This Sheet Pan Honey Dijon Chicken transforms simple ingredients into a stunning dinner with minimal effort. The tangy-sweet glaze caramelizes beautifully on the chicken while the butternut squash and broccoli roast to perfection alongside it. Ready in under an hour, this balanced one-pan meal delivers protein and vegetables in every bite, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together on a single sheet pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.
Perfect Balance: The sweet-tangy honey dijon glaze complements both the juicy chicken and the caramelized vegetables for a harmonious meal.
Nutritional Powerhouse: Lean protein from the chicken pairs with fiber-rich butternut squash and nutrient-dense broccoli for a complete, satisfying meal.
Weeknight Hero: Despite its impressive flavor profile, this dish comes together quickly and easily, making it perfect for hectic evenings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken breast: The star protein that becomes incredibly tender and flavorful, especially if you take the time to brine it first.
Butternut squash: Adds natural sweetness and a velvety texture when roasted. Make sure to cut it into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Broccoli florets: Provides a perfect textural contrast with slightly crispy edges when roasted. Cut them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Olive oil: Helps everything roast beautifully and contributes to the silky texture of the sauce.
Honey: Creates that irresistible caramelization and balances the tanginess of the mustard perfectly.
Dijon mustard: The foundation of our sauce – use a coarse or stone ground variety for more texture and deeper flavor.
Balsamic vinegar: Adds depth and a subtle sweetness that ties everything together.
Garlic seasoning: Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor without the work of mincing fresh garlic.
Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps tenderize the chicken.

Variations

Make It Spicy

Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey dijon mixture for a pleasant heat that balances the sweetness.

Herb It Up

Mix in fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage to the sauce for an herbaceous twist that’s especially wonderful in fall and winter.

Vegetable Swap

Not a fan of butternut squash or broccoli? Try sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, carrots, or cauliflower instead. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Different Protein

This same approach works beautifully with chicken thighs, pork tenderloin, or even salmon fillets (though you’ll need to reduce the cooking time for fish).

How to Make Sheet Pan Honey Dijon Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If you have time, brine the chicken for 3-5 hours for maximum juiciness. When ready to cook, pat the chicken dry thoroughly and pound to an even thickness – this ensures even cooking and tender meat.

Step 2: Create the Magic Sauce

Whisk together the olive oil, honey, dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, salt, and garlic seasoning until smooth and emulsified. This versatile sauce will flavor everything in our dish!

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

Toss the butternut squash and broccoli with olive oil and a couple tablespoons of the honey dijon sauce. Make sure they’re evenly coated for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Slather the chicken generously with 2-3 tablespoons of the honey dijon sauce and season with salt. Don’t be shy – this sauce is what transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.

Step 5: Start Baking

Begin by arranging the chicken and butternut squash on the sheet pan. The squash needs more time to get tender, so it starts cooking alongside the chicken.

Step 6: Add Broccoli & Finish Cooking

After the initial cooking period, add the broccoli and brush more sauce on the chicken. Continue baking until the chicken reaches 165°F and the vegetables are caramelized and tender.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Temperature Matters: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 425°F before adding the sheet pan. A hot oven is crucial for proper caramelization.
Don’t Overcrowd: Give everything space on the pan. If necessary, use two sheet pans rather than cramming everything onto one.
Uniform Cutting: Cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate.
Check Early: Start checking the chicken temperature around the 20-minute mark, especially if your chicken pieces are on the thinner side.
Sauce Reserve: Save some of the honey dijon sauce specifically for brushing at the end for maximum flavor impact.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This sheet pan dinner is a complete meal on its own, but pairs beautifully with quinoa or wild rice if you want to add a grain component.

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme adds color and freshness. For a bit of crunch, top with toasted pumpkin seeds or slivered almonds.

Make It a Feast

For guests, serve with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, and perhaps a crusty whole grain bread to soak up any extra sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight, making this an excellent meal prep option.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, the vegetables won’t maintain their texture as well after thawing. If you plan to freeze, consider separating the chicken (which freezes beautifully) from the vegetables.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Microwave reheating works too, but may slightly alter the texture of the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually more forgiving and stay juicier during roasting. Keep in mind they may take slightly longer to cook due to higher fat content, so use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F.

I don’t have time to brine the chicken. Will the recipe still work?
Definitely! While brining creates exceptionally juicy chicken, you can skip this step and still achieve delicious results. Just be sure to marinate the chicken in the honey dijon sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking to infuse it with flavor.

My family doesn’t like butternut squash. What’s a good substitute?
Sweet potatoes make an excellent substitute with similar cooking times. You could also use regular potatoes, carrots, or parsnips – any relatively dense vegetable that roasts well.

Can I make the honey dijon sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. It may thicken when chilled, so let it come to room temperature or add a touch more olive oil to loosen it up before using.

This Sheet Pan Honey Dijon Chicken brings together the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with minimal effort. It’s one of those rare recipes that’s both simple enough for a Tuesday night dinner and impressive enough for weekend guests. The combination of juicy chicken and caramelized vegetables, all coated in that irresistible honey dijon glaze, makes for a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try tonight – your taste buds and your schedule will thank you!

Sheet Pan Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe