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Sheet Pan Honey Garlic Chicken - Easy, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, cut to even sizes)
  • Vegetables: 3 cups mixed vegetables such as broccoli florets, bell peppers, red onion wedges, and carrot coins
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Salt and pepper: To taste
  • Honey: 1/3 cup
  • Garlic: 4–5 cloves, minced
  • Soy sauce: 3 tablespoons (use tamari or coconut aminos if gluten-free)
  • Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon
  • Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon (optional, for depth)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for heat)
  • Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon (optional, to slightly thicken glaze)
  • Garnishes: Sliced green onions and sesame seeds
  • Serving (optional): Steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep the pan: Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment or foil for easy cleanup. Lightly oil the surface.
  2. Mix the sauce: In a bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. If using cornstarch, whisk it in until smooth.
  3. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry, then season both sides with salt and pepper. Drying helps browning and keeps the texture juicy.
  4. Toss the vegetables: In a separate bowl, toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on the sheet pan, leaving space for the chicken.
  5. Add the chicken to the pan: Nestle the chicken pieces among the vegetables, leaving a little room so everything roasts instead of steams.
  6. Glaze generously: Spoon about two-thirds of the honey garlic sauce over the chicken. Drizzle a bit over the vegetables, but keep most of it on the chicken for best flavor.
  7. Roast: Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the pan, baste the chicken with any juices, and brush with more sauce. Toss the vegetables if needed for even browning.
  8. Finish roasting: Return to the oven for 8–12 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the edges are caramelized. Total roast time is usually 23–27 minutes for thighs; breasts may cook faster.
  9. Optional broil: For extra color, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  10. Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with rice or your favorite grain, spooning pan juices on top.