Hot Honey Chicken is a bold, flavorful dish that blends sweet and spicy into one perfect bite. This hot honey chicken recipe delivers a delicious sheet pan chicken experience that’s ideal for a one pan dinner or quick weeknight meal. By learning how to make hot honey at home, you can control the heat level while creating a healthier, homemade hot honey alternative to store-bought sauces like Mike’s Hot Honey. This easy chicken dinner is paired with roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes, making it a nutritious and balanced option for a healthy sheet pan meal. It’s the perfect solution for anyone craving baked chicken and vegetables with a twist.
How to make: Toss boneless chicken with olive oil and a hot honey glaze made from honey, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Roast everything on a sheet pan with sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts until golden and tender.
Explore more smart chicken ideas in our guide to Frozen Chicken Fajitas a healthy favorite your family will love.
In This Recipe
In This Recipe
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken at Home?
You’ll discover exactly how to make hot honey chicken at home, a simple yet flavorful recipe that delivers on sweet and spicy notes every time.
PrintEasy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American (with Southern twist)
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
For Hot Honey Glaze:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for heat)
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Make hot honey: In a small bowl, whisk honey, vinegar, red pepper, and garlic powder. Set aside.
- Prep veggies: Toss Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate chicken: Coat chicken in 1 tablespoon olive oil and half of the hot honey glaze.
- Assemble tray: Spread vegetables on one side of the sheet pan, chicken on the other.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and veggies are golden.
- Finish: Drizzle remaining glaze over everything. Serve hot.
Notes
- Swap in carrots or broccoli if desired.
- Make extra hot honey and refrigerate for up to 3 months.
- For crispier edges, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~400
- Sugar: 14g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
Ingredients for Homemade Hot Honey Glaze
- Honey, chili flakes or fresh chilies, and apple cider vinegar for a sweet and tangy hot honey sauce.
- Boneless chicken breasts or thighs ideal for a chicken sheet pan dinner or boneless chicken sheet pan recipe.
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly.
Step‑by‑Step Hot Honey Chicken Instructions
- Make the glaze combining honey, apple cider vinegar honey sauce base, and red pepper flakes. This homemade hot honey outshines any Mike’s Hot Honey alternative.
- Marinate chicken in the spicy honey chicken glaze, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Arrange on the sheet pan: place boneless chicken alongside seasoned vegetables.
- Bake at 425°F (220 °C) until chicken is cooked through and glaze is caramelized.
- Finish with drizzle of reserved glaze to intensify hot honey flavor before serving.
Tips for the Best Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
- Use extra-lean chicken cuts for healthier family dinner results.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure even roasting of baked chicken and vegetables.
- Let chicken rest briefly before slicing to retain juiciness.
Healthy Sheet Pan Meal – Olive Oil Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
A well-balanced hot honey chicken sheet pan meal isn’t just packed with flavor, it’s also a nutritious choice for busy weeknights. This recipe makes it easy to create a healthy sheet pan meal using simple ingredients you already have. If you’re into low-effort, high-reward meals, you might also love this Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet, another one-pan winner packed with flavor.
Why Olive Oil is Essential in a Sheet Pan Chicken Recipe
Using olive oil helps keep your hot honey chicken moist while promoting caramelization on your roasted vegetables. It’s a cornerstone in every great olive oil chicken sheet pan recipe, delivering heart-healthy fats without overwhelming flavor.
Baked Chicken and Vegetables – A Nutritious Duo
Pairing baked chicken and vegetables on a single pan saves time and clean-up. Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes are rich in fiber and vitamins, making them perfect for this chicken sheet pan dinner. Drizzling them with your hot honey recipe before roasting adds depth and sweetness with just the right touch of heat. You can also explore our Healthy Stuffed Peppers for Weight Loss for more veggie-packed meal inspiration.
Making It a Healthy Family Dinner
This healthy family dinner is loaded with lean protein and antioxidant-rich veggies. It’s the perfect one pan dinner that even picky eaters will enjoy. Whether you’re prepping for weight loss or feeding a crowd, this hot honey chicken delivers both nutrition and flavor.
Delicious Vegetables – Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes with Hot Honey
The perfect sidekick to hot honey chicken is a tray of caramelized roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes. This combination complements the sweet and spicy flavor of the chicken, creating a satisfying and well-rounded one pan dinner.
Why Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes Work So Well
Both vegetables roast beautifully on a sheet pan and absorb the hot honey glaze while crisping at the edges. Their natural sweetness enhances the spicy honey chicken without overpowering it. As part of a healthy sheet pan meal, they provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
How to Roast for Best Results
- Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread in a single layer on a sheet pan beside your hot honey chicken.
- Roast at high heat for even browning, flipping once halfway through.
Brussels Sprouts with Hot Honey – A Game Changer
Drizzle any remaining homemade hot honey over the roasted vegetables after baking for an irresistible glaze. These Brussels sprouts with hot honey are so flavorful, you’ll want to make them a regular part of your easy weeknight meal rotation.
Easy Chicken Dinner for Weeknights – One Pan Dinner Idea
Hot Honey Chicken is the kind of recipe that proves weeknight dinners don’t have to be boring or complicated. This easy chicken dinner requires minimal prep and only one sheet pan, making it ideal for anyone craving a no-fuss, high-reward meal.
What Makes This a Perfect One Pan Dinner
The beauty of this hot honey chicken sheet pan recipe lies in its simplicity. Everything chicken, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts cooks on one pan, saving time on cleanup and maximizing oven efficiency. This is what makes it a standout easy weeknight meal and a go-to for busy families.
Quick Tips for a Quick Healthy Chicken Dinner
- Cut vegetables evenly so they roast at the same pace as your hot honey chicken.
- Use pre-cut veggies to save time and streamline prep.
- Bake everything in stages if needed to prevent overcooking.
Chicken and Vegetable Tray Bake Variations
Make your chicken and vegetable tray bake your own by swapping in seasonal produce like carrots, zucchini, or broccoli. The sweet and spicy nature of hot honey chicken works with almost any veggie combination, offering a flexible template for your weekly meal planning. Pair it with our Big Mac Salad, keto & low-carb style for a complete and satisfying low-carb plate.
Sweet and Spicy Chicken Variations & Mike’s Hot Honey Alternative
One of the best things about hot honey chicken is its versatility. Whether you like it extra spicy or just want a touch of sweetness, you can customize the heat and flavor of your sweet and spicy chicken to fit any palate.
Make Ahead Hot Honey – Store It for Later
Creating a batch of make ahead hot honey lets you enjoy hot honey chicken at a moment’s notice. Store your homemade sauce in a jar, and drizzle it over baked or grilled chicken whenever you crave that signature kick.
Homemade Hot Honey vs. Mike’s Hot Honey
If you’re looking for a Mike’s Hot Honey alternative, this homemade version offers a customizable heat level and richer flavor. It combines honey, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes, perfect for coating your hot honey glazed chicken or even veggies.
Creative Sweet and Spicy Chicken Dish Ideas
- Turn your hot honey chicken into a salad topper.
- Use leftovers in wraps with roasted vegetables.
- Serve it cold for a spicy twist on chicken meal prep bowls.
This spicy sweet chicken dish can easily adapt to tacos, grain bowls, or sandwiches, proving just how flexible this recipe is.
Make Ahead Hot Honey and Meal Prep Tips
Hot Honey Chicken is not just a delicious dinner, it’s also a fantastic option for meal prep. Whether you’re prepping lunches or simplifying weeknight dinners, this dish fits the bill.
Prep Your Boneless Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe in Advance
You can easily prepare this boneless chicken sheet pan recipe ahead of time. Marinate your chicken in the hot honey glaze and store it in the fridge. Chop your veggies, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or others and refrigerate in an airtight container until you’re ready to bake.
