Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini: The Ultimate Easy Dinner 🍯🔥🥒

Introduction

If you want a quick, flavorful, and healthy dinner that comes together in under an hour, the Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini is the perfect recipe. This dish combines juicy chicken thighs, tender zucchini, and a sweet-spicy garlic-infused honey glaze that elevates a simple sheet pan meal to a family favorite.

What makes this recipe truly weeknight-friendly is its simplicity: everything cooks on a single pan, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor. The combination of hot honey, soy sauce, and garlic creates a bold taste that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and a hint of heat, while the zucchini adds freshness and nutrition.

This dish is ideal for busy evenings, meal prep, or a quick healthy dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Garnished with fresh parsley, it looks as vibrant as it tastes.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs – The main protein, tender and juicy.
• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons – Adds freshness and color.
• ¼ cup hot honey (or regular honey mixed with a pinch of red pepper flakes) – Sweet with a kick.
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce – Umami and savory depth.
• 2 tablespoons garlic, minced – Aromatic and flavorful.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Coats vegetables for roasting.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Essential seasoning.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds mild heat.
• 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds smoky warmth and color.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – Enhances savory flavor.
• Fresh parsley, chopped – For garnish and freshness.

Equipment

• Large baking sheet or sheet pan
• Mixing bowls
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Resealable bag or medium bowl for marinating
• Oven

Method

Print

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure even roasting and perfectly caramelized chicken and zucchini.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, combine hot honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Mix until well incorporated to create a sticky, flavorful glaze.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken thighs in a resealable bag or medium bowl. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate up to 30 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Vegetables

While the chicken is marinating, slice zucchini into half-moons. Place them in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper, tossing to coat evenly.

Step 5: Arrange on Sheet Pan

Place the marinated chicken thighs in the center of a large baking sheet. Scatter the coated zucchini around the chicken, ensuring even spacing for roasting.

Step 6: Add Remaining Marinade

Drizzle the remaining marinade over the chicken and zucchini for extra flavor and caramelization.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the zucchini is tender. Stir zucchini halfway if you prefer even browning.

Step 8: Garnish

Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color.

Step 9: Serve

Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. This dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

• Marinate for More Flavor: Even 10 minutes adds flavor, but 30 minutes yields a richer taste.
• Zucchini Texture: Slice evenly to ensure uniform roasting. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming.
• Hot Honey Substitute: If you don’t have hot honey, mix ¼ cup regular honey with ¼–½ teaspoon red pepper flakes.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
• Optional Additions: Add bell peppers, onions, or carrots for extra color and nutrients.

Nutritional Highlights (per serving)

• Calories: 330 kcal
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 9g

This dish is high in protein, balanced with healthy fats, and moderately low in carbs, making it perfect for a healthy dinner or meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes. Chicken breast works, but it may cook slightly faster and be less juicy. Keep an eye on cooking time to avoid dryness.

2. Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes. Replace chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or cauliflower florets and roast with the same marinade.

3. Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes. Marinate the chicken and prep zucchini in advance, then assemble and bake when ready.

4. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes. Freeze cooked chicken and zucchini separately. Reheat in the oven to retain texture and flavor.

5. Can I make this less sweet or less spicy?

Yes. Reduce the honey for sweetness or skip red pepper flakes for a milder version.

This Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini recipe is fast, flavorful, and fuss-free, perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a healthy indulgent meal. Juicy chicken, tender zucchini, and a sticky sweet-spicy glaze make this one-pan meal a family favorite every time.