Sheet Pan Honey Buffalo Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

If you are searching for a mouthwatering, fuss-free dinner that packs a punch of flavor and a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, the Sheet Pan Honey Buffalo Chicken with Broccoli Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This dish combines tender chicken chunks glazed in a sticky honey buffalo sauce alongside crisp-tender roasted broccoli, all cooked together on one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum deliciousness. It’s vibrant, cozy, and downright addictive—a guaranteed winner whether you’re cooking for family or friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor while keeping things light and wholesome. From the juicy chicken to the fresh broccoli, and the zingy sauce that ties everything together, here’s what you’ll need to create this incredible meal.

• Chicken breasts: Using 1 ½ pounds of boneless chicken breasts cut into chunks ensures every bite stays tender and juicy.
• Broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli adds a lovely green color and a satisfying crunch to balance the spicy sauce.
• Olive oil: Divided into two tablespoons, it’s essential for roasting both chicken and broccoli to golden perfection.
• Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors throughout the dish.
• Hot sauce: The star of the honey buffalo sauce, delivering that classic tangy and spicy kick.
• Honey: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to mellow out heat and create a luscious glaze.
• Minced garlic: Infuses a lovely aromatic depth in the sauce and overall dish.
• Apple cider vinegar: Provides a subtle tang, balancing the sweet and spicy components.
• Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky undertone that rounds out the sauce beautifully.
• Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who crave an extra layer of heat, it’s the perfect little addition.
• Unsalted butter: Melted into the sauce, it adds richness and smoothness.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped for garnish, adding brightness and a pop of color.
• Sliced green onions: Also for garnish, offering a mild oniony crunch.

How to Make Sheet Pan Honey Buffalo Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help give your chicken a deliciously caramelized exterior while ensuring the broccoli roasts nicely without becoming soggy. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, because nobody wants to scrub sticky sauce later.

Step 2: Season and Arrange the Chicken

In a medium-sized bowl, toss the chicken chunks with one tablespoon of olive oil, a generous pinch of salt, and freshly cracked pepper. This basic seasoning boosts the chicken’s natural flavor and helps create that irresistible golden crust. Spread the chicken evenly on one half of your prepared baking sheet, giving each piece room to breathe.

Step 3: Prep and Place the Broccoli

Next, toss the broccoli florets with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. The olive oil helps each floret roast crisply, while the salt enhances their natural sweetness. Spread the broccoli in a single layer on the other half of the baking sheet next to the chicken.

Step 4: Roast Chicken and Broccoli

Place the sheet pan in the oven and roast the chicken and broccoli for 15 minutes. This initial roast starts cooking both components evenly, allowing the broccoli to soften just slightly and the chicken to begin browning.

Step 5: Make the Honey Buffalo Sauce

While your sheet pan is working its magic, combine the hot sauce, honey, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, optional cayenne pepper, and unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until the butter melts and everything melds into a glossy, fragrant sauce. Remove from the heat once it’s well combined to preserve the vibrant flavors.

Step 6: Toss Chicken with the Sauce

Remove the pan from the oven after the first 15 minutes of roasting. Drizzle half of your prepared honey buffalo sauce over the chicken chunks, tossing well to coat each piece in that sticky, spicy goodness. Keep the remaining sauce aside to serve later, preserving its fresh kick on the side.

Step 7: Continue Roasting to Finish Cooking

Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for another 10 to 12 minutes. This step ensures your chicken cooks through fully and the broccoli becomes tender and slightly caramelized around the edges—simply perfect.

Step 8: Rest and Garnish

When time’s up, remove the pan from the oven and let your creation rest for a few minutes. This brief pause helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist. Sprinkle on freshly chopped parsley and sliced green onions for a fresh pop of flavor and color that brightens the whole dish.

Step 9: Serve with Reserved Sauce

Serve your beautifully roasted honey buffalo chicken and broccoli with the reserved sauce on the side. This allows everyone to add more heat or sweetness according to taste, making the dish perfectly customizable for your crowd.

How to Serve Sheet Pan Honey Buffalo Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley and green onions are the classic finishing touches, but feel free to experiment with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a squeeze of lime to add another dimension of flavor and texture. These little garnishes make your beautiful dish even more inviting and vibrant.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines on its own, but you can complement it with simple steamed rice, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or even warm crusty bread to soak up extra sauce. A light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also pairs wonderfully to balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual family meal, serve directly from the sheet pan on the table. Hosting friends? Plate the chicken and broccoli over buttery mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a comforting twist. Alternatively, serve the chicken and broccoli wrapped in warm tortillas or pita bread with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing for a fun handheld option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Sheet Pan Honey Buffalo Chicken with Broccoli Recipe holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store in an airtight container to maintain moisture and flavor. It’s perfect for next-day lunch or a quick dinner reheated in no time.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, freeze the cooked chicken and broccoli separately from the sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep textures intact and sauce tasting fresh.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven or on the stovetop to avoid drying out the chicken. Add a splash of water or chicken broth when reheating broccoli to revive its tenderness. Warm the reserved sauce separately and toss together just before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven flavor.

FAQs

Can I use different vegetables instead of broccoli?

Absolutely! Cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or green beans are excellent alternatives that roast well alongside the chicken and absorb the honey buffalo sauce beautifully.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level is moderate thanks to the hot sauce and optional cayenne. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less cayenne pepper or choosing a milder hot sauce.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your hot sauce does not contain gluten ingredients. Always check labels if you have dietary restrictions.

Is the sauce suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. The honey buffalo sauce keeps well refrigerated and can be made ahead to speed up weeknight dinners. Just warm it gently before tossing with the cooked chicken.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the Sheet Pan Honey Buffalo Chicken with Broccoli Recipe that keeps me coming back to the kitchen for more. It’s a fuss-free, flavor-packed meal perfect for any night when you crave heat, sweet tang, and wholesome veggies all in one easy dish. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with that irresistible honey buffalo magic just like I have.

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