If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both fuss-free and packed with flavor, you’ve hit the jackpot with this Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Broccoli and Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe. Imagine juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken thighs roasting right alongside crisp-tender broccoli, all finished with a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce that brings it all together. I absolutely love how this dish saves me time without sacrificing any of the deliciousness—plus, cleanup is a breeze!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together, so you save time on prep and cleanup.
- Deep Flavor Profile: The spice rub combined with honey mustard sauce offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy.
- Customizable and Flexible: Easy to swap veggies or tweak the sauce to suit your taste buds.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this easy, wholesome meal that feels special but requires minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic here relies on simple, fresh ingredients that complement each other beautifully. I always recommend buying fresh broccoli florets and hearty chicken thighs for that combo of tender meat and crisp vegetables. The spice rub—don’t skip it!—is what really elevates this dish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These stay juicy and absorb the spices better than breasts in my experience.
- Raw broccoli florets: Fresh and bright, broccoli brings crunch and nutrition.
- Red onion: Adds sweetness and a bit of bite; thin slicing helps it roast evenly.
- Avocado or olive oil: I use avocado oil for its high smoke point, which helps with roasting.
- Brown sugar: Gives just the right touch of sweetness to balance the spice rub.
- Ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder: These spices layer flavor beautifully—don’t skimp!
- Salt and black pepper: Essentials for seasoning; fine salt works best for even coverage.
- Chipotle powder: A subtle smoky heat that wakes up the dish.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Helps prevent sticking when roasting on the sheet pan.
- Mayonnaise (or vegan mayo/Greek yogurt): Creates a creamy base for the honey mustard sauce.
- Dijon mustard: Adds tang and depth.
- Honey: Sweetness that balances mustard’s tang.
- Coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce: Brings a lovely umami element to the sauce.
- Dried thyme and garlic powder: Subtle herbal and savory accents in the sauce.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Broccoli and Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe is how easy it is to switch things up. Whether you want to add a little extra heat, swap veggies, or tailor it to your diet, the recipe is flexible.
- Vegetable Swaps: I’ve swapped broccoli for asparagus or Brussels sprouts and loved how well they roast alongside the chicken.
- Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, simply reduce or omit the chipotle powder; for a kick, add a pinch of cayenne.
- Dairy-Free Sauce: Using vegan mayo keeps the honey mustard sauce creamy without eggs, perfect if you have sensitivities.
- Make it Paleo: Skip the mayo and use avocado oil-based dressing or blend avocado with mustard and honey for a rich sauce.
How to Make Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Broccoli and Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven with the Baking Sheet Inside
This is a trick I discovered that seriously improves roasting—place your rimmed baking sheet in the oven as it preheats to 450°F. That way, when you add the chicken and veggies, the hot pan sizzles everything right away, giving you better browning and more even cooking. Just be careful grabbing that hot pan with oven mitts!
Step 2: Toss the Broccoli and Onion
While the oven heats, toss your broccoli florets and sliced red onion in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of oil, salt, and pepper. This light coating helps them roast beautifully without drying out. Set aside and let those flavors sit while you prep the chicken.
Step 3: Mix and Apply the Spice Rub
Whisk together brown sugar, cumin, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and chipotle powder. Then rub your chicken thighs with the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil before sprinkling the rub evenly all over. Don’t rush this step—massaging the rub in makes a real difference!
Step 4: Roast Chicken and Veggies Together
Carefully remove the preheated baking sheet from the oven and spray it with nonstick spray. Spread the broccoli and onion evenly, leaving room for the chicken thighs nestled in among the veggies. Pop the pan back into the oven and roast for 15 minutes. After that, give the vegetables a quick stir, then roast for about 5 more minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F and the veggies are tender-crisp with a bit of char.
Step 5: Whip up the Honey Mustard Sauce
While the chicken roasts, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, coconut aminos, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This sauce is so simple yet elevates every bite with its richness and tang. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Plate the juicy chicken thighs with roasted broccoli and onion, and drizzle generously with that honey mustard sauce. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Pro Tips for Making Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Broccoli and Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe
- Preheat Your Sheet Pan: Starting with a hot pan gives you that wonderful sear and keeps the chicken from sticking.
- Don’t Skip the Rub: The spice blend transforms the chicken and makes each bite flavorful and interesting.
- Check Internal Temperature: For perfectly juicy chicken, use an instant-read thermometer to hit 165°F and avoid overcooking.
