I absolutely love how this Sheet Pan Honey Buffalo Chicken with Broccoli Recipe comes together so effortlessly on one pan, making a weeknight dinner feel like a treat without the fuss. You’ll find that the combination of spicy buffalo heat mellowed by sweet honey and buttery sauce hits all the right notes, especially when paired with crisp roasted broccoli. It’s one of those recipes that feels both indulgent and wholesome, perfect when you want dinner on the table fast but still crave big flavor.
When I first tried this recipe, I was surprised how well the chicken stayed juicy and tender wrapped in that slightly crispy honey-buffalo glaze. Plus, the sheet pan method means minimal cleanup, which I know you’ll appreciate after a busy day. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this Sheet Pan Honey Buffalo Chicken with Broccoli Recipe delivers satisfying comfort food with a kick every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Simplicity: Minimal cleanup is guaranteed, freeing you up for more fun after dinner.
- Sweet & Spicy Balance: The honey buffalo sauce perfectly balances heat and sweetness for an irresistible flavor.
- Juicy, Tender Chicken: The light flour coating locks in moisture for perfectly cooked, succulent bites.
- Versatile and Quick: Ready in about 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine effortlessly to give you a spicy, sweet, and savory dinner you’ll want to make again and again. Grab fresh broccoli and chicken, and small staples like smoked paprika and hot sauce will transform them completely.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: I prefer thighs for extra juiciness, but breasts work great too—and they cook evenly when cut into cubes.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that elevates the buffalo sauce flavor.
- Onion powder: Brings a mild sweetness that complements the spices nicely.
- Garlic powder: You’ll get that rich garlic undertone without overpowering the sauce.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Season simply for perfect balance.
- Flour or gluten-free flour: Lightly coats the chicken to help the sauce cling and keep moisture locked in.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Used for roasting and crisping up the broccoli and chicken.
- Broccoli florets: Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and crisp texture.
- Hot sauce: The star of the buffalo sauce here — pick your favorite medium or hot variety.
- Salted butter: Balances out the heat with buttery richness.
- Seasoned salt: Adds a little extra savory punch to the sauce.
- Cayenne pepper: For an added kick—adjust to your heat tolerance.
- Honey: Sweetens the sauce beautifully and creates a sticky glaze.
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing: Classic Buffalo companions that cool off the heat.
- Sliced green onions: A fresh garnish that adds color and brightness.
Variations
I love to tweak this Sheet Pan Honey Buffalo Chicken with Broccoli Recipe sometimes depending on what’s in my fridge or what my family’s craving. Feel free to swap components or add extras to make it your own.
- Use chicken wings: I tried this with wings once — triple the fun! Just increase baking time slightly for that crispy skin.
- Add other veggies: Bell peppers or carrots make colorful, tasty additions roasted alongside the broccoli.
- Go dairy-free: Skip the blue cheese or ranch and swap butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Mild version: Reduce cayenne and hot sauce for a kid-friendly meal without losing the honey’s sweet kick.
How to Make Sheet Pan Honey Buffalo Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season Your Chicken and Broccoli
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or just give it a generous swipe of olive oil to prevent sticking. Toss your cubed chicken with smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until everything is evenly seasoned. Then sprinkle flour over and toss again — this step is what helps the chicken get that lovely crisp edge when baked. Next, drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil and make sure each piece is coated well.
Step 2: Arrange and Roast the Chicken and Broccoli
Place the chicken on one side of the baking sheet. On the other side, toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them out. This keeps everything roasting evenly and ensures the broccoli gets those crisp edges we all love. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the broccoli is tender but still vibrant.
Step 3: Make the Honey Buffalo Sauce
While the chicken and broccoli bake, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in hot sauce, seasoned salt, and cayenne pepper until everything’s melted and well combined. Take it off the heat and whisk in the honey — this little addition is what makes the sauce perfectly sweet and sticky, balancing out the spicy kick.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken and Finish Baking
Once the initial bake is done, take the broccoli off the pan (save it for plating to keep it crisp). Pour your honey buffalo sauce over the chicken, toss well to coat every piece in that gorgeous glaze, then return the pan to the oven for another 5 minutes. This set time lets the sauce bake onto the chicken, creating a sticky, flavorful crust you’re going to love.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the sauced chicken with the roasted broccoli on the side. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top, and don’t forget to add a drizzle of blue cheese or ranch dressing — those creamy touches cool down the heat and bring everything together. I often pile this over a bowl of steamed rice, though it’s equally fantastic with crunchy french fries.
Pro Tips for Making Sheet Pan Honey Buffalo Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
- Cut Chicken Evenly: I always cut my chicken into similarly sized cubes to ensure even cooking and prevent drying out pieces.
- Don’t Skip the Flour: Lightly dusting the chicken with flour helps the sauce stick and creates that crave-worthy crispy texture.
