This easy sheet pan hot honey garlic chicken is a flavorful dish made with juicy chicken thighs and fresh zucchini, all roasted together. It’s sweet, spicy, and super simple!
Who doesn’t love a one-pan meal? I always enjoy how the honey and garlic create a sticky glaze. Plus, less cleanup means more time to relax afterward. Perfect for busy nights!
I love to serve this with rice to soak up all that yummy sauce. It’s quick to prepare, and the best part is, you won’t be stuck at the sink for ages. Enjoy the easy life!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in and skin-on thighs are perfect here because they stay juicy and flavorful while roasting. If you prefer, skinless chicken thighs or even chicken breasts can work, but keep in mind they might dry out without the skin.
Zucchini: I like using medium zucchinis for their tender texture. If zucchini isn’t in season, asparagus or bell peppers are great alternatives, retaining the same lovely roasted flavor.
Honey: This provides the sweetness and caramelization. If you need to avoid honey, maple syrup can be a suitable substitute, but be ready for a slightly different flavor.
Hot Sauce: This adds heat. You can adjust the amount to your spice preference. If you want to skip it entirely, a bit of black pepper or crushed red pepper can add just enough kick.
Smoked Paprika: I love this for its unique, smoky flavor. If you can’t find it, regular paprika works too, but you’ll miss out on the depth of flavor. For a similar taste, cumin could also be an interesting choice.
How Do I Prepare the Chicken for Roasting?
The way you prepare the chicken is essential for a crispy skin and delicious flavor. Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up nicely while cooking. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper before applying the honey garlic sauce for the best flavor.
- Preheat your oven before you begin; it ensures even cooking.
- Allow the chicken to marinate in the honey garlic mixture for at least 15-30 minutes if you have time. It will enhance the flavors.
Keep an eye on the chicken thighs as they cook. Use a meat thermometer to check they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety and juiciness!
Easy Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken with Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Zucchini:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: red pepper flakes for extra heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful sheet pan meal takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight family dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures your chicken gets crispy and cooks evenly!
2. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, honey, hot sauce, olive oil, soy sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined. This sauce will add a deliciously sticky and sweet flavor to your chicken.
3. Prepare the Sheet Pan:
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze!
4. Arrange the Chicken and Zucchini:
Place the chicken thighs on the sheet pan, skin side up. Then, scatter the zucchini slices around the chicken. Make sure everything is spaced out evenly for cooking.
5. Apply the Sauce:
Brush the honey garlic sauce generously over the chicken thighs and zucchini, saving a bit of sauce for later to add extra flavor.
6. Roast in the Oven:
Place the pan in the oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes. Your chicken is done when the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
7. Glaze One Last Time:
In the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush on the remaining honey garlic sauce for an extra layer of flavor and glossy finish.
8. Rest and Serve:
Once done, remove the sheet pan from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like some extra heat. Serve hot with your favorite sides like rice or a refreshing salad!
Enjoy your delicious hot honey garlic chicken with zucchini! It’s bound to be a hit!
FAQ for Easy Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken with Zucchini
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for juiciness, you can substitute with chicken breasts or drumsticks. Just adjust the cooking time as chicken breasts may cook faster and drumsticks may take a little longer. Always check for a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in a hot oven to keep the chicken skin crispy, or you can microwave it if you’re in a hurry!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes, of course! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots. Just be sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. Keep an eye on cooking times as some vegetables may require less time than zucchini.
How Do I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, use less hot sauce in the honey garlic sauce or omit it completely. You can also replace it with a sweeter option like barbecue sauce, or try using a milder chili sauce to maintain some heat without overpowering sweetness.