Benefits of Make Ahead Hot Honey
Having make ahead hot honey on hand lets you add bold flavor instantly. Use it not just for hot honey chicken, but also as a glaze for roasted veggies, tofu, or grilled meats. It’s a time-saver and a flavor booster.
Chicken and Vegetable Tray Bake for the Week
Roast a large chicken and vegetable tray bake on Sunday and portion it into containers. This strategy ensures you’ll have a hot honey chicken meal ready to grab throughout the week. It’s a great tool for those seeking a quick healthy chicken dinner with minimal daily effort.
Weight Loss Friendly – Is Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Healthy & What to Pair with It
Hot Honey Chicken can be a flavorful addition to a weight-conscious diet when prepared with wholesome ingredients and balanced sides. Whether you’re inspired by Sweetgreen’s popular version or crafting your own, this dish can support your health goals.
Is Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Healthy?
Yes, Sweetgreen’s version of hot honey chicken is designed with nutrition in mind, using lean proteins, grains, and greens. To make a homemade alternative, stick with skinless boneless chicken, olive oil, and natural sweeteners like honey paired with vinegar and chili flakes.
Which Chicken Dish is Best for Weight Loss?
When it comes to weight loss, dishes like hot honey chicken shine due to their high protein content and bold flavor that satisfies cravings. It’s a great option as long as you balance portions and avoid excess sugar in the sauce.
What to Pair with Chicken for Weight Loss?
Pair your hot honey chicken with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes. Other great options include quinoa, brown rice, or a leafy green salad with a light vinaigrette. These sides enhance your healthy family dinner and make your meal more satisfying without excess calories.
Looking for even more slimming sides? Try this Pineapple and Spinach Smoothie to boost your digestion and metabolism.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Honey Chicken
What is hot honey good on?
Hot Honey Chicken is the most popular use, but hot honey also tastes great on roasted vegetables, pizza, biscuits, and even cheese boards. The balance of sweetness and spice enhances both savory and sweet dishes.
Do you refrigerate hot honey?
Homemade hot honey used for hot honey chicken can be stored at room temperature for short-term use. However, refrigerating it can extend its shelf life, especially if you include fresh ingredients like garlic or chilies.
How long does hot honey last?
When stored properly in a clean, airtight jar, your make ahead hot honey can last up to three months. Always check for changes in texture or smell before using it in your next batch of hot honey chicken.
How many calories are in hot honey chicken?
A typical serving of hot honey chicken ranges between 350–450 calories depending on portion size and sides. Using lean chicken cuts and roasting instead of frying keeps it weight loss–friendly.
Which chicken dish is best for weight loss?
Hot honey chicken, when prepared with minimal oil and sugar, is among the top healthy chicken dishes for weight loss. It offers high protein and rich flavor without unnecessary calories.
Is Sweetgreen hot honey chicken healthy?
Yes. Sweetgreen’s hot honey chicken bowl is designed to be nutritious and filling. By making a homemade version with roasted vegetables and olive oil, you can replicate a healthy, balanced meal.
What to pair with chicken for weight loss?
Pair your hot honey chicken with fiber-rich sides like roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or a fresh kale salad. These additions enhance satiety and promote healthy digestion.
Conclusion
Hot Honey Chicken is the ultimate blend of sweet heat and oven-roasted simplicity. With just one sheet pan and a few fresh ingredients, you can whip up a flavorful and healthy dinner your whole family will love. This dish brings together roasted vegetables, lean protein, and a homemade hot honey glaze that rivals even the best Mike’s Hot Honey alternative. It’s perfect for easy weeknight meals, meal prep, or even impressing guests with minimal effort.
Looking for more easy, healthy options? Check out our Easy Healthy Cottage Cheese Ice Cream—you won’t believe how good guilt-free dessert can be and If you’re looking to round out your recipe collection, check out our guide to Homemade Fajita Seasoning, a pantry staple that adds flavor to more than just tacos.
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