- Separate Broccoli for Crispness: Removing the broccoli before saucing keeps it from getting soggy and maintains its bright color.
- Use Quality Hot Sauce: The flavor of your hot sauce shines here, so pick a brand you love—you’ll taste every bit of it.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Honey Buffalo Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
I actually always top this dish with plenty of sliced green onions—they add a fresh pop of crunch and color that brightens everything up. A generous drizzle of creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing is a must for me; it balances those spicy honey buffalo flavors perfectly and makes the dish feel indulgent yet comforting.
Side Dishes
While the broccoli comes roasted right alongside the chicken, I love serving this over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up all of that sweet and spicy sauce. Occasionally, I’ll swap rice for crispy oven fries—because who doesn’t love buffalo chicken with fries? A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette rounds out the meal nicely, adding fresh crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, I’ve served this recipe family-style, presenting the chicken and broccoli on a big platter garnished with extra green onions and small bowls of blue cheese and ranch for everyone to help themselves. It’s great with celery sticks on the side for that classic buffalo vibe. I’ve also tried drizzling extra honey buffalo sauce over individual bowls with rice and veggies — it feels like a personal comfort bowl everyone enjoyed.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually pop leftover chicken and broccoli into an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors stay pretty vibrant for 3-4 days, making it a fantastic next-day lunch option. Just make sure to keep your blue cheese or ranch dressing stored separately until you’re ready to eat.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dish once or twice when meal prep called for it, and it freezes well if sealed properly. I recommend freezing the chicken and broccoli without sauce, then thawing and adding fresh honey buffalo sauce after reheating to keep the flavors bright and the textures just right.
Reheating
To reheat, I like to spread chicken and broccoli on a baking sheet and warm them in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and slightly crisped again. This method revives the texture better than microwaving. Adding some fresh sauce or a drizzle of honey buffalo sauce after reheating helps refresh the flavors too.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Frozen broccoli isn’t ideal because it can release extra moisture and become soggy when roasted. If you do use it, make sure to pat it dry thoroughly and consider reducing the baking time slightly. Fresh broccoli gives the best texture and flavor.
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Is this recipe spicy? Can I adjust the heat?
The heat level depends on the type and amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper you use. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the cayenne and choose a milder hot sauce. For more spice, add extra cayenne or a dash of crushed red pepper.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The coating step helps the sauce stick and keeps the chicken juicy, so I recommend keeping this step even if you go gluten-free.
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What can I serve instead of blue cheese or ranch dressing?
If you’re not a fan of blue cheese or ranch, a simple dollop of Greek yogurt or a cooling cucumber tzatziki makes a great substitute to balance the spicy buffalo sauce.
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay juicier and are less likely to dry out, which I love for this recipe. Just cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Sheet Pan Honey Buffalo Chicken with Broccoli Recipe is truly a game-changer for busy cooks like us who want a dinner that’s quick, flavorful, and a breeze to clean up. I keep coming back to it because it never feels boring—each bite is a fantastic mix of spicy, sweet, and savory all in one. Give it a try next time you’re craving that buffalo flavor without the hassle of frying or complicated steps. I’m confident you and your family will love it as much as mine does!
PrintSheet Pan Honey Buffalo Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sheet Pan Honey Buffalo Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful and easy one-pan meal featuring tender chicken coated in a smoky, spicy honey buffalo sauce, roasted alongside fresh broccoli. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe combines a crispy baked chicken with a tangy, buttery buffalo glaze and healthy greens, served best with a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing and green onions for added freshness.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 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
For Serving
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Season and Coat Chicken: On the prepared sheet pan, combine the cubed chicken with smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss to evenly coat. Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and toss again to coat thoroughly. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and toss once more to ensure all pieces are coated well.
- Arrange Chicken and Broccoli: Push the chicken to one side of the baking sheet. On the other side, add the broccoli florets. Drizzle the broccoli with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat the broccoli evenly.
- Bake Chicken and Broccoli: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside, and the broccoli is tender-crisp.
- Prepare Honey Buffalo Sauce: While the chicken and broccoli bake, combine the hot sauce, salted butter, seasoned salt, and cayenne pepper in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the honey to balance the heat with a touch of sweetness.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce and Finish Baking: Carefully remove the broccoli from the sheet pan and set aside. Pour the prepared buffalo sauce over the chicken on the sheet pan and toss to coat all pieces evenly in the sauce. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to bake onto the chicken and develop flavor.
- Serve: Plate the buffalo chicken and roasted broccoli. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or French fries for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can use either chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference for lean or more flavorful meat.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce in the buffalo sauce.
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing adds a cool contrast to the spicy buffalo chicken; choose based on your taste.
- Leftover chicken and broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup chicken and broccoli with sauce)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg