Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini

Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini is a delicious and easy meal that combines tender chicken with fresh zucchini, all coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey garlic sauce. This one-pan dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This recipe is not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor. The hot honey garlic sauce adds a perfect balance of sweetness and heat, while the zucchini provides a fresh and nutritious component. Plus, the sheet pan method means minimal cleanup, making it a favorite for busy families and individuals alike.

Prepping the Chicken

1. Trim Chicken: Remove any excess fat from the chicken thighs.
2. Season: Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Prepping the Zucchini

1. Wash Zucchini: Rinse under cold water and pat dry.
2. Slice: Cut into 1/4-inch thick rounds.

Marinating the Chicken

Ingredients for the Marinade

• Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons.
• Honey: 2 tablespoons.
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon.

Marinating Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
2. Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Cooking Instructions

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Sheet Pan: Line the sheet pan with baking parchment.
3. Arrange Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on one side of the sheet pan.
4. Add Zucchini: On the other side of the sheet pan, arrange the zucchini slices. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Tips for Perfect Results

• Single Layer: Ensure the chicken and zucchini are in a single layer for even cooking.
• Check Temperature: Use a kitchen thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Making the Hot Honey Garlic Sauce

Ingredients for the Sauce

• Honey: 1/4 cup.
• Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional).

Mixing the Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
2. Stir Well: Ensure the ingredients are well combined.

Combining and Baking

Arranging on the Sheet Pan

1. Pour Sauce: Drizzle the hot honey garlic sauce over the chicken thighs.
2. Toss Zucchini: Lightly toss the zucchini slices in the remaining marinade in the bowl, if any.

Baking Instructions

1. Bake: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the zucchini is tender.
2. Broil: For an extra crispy finish, broil the chicken and zucchini for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dish Ideas

• Rice: Serve with steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Quinoa: For a healthier grain option.
• Salad: A fresh green salad pairs perfectly with this dish.

Garnishing Tips

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness.
• Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges for a zesty finish.

Nutritional Information

Caloric Breakdown

• Calories: Approximately 300-350 per serving.
• Protein: High in lean protein from the chicken.
• Carbs and Fats: Balanced with healthy fats from olive oil and minimal carbs from honey and zucchini.

Health Benefits

• Lean Protein: Chicken provides essential protein without excess fat.
• Nutrient-Rich: Zucchini is low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals.

Tips for Making the Perfect Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Pan: This can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure everything is in a single layer.
• Skipping the Marinating: Marinating infuses the chicken with flavor, so don’t skip this step.

Chef’s Secrets

• Resting the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to retain its juices.
• High-Quality Honey: Use good quality honey for the best flavor.

Variations of the Recipe

Spicy Version

• Extra Hot Sauce: Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the marinade for more heat.
• Chili Powder: Sprinkle a bit of chili powder on the zucchini before baking.

Mild Version

• Less Red Pepper Flakes: Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes in the sauce.
• Sweet BBQ Sauce: Use a sweet BBQ sauce instead of hot honey garlic sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to Store Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Can It Be Made Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prep the zucchini ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble just before baking.

What to Do with Leftovers?

Chop the leftover chicken and zucchini and use them in salads, wraps, or sandwiches for a tasty meal the next day.

Can I Freeze Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini?

It’s best to freeze the marinated chicken raw and cook it fresh. Cooked zucchini doesn’t freeze well due to its high water content.

How to Keep the Chicken Juicy?

Avoid overcooking and let the chicken rest after baking to keep it juicy and flavorful.

Conclusion

Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its simple preparation and bold flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious combination of sweet and spicy chicken with tender, roasted zucchini.

Yield: 6

Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini

Print

Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini is a delicious and easy meal that combines tender chicken with fresh zucchini, all coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey garlic sauce. This one-pan dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs, cut into cubes
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or use gluten-free
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 zucchini/yellow summer squash, sliced
• 1/2 cup hot sauce
• 6 tablespoons salted butter
• 4-6 cloves garlic, chopped
• 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• 1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup honey
• blue cheese or ranch dressing, for serving
• avocado, basil, sliced green onions, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 450° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or rub with oil.

2. On the sheet pan, toss together the chicken, paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the flour and toss again. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, tossing to coat. Arrange the chicken to one side of the baking sheet. Add the zucchini to the other side. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

3. Meanwhile, make the sauce. In a saucepan set over medium heat, melt together the hot sauce, butter, garlic, chipotle chili powder and cayenne. Stir until melted and combined. Remove from the heat and mix in the honey and a season with salt.

4. Pour the buffalo sauce over the chicken, toss the chicken up in the sauce. Bake another 5 minutes, until the hot honey sauce is baked onto the chicken.

5. Serve the chicken, zucchini, and hot honey with chunks of avocado, basil, green onions and blue cheese or ranch dressing. I love this over rice, but it's also great with french fries too!

Notes

Creamy Cilantro-Basil Ranch: In a blender, blend 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, 1/3 cup mayo, 2 tablespoons buttermilk, 1 cup fresh cilantro, 1/2 cup fresh basil, 1/4 cup fresh chopped chives, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, and a pinch each of kosher salt and black pepper. Blend until creamy. 

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 492