If you are craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors yet incredibly simple to prepare, the Sheet Pan Honey Buffalo Chicken with Broccoli Recipe is your new go-to. This one-pan wonder combines tender, spicy chicken with sweet honey glaze and perfectly roasted broccoli, delivering a mouthwatering balance of heat, sweetness, and freshness. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but doesn’t keep you in the kitchen all day, making weeknight dinners or casual gatherings effortlessly delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sheet Pan Honey Buffalo Chicken with Broccoli Recipe lies in its straightforward, accessible ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each element plays a crucial role—from the spice-rubbed chicken to the crisp broccoli and the luscious honey buffalo sauce that ties everything together.
- 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs, cut into cubes: Choosing either breasts or thighs lets you control the tenderness and juiciness of your chicken.
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that elevates the chicken beyond the ordinary.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Provides a mellow umami punch without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A classic seasoning that brings warmth and aromatic flavor.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors.
- 1/4 cup flour or all-purpose gluten-free flour: Helps create the perfect coating on the chicken for that irresistible texture.
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Ensures everything roasts to golden perfection while keeping the broccoli crisp.
- 3 cups broccoli florets: Adds vibrant color and a nutritious crunch that complements the spiciness.
- 1/2 cup hot sauce: The star of the buffalo sauce that delivers fiery, tangy heat.
- 6 tablespoons salted butter: Richness that softens the heat and adds silky texture to the sauce.
- 1-2 teaspoons seasoned salt: Introduces an extra layer of savory seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Intensifies the spice for those who love it hot.
- 1/4 cup honey: The sweet counterpoint that brings harmony to the bold buffalo flavors.
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing, for serving: Creamy accompaniments that cool and contrast the heat beautifully.
- Sliced green onions, for serving: Fresh garnish that adds a hint of sharpness and color.
How to Make Sheet Pan Honey Buffalo Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken and Broccoli
Start by preheating your oven to 450° F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oiling it to prevent sticking. On the sheet pan, toss the cubed chicken with smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Next, sprinkle the flour evenly and toss once more, ensuring the chicken pieces are coated for that perfect crispiness once baked. Drizzle two tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken and toss again, coating each piece in that lovely oil that aids roasting.
Step 2: Arrange and Roast
Arrange the seasoned chicken on one side of your baking sheet. Add the broccoli florets to the other side, tossing them separately with the remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper. This keeps the flavors distinct until they all come together later. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and roast for 15 to 20 minutes. This step allows the chicken to cook through while the broccoli becomes tender yet retains a satisfying bite.
Step 3: Make the Honey Buffalo Sauce
While your chicken and broccoli are roasting, combine hot sauce, salted butter, seasoned salt, and cayenne pepper in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the butter has melted and the ingredients are well combined. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the honey—this final touch brings a luscious sweetness that balances the sauce perfectly.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken and Bake Again
Once the chicken and broccoli are roasted, remove the broccoli from the sheet pan and set aside. Pour the honey buffalo sauce over the chicken on the pan, tossing to ensure each piece is luxuriously coated. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, letting the sauce meld into the chicken for a sticky, flavorful finish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the sheet pan from the oven and get ready to dig in. Plate the buffalo-coated chicken alongside the roasted broccoli, and don’t forget to add a little blue cheese or ranch dressing. Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top for a fresh, colorful touch. This is when all your hard work pays off—every bite bursting with flavor and texture that hits all the right notes.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Honey Buffalo Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can take your Sheet Pan Honey Buffalo Chicken with Broccoli Recipe from great to spectacular. Sliced green onions add vibrant color and a mild onion crunch, while a drizzle of blue cheese or ranch dressing cools the spices and adds creamy indulgence. These garnishes not only enhance the presentation but also balance the bold heat beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairing it with some comforting sides amps up the meal experience. Try serving it over fluffy jasmine or basmati rice to soak up all the glorious sauce. Crispy French fries or a cooling cucumber salad also make fantastic accompaniments, offering textural contrast and freshness alongside the spicy buffalo flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
To really impress, consider serving your honey buffalo chicken and broccoli in vibrant bowls with a bed of rice, topped with sliced avocado and a squeeze of lime for a gourmet twist. For a fun, casual presentation, pile everything into soft tortillas for buffalo chicken wraps. This versatile recipe lends itself to so many creative serving ideas that will keep your meals exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sheet Pan Honey Buffalo Chicken with Broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a fantastic option for next-day lunches or quick dinners. Just be sure to cool the chicken and broccoli completely before storing to preserve texture and taste.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish even longer, freezing is a great option. Allow the cooked chicken and broccoli to cool, then transfer them to freezer-safe containers or bags. Frozen leftovers should be used within two months for best flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the chicken and broccoli with foil and warm in a 350° F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, which helps maintain the crispy texture without drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave on medium power in short bursts, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Finish with a fresh drizzle of buffalo sauce or a dollop of dressing to refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe because they tend to stay juicier and offer richer flavor. Just make sure to cut them into uniform cubes for even cooking.
How spicy is the Sheet Pan Honey Buffalo Chicken with Broccoli Recipe?
The heat level is moderate but can be easily adjusted. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce. For extra heat, add more cayenne or some chili flakes to the buffalo sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make it gluten-free by using all-purpose gluten-free flour instead of regular flour. This substitution won’t affect the taste and still provides that great coating on the chicken.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken with the seasoning and flour coating a few hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. The buffalo sauce can also be made ahead. It makes dinnertime much quicker and keeps that fresh-out-of-the-oven flavor intact.
What’s the best way to make the broccoli crispy?
Ensure the broccoli florets are well coated in olive oil and spread out in a single layer on the sheet pan. Roasting at a high temperature, like 450° F, helps them caramelize and stay crisp-tender.
Final Thoughts
This Sheet Pan Honey Buffalo Chicken with Broccoli Recipe perfectly captures the magic of a spicy, sweet, and savory dinner that is as simple as it is satisfying. It’s a fantastic way to bring bold flavors to your table without fuss or mess, making it a reliable, crowd-pleasing favorite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your cherished weeknight staples.
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Sheet Pan Honey Buffalo Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A deliciously spicy and sweet Sheet Pan Honey Buffalo Chicken served with tender roasted broccoli. This recipe combines crispy baked chicken tossed in a homemade honey buffalo sauce, perfect as a satisfying weeknight dinner or game day treat. Simple one-pan preparation makes cleanup easy while delivering bold flavors and a balanced meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broccoli
- 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs, cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup flour or all-purpose gluten-free flour
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 3 cups broccoli florets
Honey Buffalo Sauce
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- 1–2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup honey
To Serve
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing, for serving
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the sheet pan: Preheat your oven to 450° F (232° C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking.
- Season and coat the chicken: On the sheet pan, toss together the cubed chicken, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and toss again to coat evenly. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Add broccoli and bake: Arrange the seasoned chicken on one side of the baking sheet. On the other side, spread the broccoli florets and toss them with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and broccoli is tender-crisp.
- Prepare the honey buffalo sauce: While the chicken and broccoli bake, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the hot sauce, seasoned salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir until everything is melted and well combined. Remove from heat, then stir in the honey until fully incorporated.
- Toss chicken with sauce and bake again: Remove the broccoli from the sheet pan and set aside. Pour the honey buffalo sauce over the baked chicken and toss to coat evenly. Return the sheet pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the sauce to bake into the chicken.
- Serve: Plate the buffalo chicken and roasted broccoli. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve alongside blue cheese or ranch dressing. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or crispy French fries.
Notes
- Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier result.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper for your preferred spice level.
- Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American