Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with this Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini! This dish combines the juicy goodness of chicken with fragrant spices and a sticky, spicy honey sauce, all nestled alongside roasted zucchini. It’s the perfect quick and easy meal for those who love a little kick at dinner time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: All the ingredients roast together on one sheet pan, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
- Flavor Explosion: The hot honey garlic sauce brings a sweet heat that elevates the chicken and veggies to the next level.
- Customizable Spice: Adjust the spice level to your liking with cayenne and chipotle chili powder.
- Great for Meal Prep: Perfect recipe to make ahead, portion out, and enjoy all week long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create a dish bursting with flavor. Each component plays a role in building layers of taste and texture in this Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose your preference; thighs add richness while breasts keep it light.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the honey.
- Onion and garlic powder: These pantry staples deliver depth without overwhelming the dish.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Helps to roast the chicken and zucchini to perfection.
- Hot sauce: The backbone of our fiery sauce, be sure to pick one that you love.
- Honey: The star ingredient that balances out the heat with its sweet, smooth texture.
- Zucchini/Yellow summer squash: Roasted to perfection, these add a fresh, mild contrast.
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing: A creamy counterpoint to the spicy chicken, perfect for dipping.
Variations
The beauty of this Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini recipe lies in its flexibility. You can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for tempeh or tofu for a plant-based delight.
- Low-Carb Version: Use cauliflower florets in place of flour for a crispy, keto-friendly coating.
- Extra Veggies: Introduce varieties like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for added color and flavor.
How to Make Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini
Step 1: Prep and Season
Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or oil it lightly. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add flour and continue tossing until the chicken is well-coated.
Step 2: Arrange and Roast
Arrange the seasoned chicken on one side of your baking sheet. Add the zucchini to the other side, drizzling it with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper. Bake this mix for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
While the chicken roasts, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and stir in the hot sauce, garlic, chipotle chili powder, and cayenne. Once combined, remove from heat and mix in honey and salt, creating that sweet-heat magic.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Pour the hot honey garlic sauce over the roasted chicken, ensuring each piece is coated. Bake for another 5 minutes to let the flavors marry and the sauce thicken slightly.
Pro Tips for Making Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini
- Mellow the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of cayenne and chipotle chili powder in the sauce.
- Even Coating: Tossing the chicken in flour before roasting helps create a delicious crust that will hold the sauce perfectly.
- Crisp Veggies: Ensure the zucchini slices are not overcrowded in the pan for optimal roasting and that perfect touch of char.
- Fresh Herb Finish: Add basil or green onions at the very end for a pop of fresh flavor that complements the spicy-sweet glaze.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or sliced green onions adds a burst of color and vibrancy. For extra creaminess, drizzle with blue cheese or ranch dressing just before serving.
Side Dishes
Serve with fluffy rice to soak up the sauce, or opt for crispy french fries—a fun, casual alternate. A side salad also pairs nicely, balancing the heat with a cool, crisp contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the chicken and zucchini over a bed of greens for a hearty salad, or tuck them into warm tortillas with avocado slices for a spicy taco twist. Perfect for a cozy dinner or entertaining guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This dish maintains its bold flavors and makes for a satisfying lunch the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, pack the chicken and zucchini in separate airtight containers to preserve texture. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. For quicker meals, use the microwave, though be mindful the zucchini might soften further.
FAQs
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Can I make this dish less spicy?
Absolutely! Simply reduce the amount of chipotle chili powder and cayenne to dial back the heat while keeping that delicious flavor mix intact.
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What can I use instead of honey?
If you’re looking for a honey substitute, maple syrup or agave can work as sweet alternatives. They both lend a similar texture and sweetness.
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Is it possible to add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies such as bell peppers or mushrooms, adjusting the bake time slightly if needed.
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How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?
Keeping your chicken pieces uniformly sized helps cook them evenly, and the quick roasting time at high heat locks in their natural juices.
Final Thoughts
This Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini is a bold, flavorful recipe bound to become a new favorite on your dinner table. Don’t hesitate to try it out—you might just find it becomes a regular rotation in your meal plan, bringing joy to every bite.
Print
Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Sheet Pan Meal
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This sheet pan hot honey garlic chicken and zucchini recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken with refreshing zucchini, all coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal, it requires minimal cleanup and is customizable with toppings like avocado, basil, and blue cheese or ranch dressing.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into cubes
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free alternative
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
For the Zucchini
- 2 zucchinis or yellow summer squashes, sliced
For the Hot Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 6 tbsp salted butter
- 4–6 cloves garlic, chopped
- 3/4 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 1–2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup honey
For Serving
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing
- Avocado, sliced
- Basil, chopped
- Green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken cubes with smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the flour over the chicken, tossing to coat evenly. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken and toss again. Arrange the seasoned chicken on one side of the prepared baking sheet.
- Prepare Zucchini: On the other side of the baking sheet, add the sliced zucchini. Toss the zucchini with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, ensuring they are coated well.
- Bake: Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, and the zucchini is tender.
- Make the Hot Honey Garlic Sauce: While baking, in a saucepan set over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the hot sauce, chopped garlic, chipotle chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir until the mixture is heated through and well combined. Remove from heat and stir in the honey, seasoning with salt to taste.
- Combine Sauce with Chicken: Once the chicken and zucchini are baked, pour the hot honey garlic sauce over the chicken on the sheet pan. Toss to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce.
- Final Bake: Return the sheet pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to let the sauce bake onto the chicken.
- Serve: Garnish with sliced avocado, chopped basil, sliced green onions, and crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing. Serve hot, optionally over rice or with fries for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce according to your heat preference.
- For a gluten-free version, use almond or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
- This dish pairs well with rice, fries, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
