier honey or use a spicy chili paste if you want to kick things up another notch!