- Toss Veggies Midway: Stir the broccoli and onion halfway through to ensure even roasting and prevent burning.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Broccoli and Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I like to finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, a few lemon wedges on the side help brighten the plate with a quick squeeze of juice. These little touches make a big difference in presentation and flavor balance.
Side Dishes
Since this recipe is already packed with protein and veggies, I often serve it with a simple side of quinoa, rice, or even some crusty bread to soak up the honey mustard sauce. For a heartier meal, roasted sweet potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes complement everything wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I like to arrange the chicken thighs on a big platter surrounded by the broccoli and onion, drizzling the honey mustard sauce over everything right before serving. Pair it with a fresh green salad and some wine, and you’ve got an effortless but impressive meal that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, keeping the honey mustard sauce separate to avoid sogginess. The chicken and veggies stay flavorful for up to 4 days, making for a perfect next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, too. After cooling completely, I portion the chicken and vegetables into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer popping leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to maintain crispness—microwaving can sometimes make the broccoli mushy. Add the honey mustard sauce after reheating for the freshest flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
You can swap boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but keep in mind that they tend to cook faster and can dry out more easily. Reduce the roasting time and watch closely to avoid overcooking.
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What if I don’t have chipotle powder?
If you don’t have chipotle powder, you can substitute smoked paprika for a milder smoky flavor or omit it altogether—the dish will still taste great!
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos in the sauce. Just double-check your mustard and mayo labels to be sure.
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Can I make the honey mustard sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be prepared up to 4 days in advance and stored in the fridge—just give it a quick stir before serving.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Broccoli and Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe has become one of my go-to dinners because it’s quick, satisfying, and downright delicious. Whether you’re cooking for busy weeknights or want something impressive but low-effort, this recipe delivers every time. I encourage you to give it a try—you might find yourself making it on repeat, just like I do!
PrintSheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Broccoli and Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A simple and flavorful sheet pan dinner featuring juicy boneless, skinless chicken thighs roasted alongside tender broccoli florets and red onion, all seasoned with a smoky-spiced rub and served with a tangy honey mustard sauce. This one-pan meal is quick to prepare, uses minimal cleanup, and packs plenty of vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1 1/4 lbs), patted dry
- 1 (12-ounce) bag raw broccoli florets (6–7 cups)
- ½ medium red onion, sliced (1 cup)
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon avocado oil or olive oil, divided
- Nonstick cooking spray
Seasoning Rub
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon chipotle powder
Honey Mustard Sauce
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise (for egg-free use vegan mayo or plain Greek yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons coconut aminos (or 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce)
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of fine salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Baking Sheet: Place a large rimmed baking sheet in the oven and preheat the oven to 450℉ with the pan inside. This step ensures even cooking by heating the pan before adding the ingredients.
- Prepare Vegetables: While the oven preheats, place broccoli florets and sliced red onion in a medium bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then toss to evenly coat. Set aside.
- Make the Seasoning Rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and chipotle powder. Mix well to create a flavorful spice blend.
- Season Chicken: Rub the chicken thighs with the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil. Generously sprinkle the seasoning rub all over the chicken thighs, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor.
- Arrange Ingredients on Hot Baking Sheet: When the oven and baking sheet are preheated, carefully remove the sheet pan using an oven mitt. Spray the baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Spread the seasoned broccoli and onions in an even layer on the sheet pan, leaving spaces for the chicken thighs. Nestle the chicken thighs among the vegetables.
- Bake Chicken and Vegetables: Return the sheet pan to the oven and bake for 15 minutes. After this time, stir the vegetables to promote even cooking. Continue baking for about 5 more minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165℉ and the vegetables are tender.
- Prepare Honey Mustard Sauce: While the chicken roasts, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, coconut aminos, dried thyme, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Stir well and taste. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
- Serve: Serve the baked chicken thighs and roasted vegetables with the honey mustard sauce on the side. Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Preheating the baking sheet ensures the chicken and vegetables cook evenly with a nice sear.
- You can substitute avocado oil with olive oil or another high-heat oil if preferred.
- For a dairy- and egg-free version, use vegan mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt in the sauce.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure doneness (165℉).
- Leftover sauce should be refrigerated and consumed within 4 days for best freshness.
- Feel free to swap broccoli for other sturdy vegetables like cauliflower or Brussels sprouts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 chicken thigh with vegetables and sauce)
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg