Need a quick, flavorful dinner that hits all the right notes—sweet, savory, spicy, and healthy? Look no further than Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini. This simple one-pan dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal cleanup. It’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Juicy chicken thighs or breasts are glazed in a hot honey garlic sauce and roasted alongside tender zucchini for a wholesome, well-balanced meal. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a family, this easy sheet pan recipe makes dinner stress-free and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons:
- One pan = minimal dishes
- Sweet, spicy, and garlicky glaze
- Juicy chicken and perfectly roasted zucchini
- Customizable spice level
- Ready in under 40 minutes
If you love bold flavors with wholesome ingredients, this dish is your new go-to.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s everything you need to make this delicious sheet pan meal.
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Zucchini:
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into half moons
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Hot Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (like sriracha)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s walk through exactly how to make Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini.
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and rub to coat evenly.
- Place on one side of the prepared sheet pan.
3. Slice the Zucchini
- Wash and trim the ends of the zucchini.
- Cut into ½-inch thick half-moons for even roasting.
- Toss zucchini slices with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread zucchini on the other half of the sheet pan.
Pro Tip: Give the zucchini space. Overcrowding causes steaming instead of roasting.
4. Make the Hot Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat:
- Add honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce.
- Stir until bubbling.
- If thicker sauce is desired, stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer for 1–2 minutes until glossy.
- Remove from heat.
5. Glaze the Chicken
- Brush a generous amount of the hot honey garlic sauce over the chicken.
- Reserve a few tablespoons of sauce for serving.
6. Roast in the Oven
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Halfway through cooking, flip the zucchini and baste the chicken with more sauce.
Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a caramelized top.
7. Serve and Garnish
- Plate the chicken with the roasted zucchini.
- Drizzle remaining hot honey garlic sauce over the top.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds for an extra pop.
Flavor Profile Breakdown
This recipe balances sweet, savory, and spicy flavors beautifully:
- Honey: Brings natural sweetness and caramelization.
- Garlic: Adds rich, aromatic depth.
- Hot sauce & red pepper flakes: Give just enough kick.
- Soy sauce: Adds saltiness and umami.
Paired with juicy chicken and mild, tender zucchini, this glaze is the hero that ties everything together.
Tips for Perfect Results
Here’s how to elevate this sheet pan dinner every time:
- Use thighs for juicier chicken – they retain moisture better than breasts.
- Pat dry before roasting – prevents sogginess and helps browning.
- Roast zucchini skin-side down – for golden, tender slices.
- Don’t skip the broil – for irresistible caramelized edges.
- Double the sauce – if you like things extra saucy or want leftovers for rice.
Meal Prep and Make-Ahead Tips
This recipe is fantastic for meal prep:
- Cook once, eat twice – Make a double batch and store in meal prep containers.
- Lasts 3–4 days in the fridge.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of water to keep moist.
- Serve over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for easy lunches.
You can also prep the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Substitutions and Variations
Protein Options
- Chicken breasts
- Chicken tenders
- Tofu (for a vegetarian version)
- Shrimp (reduce cook time to 10–12 minutes)
Vegetable Swaps
- Broccoli florets
- Bell peppers
- Carrots
- Green beans
- Yellow squash
Note: Adjust roasting times as needed based on the vegetables used.
Make It Spicier
- Add more hot sauce or chili oil
- Use gochujang instead of sriracha
- Top with fresh chili slices
Make It Milder
- Use less hot sauce
- Skip red pepper flakes
- Add a touch of lemon juice for brightness instead
What to Serve With Hot Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini
This dish can easily be a one-pan meal, but here are some great pairings to complete your dinner:
Grains:
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
- Quinoa
- Couscous
- Garlic butter noodles
Sides:
- Crisp green salad
- Roasted potatoes
- Garlic bread
- Coleslaw with a light vinaigrette
Sauces/Dips:
- Extra hot honey garlic sauce
- Yogurt-based garlic dip
- Cilantro-lime crema
Drinks:
- Sparkling water with lemon
- Iced green tea
- Crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
Nutritional Highlights
Here’s what makes this dish a nutritious option:
| Component | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Lean protein, iron, B vitamins |
| Zucchini | Low in calories, high in fiber and vitamin C |
| Garlic | Boosts immune function and heart health |
| Honey | Natural energy, antioxidant-rich |
| Olive Oil | Healthy fats and anti-inflammatory properties |
This meal is high in protein, low in processed carbs, and packed with flavor—perfect for balanced eating.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze fully cooked portions for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 60-second intervals until warmed through.
- Skillet: Add a splash of water or broth and reheat over medium-low.
Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep chicken moist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw it completely first to ensure even cooking and better sauce absorption.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just make sure your soy sauce is gluten-free, or use tamari as a substitute.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days and can be reheated gently before use.
What’s the best type of honey for this dish?
Use pure, raw honey if available. It gives the best flavor and consistency.
Can I grill this instead of baking?
Yes! Grill the chicken and zucchini separately and brush with sauce as they cook. Delicious in warmer months.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s mildly spicy, but the heat can be easily adjusted up or down depending on your taste.
Why This Dish Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation
This Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini recipe checks all the boxes:
✅ Fast
✅ Flavor-packed
✅ Healthy
✅ Easy cleanup
✅ Great for leftovers
It’s bold, beautiful, and loaded with contrast—crispy roasted edges, tender centers, sweet heat, and garlicky depth.
Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or meal prep sessions. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable to your spice tolerance, dietary needs, and pantry availability.
