This dish is a fun and simple way to enjoy juicy chicken and tender zucchini. Toss everything with hot honey and garlic for a sweet and spicy kick!
I love how easy it is to just throw everything on a single sheet pan. Less mess means more time to enjoy dinner! Plus, who can resist that tasty glaze? Yum!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless thighs are my go-to for juicy, flavorful meat. If you prefer leaner options, you can use chicken breasts. Just be sure to monitor cooking time since they can dry out faster.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds great texture and flavor. If you find yourself without zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, or even broccoli work well, too!
Hot Sauce: I love using sriracha for its balanced heat. If spice is not your thing, you can swap it out for a milder sauce or even BBQ sauce for a different twist.
Honey: This brings a lovely sweetness. If you’re looking to keep it sugar-free, feel free to use agave syrup or maple syrup.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a punch of flavor. While you can use garlic powder in a pinch, nothing beats fresh garlic!
How Do I Get the Chicken and Zucchini Just Right?
Timing is key to ensure both the chicken and zucchini are cooked perfectly. Start by preheating your oven and preparing the sheet pan. This sets the stage for even cooking.
- Cut the zucchini evenly so that they cook at the same rate. I like half-moon shapes for more surface area!
- Spread everything out on the pan to avoid overcrowding, which causes steaming instead of roasting.
- Consider broiling briefly at the end for crispy edges on the chicken and caramelized bits on the zucchini. Just keep an eye on it!
Easy Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Zucchini:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds or half-moons
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as sriracha or your favorite chili sauce)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and another 20-25 minutes cooking in the oven. Total time is approximately 30-35 minutes! So, in no time, you can enjoy this delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This helps ensure that everything cooks evenly and gets nice and crispy. Grab a large sheet pan and line it with parchment paper or give it a light grease to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Hot Honey Garlic Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. This sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce is what brings all the flavors together!
3. Arrange the Chicken and Zucchini:
Place the chicken thighs on the prepared sheet pan, making sure to give them a little space. Next, arrange the zucchini slices around the chicken in a single, even layer. This ensures everything cooks at the same rate and gets that roasted flavor.
4. Coat with the Sauce:
Drizzle your hot honey garlic sauce generously over both the chicken and zucchini. Use a brush or spoon to make sure everything is coated well. You want every bite to be full of flavor!
5. Roast in the Oven:
Pop the sheet pan in the preheated oven and let it roast for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on the chicken, and check that its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The zucchini should look tender and delicious!
6. Finish with a Broil (Optional):
If you like a bit of extra caramelization, turn on the broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes. Just watch closely to avoid burning—this step adds a nice crispy touch!
7. Let It Rest and Garnish:
Once done, remove the sheet pan from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy. Then, sprinkle some fresh parsley or cilantro on top for a pop of color and flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your hot honey garlic chicken and zucchini warm, with lemon wedges on the side for that extra zing. This meal is easy, flavorful, and perfect for a busy weeknight.
Enjoy your wonderfully balanced dish of spicy, sweet, and garlicky chicken with tender zucchini—everything made simply on one pan!
FAQ for Easy Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! If you don’t have zucchini on hand, you can replace it with bell peppers, asparagus, or broccoli. Just keep in mind that different vegetables may have varying cooking times, so adjust the roasting time accordingly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Of course! If you love heat, feel free to increase the amount of hot sauce in the recipe. You can also add red pepper flakes or drizzle more spicy sauce before serving for an extra kick.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken?
It’s best to use fresh chicken for this recipe. However, if you do want to use frozen chicken, be sure to fully thaw it beforehand for even cooking and optimal texture. Thaw chicken in the refrigerator overnight or in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for quicker results.
