Description
Honey Garlic Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups broccoli florets
2 large carrots, sliced into rounds
1 lb baby potatoes, halved
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Honey Garlic Sauce:
1/4 cup honey
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp minced garlic
1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry)
Directions
Prep the veggies:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss potatoes, carrots, and broccoli in olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Arrange them on a large sheet pan.
Season the chicken:
Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place them on the sheet pan among the veggies.
Make the sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard. Brush half of the sauce over the chicken.
Roast it up:
Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, brush chicken with more sauce, and toss the veggies. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/75°C).
Thicken the sauce:
While the chicken bakes, heat the remaining sauce in a small saucepan. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened.
Serve and enjoy:
Drizzle the thickened sauce over the chicken and veggies. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 350 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results every time. First, ensure your oven rack is in the center position and preheat to 400°F. While it heats, chop all vegetables to uniform sizes for even cooking. Toss the potatoes and carrots in oil and seasoning first, as they take longer to cook. Spread them on the pan and roast for 10 minutes alone. Remove the pan, add the broccoli and seasoned chicken brushed with sauce, then continue roasting as directed. This staggered start prevents soggy broccoli and ensures everything finishes perfectly together.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty sheet pan meal is complete on its own, but you can elevate it with simple sides. Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to soak up the extra sauce. A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the dish’s sweetness. For a fresh garnish, top with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or a squeeze of lime juice just before serving.
How-to Summary
This honey garlic chicken dinner is a streamlined, one-pan wonder. The process involves chopping vegetables, seasoning chicken and veggies, and whisking a simple 4-ingredient sauce. After a brief roast, brush with more sauce and finish cooking. A quick simmer thickens the remaining glaze for drizzling. From fridge to table in under 45 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely. Bone-in, skin-on thighs add more flavor but may require 5-10 extra minutes of cook time. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
How do I prevent the broccoli from burning? Place broccoli florets in the center of the pan, shielded by other veggies and the chicken. Adding them after the first 10 minutes of roasting (as in the step-by-step guide) also prevents charring.
Is there a substitute for soy sauce? For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? Yes. Chop vegetables and make the sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Store separately in the fridge. Assemble and roast just before cooking.
My sauce didn’t thicken. What happened? Ensure the cornstarch slurry is well-mixed before adding it to the simmering sauce. It must come to a brief boil to activate the starch and thicken properly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcrowding the sheet pan, as this steams the food instead of roasting it. Use two pans if necessary. Do not skip preheating the pan for the initial veggie roast, as a hot start is crucial for crispy potatoes. Resist the urge to constantly open the oven door, which causes significant heat loss. Finally, always let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking before slicing to retain its juices.
Conclusion
This Honey Garlic Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is the ultimate solution for a busy weeknight, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort and cleanup. The sweet and savory glaze perfectly complements the tender chicken and roasted vegetables. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can avoid common pitfalls and create a reliably delicious, healthy meal that the whole family will love. It’s a versatile recipe that proves simple ingredients can yield extraordinary results.