Sheet Pan Honey Garlic Chicken

The smell of honey and garlic hitting that hot oven still stops me in my tracks every single time. I stumbled onto this combination during one of those chaotic Tuesday evenings when takeout felt like too much effort but cooking anything complicated was out of the question. The way the sauce bubbles up and caramelizes around the chicken edges creates these sticky, golden bits that my family fights over.

My sister was over last month when I made this, and she actually asked if Id ordered it from somewhere. Watching her eyes light up when she took that first bite, realizing something so delicious came together in under 40 minutes, reminded me why I keep coming back to this recipe. Its the kind of meal that makes you feel like you have your life together even when you absolutely dont.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast or thighs: Thighs stay juicier but breast works beautifully if thats what you have on hand
• Bell peppers: The red and yellow peppers add sweetness and make the whole dish look like you tried way harder than you did
• Sugar snap peas and asparagus: Both hold up perfectly to roasting and add those gorgeous bright green pops
• Honey: This creates that beautiful caramelized exterior we are all here for
• Soy sauce: Low sodium is best because the sauce reduces and concentrates as it roasts
• Garlic and ginger: Fresh is absolutely worth it here, jarred ginger just does not hit the same notes

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Crank that oven to 220°C and line your sheet pan with parchment paper unless you enjoy scrubbing burnt sugar off metal for twenty minutes

Make the magic sauce:

Whisk together the honey, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, ginger, vinegar and pepper until its completely combined

Coat the chicken:

Toss the chicken pieces in the sauce and let them hang out for 10 minutes if you have time, it really does make a difference

Arrange everything:

Spread the vegetables and chicken across your prepared sheet pan in a single layer, then drizzle any remaining sauce over the top

Roast it all:

Pop it in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, giving everything a stir halfway through so nothing burns

Finish with flair:

Sprinkle with fresh herbs and sesame seeds right before serving

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Last winter my neighbor smelled this cooking through our shared wall and actually knocked on the door to ask what I was making. We ended up eating dinner together at my tiny kitchen table, and that random Tuesday night turned into one of my favorite memories of the whole year.

Making It Your Own

I have swapped in broccoli, zucchini, and green beans depending on what is in my crisper drawer. The honey garlic sauce plays nicely with almost any vegetable that roasts well.

Serving Suggestions

Rice is classic, but I have also served this over cauliflower rice for a lighter version. The sauce is so flavorful you honestly do not need much else on the plate.

Meal Prep Magic

This reheats beautifully and actually tastes even better the next day when those flavors have had more time to mingle.

• Portion everything into glass containers right after cooking
• Store the garnish separately and add it just before eating
• The sauce thickens up in the fridge, so splash in a tiny bit of water when reheating

Save

Hope this brings as many easy, delicious nights to your table as it has to mine.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work excellently and may stay juicier during roasting due to their higher fat content. Just adjust cooking time if needed.

→ What other vegetables can I substitute?

Broccoli florets, zucchini slices, green beans, or Brussels sprouts all work well. Choose vegetables that cook at similar rates to ensure even roasting.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

→ Can I make this gluten-free?

Simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

→ How can I add more spice?

Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or fresh minced chili to the sauce mixture. You can also serve with extra hot sauce on the side.