Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love quick and flavorful dinners that come together with little fuss, this recipe is for you. The combination of smoky paprika, spicy chipotle chili powder, and the sweetness of honey creates an irresistible balance of flavors. Baking everything on one sheet pan saves time and cleanup, making this a perfect weeknight meal. Plus, the versatility of this recipe allows you to serve it over rice, fries, or alongside a creamy dip, making it adaptable for any meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs, cut into cubes

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

• 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder

• 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder

• Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)

• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 2 zucchini or yellow summer squash, sliced

• ½ cup hot sauce

• 6 tablespoons salted butter

• 4-6 cloves garlic, chopped

• ¾ teaspoon chipotle chili powder

• 1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

• ¼ cup honey

• Blue cheese or ranch dressing, for serving

• Avocado, basil, and sliced green onions for serving

Directions

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

2. On the baking sheet, toss the chicken cubes with paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add flour and toss again. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and toss to coat. Arrange the chicken on one side of the baking sheet.

3. Add the sliced zucchini to the other side of the sheet pan. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

4. Bake the chicken and zucchini in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.

5. While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt together the hot sauce, butter, garlic, chipotle chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir until everything is melted and well-combined. Remove from the heat and stir in the honey, then season with salt to taste.

6. Pour the buffalo sauce over the chicken and toss the chicken to coat it in the sauce. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the hot honey sauce to bake onto the chicken.

7. Serve the chicken and zucchini with fresh avocado, basil, green onions, and a drizzle of blue cheese or ranch dressing. You can also serve this dish over rice or with fries for an extra satisfying meal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with tofu or a plant-based chicken alternative for a vegetarian option.

• Heat Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and chipotle chili powder to suit your heat tolerance.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour for the chicken coating to make this dish gluten-free.

• Sauce Swap: Try using a BBQ sauce or a creamy sriracha mayo instead of the hot honey sauce for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken and zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the chicken and zucchini in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it, though the oven will help maintain the crispy texture of the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe! They stay moist and tender, making them an excellent choice.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Fresh chicken is recommended for the best texture, but you can use frozen chicken if needed. Just make sure to fully thaw it before cooking.

How spicy is the hot honey garlic sauce?

The spice level is moderate, thanks to the cayenne pepper and chipotle chili powder. If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of cayenne or chipotle powder.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and zucchini, but it’s best to make the sauce fresh to preserve the flavor. Reheat the chicken and zucchini before serving.

Can I serve this dish over something other than rice or fries?

Yes! This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, quinoa, or even a fresh salad if you prefer a lighter option.

Can I add more vegetables to this sheet pan meal?

Definitely! Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or onions for extra flavor and nutrition.

How do I make the sauce creamier?

For a creamier sauce, you can blend in a tablespoon or two of cream cheese or sour cream once the sauce has been removed from heat.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! Add extra cayenne pepper or even some finely chopped jalapeños to increase the heat level.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While blue cheese is traditional, you can swap it for mozzarella, goat cheese, or even Parmesan for a different flavor.

How do I prevent the chicken from being too dry?

Make sure not to overcook the chicken. Once the internal temperature reaches 165°F, it’s ready to come out of the oven.

Conclusion

Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini is the perfect combination of savory, spicy, and sweet flavors that is both easy to make and delicious to eat. With minimal prep and cleanup, it's an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Whether you're serving it over rice, with fries, or on its own, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.