Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken

This sheet pan hot honey garlic chicken and zucchini recipe brings bold flavor with minimal effort. Juicy chicken thighs and crisp-tender zucchini roast together in a caramelized sweet and spicy sauce making this a go-to weeknight meal whenever I want something both satisfying and healthy but still crave-worthy.

My family devours this every time I make it and the sticky glaze on the chicken is one of the best parts. I love how the zucchini gets golden at the edges while soaking up all the sauce.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs: boneless and skinless provide juicy and flavorful protein and cook evenly select ones with even thickness for best results
• Zucchini: adds freshness and soaks up the savory honey garlic marinade look for firm zucchinis without blemishes
• Hot honey: gives a subtle kick of heat balancing the sweetness use regular honey plus red pepper flakes if you want to control the spice
• Soy sauce: lends saltiness and umami opt for low sodium if needed
• Olive oil: helps everything roast to perfection choose extra virgin for the best flavor
• Garlic: minced to boost flavor and give depth fresh cloves work best
• Paprika: delivers color and subtle smoky flavor use sweet or smoked based on your taste
• Salt and black pepper: season the chicken and veggies taste and adjust as you go
• Fresh parsley: brings a pop of color and freshness at the end chop right before serving for brightest flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to four hundred twenty five degrees Fahrenheit two hundred twenty Celsius and line a sheet pan with parchment paper for fast cleanup

Make the Marinade:

Whisk hot honey minced garlic soy sauce olive oil paprika salt and pepper in a small bowl until smooth and fully blended

Marinate the Chicken:

Place chicken thighs in a large bowl and pour in half the marinade use your hands or tongs to coat each piece thoroughly so the flavors soak in

Assemble on Sheet Pan:

Arrange marinated chicken pieces on the prepared sheet pan then surround them with the sliced zucchini fanned out evenly for even roasting

Coat the Zucchini:

Drizzle the rest of the marinade over the zucchini tossing to coat every slice in the flavorful sauce

Roast Everything:

Bake in the hot oven for twenty to twenty five minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and zucchinis are golden caramelized at the edges and fork tender

Finish and Serve:

Remove from the oven sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over everything and serve hot straight from the pan letting everyone scoop up their favorite pieces

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Storage Tips

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat on a lined baking pan in a hot oven to maintain the best texture You can also chop leftover pieces and toss into salads or grain bowls for easy lunches

Ingredient Substitutions

Try boneless skinless chicken breast if you do not have thighs though reduce the cooking time a little Yellow squash or thinly sliced bell peppers can stand in for or join the zucchini Tamari or coconut aminos can replace soy sauce for a gluten free option

Serving Suggestions

Serve with rice quinoa or even creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal A simple side salad brightens the plate and a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water is a perfect match Top with extra hot honey if you like more spice

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Cultural Context

Sheet pan meals like these reflect the best of modern American home cooking blending influences from barbecue Chinese takeout and Mediterranean kitchens Hot honey is a favorite Southern twist that has gotten popular everywhere lately and its sweet heat brings these pantry-friendly flavors to life

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I make the honey garlic sauce spicier?

Simply add extra red pepper flakes or choose a hotter variety of hot honey for bolder flavor.

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well; adjust baking time to prevent overcooking and ensure tenderness.

→ What sides go well with this dish?

Rice, quinoa, or crusty bread all complement the sweet and savory flavors beautifully.

→ How do I keep the zucchini from getting soggy?

Slice zucchini into thicker pieces and avoid overcrowding the pan for nicely caramelized edges.

→ Is this suitable for meal prepping?

Absolutely. Store leftovers in airtight containers and reheat gently to preserve moisture.

→ Can this dish be made dairy-free?

Yes, all listed ingredients are naturally dairy-free; no substitutions are required.