Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Carrots & Broccoli: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner Recipe

If you’re searching for a quick, flavorful, and healthy weeknight dinner that will leave everyone licking their plates clean, look no further than this Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Carrots & Broccoli recipe. This dish combines succulent, protein-rich chicken thighs with vibrant, nutrient-packed vegetables, all coated in a sweet, spicy, and savory honey-garlic sauce. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Keep reading for the full recipe, expert tips, and nutritional benefits that make this dish a must-try!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Carrots & Broccoli recipe is a crowd-pleaser for so many reasons:

1. Flavor Explosion: The honey-garlic marinade is the star of the show, infusing the chicken with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.
2. One-Pan Convenience: Everything roasts together on a single sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze.
3. Nutrient-Packed: From protein-rich chicken thighs to fiber-filled carrots and cancer-fighting broccoli, this dish is as healthy as it is tasty.
4. Versatile: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your dietary preferences or what’s in your pantry.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Carrots & Broccoli recipe:

• ⅓ cup honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a caramelized glaze.
• 1½ tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce or tamari: Provides umami depth and saltiness.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor.
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a touch of acidity.
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper: Adds a subtle kick of heat.
• 8 (5-ounce) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, perfect for roasting.
• 1 pound small carrots, sliced into ½-inch pieces: Sweet and tender when roasted.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Helps the vegetables roast evenly.
• 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 pound): Adds a pop of color and nutrients.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors.
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper: Adds a hint of spice.
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Thickens the honey-garlic sauce.
• 1 teaspoon water: Combines with cornstarch to create a slurry.

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Step-by-Step Directions

Follow these simple steps to create this mouthwatering dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Honey-Garlic Marinade

1. In a small bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup honey, 1½ tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari), 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 tablespoon cider vinegar, and ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper.
2. Place 8 chicken thighs and half of the honey mixture (about ¼ cup) in a zip-top plastic bag. Remove excess air, seal the bag, and massage the chicken until well coated.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor). Reserve the remaining honey mixture for later.

Step 2: Roast the Chicken and Vegetables

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and coat it with cooking spray.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the used marinade) and arrange it on one side of the prepared pan.
3. In a medium bowl, toss 1 pound of sliced carrots with 1 tablespoon olive oil until well coated. Spread the carrots in an even layer on the other side of the pan.
4. Roast the chicken and carrots for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Broccoli

1. In the same bowl, toss 4 cups of broccoli florets with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.
2. After the initial 15 minutes of roasting, remove the pan from the oven and stir the carrots.
3. Distribute the broccoli evenly over the chicken and carrots. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper over everything.
4. Return the pan to the oven and roast until the vegetables are tender and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers 165°F (about 15 to 18 minutes).

Step 4: Make the Honey-Garlic Sauce

1. While the chicken and vegetables roast, whisk 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 teaspoon water in a small bowl until smooth.
2. Combine the cornstarch mixture with the reserved honey mixture in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, whisking occasionally.
3. Simmer until the sauce is clear and thickened (about 2 minutes).

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Divide the chicken and vegetables among plates.
2. Drizzle the thickened honey-garlic sauce over the top.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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Expert Tips for Success

Here are some key tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen to ensure your Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Carrots & Broccoli turn out perfectly every time:

1. Marinate for Maximum Flavor: While 30 minutes is enough to infuse the chicken with flavor, marinating for up to 2 hours will make it even more delicious.
2. Prevent Sticking: Lining the baking sheet with foil and coating it with cooking spray ensures the chicken thighs won’t stick.
3. Timing is Key: Add the broccoli after the chicken and carrots have roasted for 15 minutes to ensure everything cooks evenly.
4. Check the Temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh (avoid touching the bone for an accurate reading).

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The Magic of Honey-Garlic Sauce

The honey-garlic sauce in this Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Carrots & Broccoli recipe is the secret ingredient that ties everything together. It’s a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that elevates the dish from ordinary to extraordinary. The sauce starts with ⅓ cup of honey, which provides a natural sweetness and helps create a beautiful caramelized glaze on the chicken and vegetables. Honey isn’t just a sweetener—it’s also packed with anti-inflammatory antioxidants and antibacterial compounds that can support your immune system.

Next, 1½ tablespoons of reduced-sodium soy sauce or tamari adds a rich umami depth to the sauce. Soy sauce is made from fermented soybeans, which means it also contributes probiotics to support gut health. For those who are gluten-free, tamari is an excellent alternative. Four cloves of minced garlic infuse the sauce with its signature aromatic flavor. Garlic is a powerhouse ingredient, known for its ability to lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.

To balance the sweetness, 1 tablespoon of cider vinegar adds a tangy kick. Apple cider vinegar is associated with numerous health benefits, including improved heart health, better digestion, and stabilized blood sugar levels. Finally, ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper introduces a subtle heat that keeps your taste buds intrigued. Spicy foods like this have been linked to improved heart health and metabolism.

When combined, these ingredients create a sauce that’s not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. The sauce is used twice in this recipe—first as a marinade to infuse the chicken with flavor, and then as a finishing glaze to drizzle over the roasted chicken and vegetables. This double dose of honey-garlic goodness ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.

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 Why Chicken Thighs Are the Star

When it comes to this Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Carrots & Broccoli recipe, chicken thighs are the unsung heroes. Unlike chicken breasts, which can easily dry out if overcooked, chicken thighs are naturally juicy and flavorful, thanks to their higher fat content. This makes them incredibly forgiving, even for novice cooks.

Chicken thighs are also a nutritional powerhouse. They’re an excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function. Each 5-ounce thigh provides about 30 grams of protein, making this dish a satisfying and filling meal. Additionally, chicken thighs are rich in vitamin B12, which supports a healthy nervous system, and zinc, which boosts immune function.

Another advantage of using chicken thighs is their versatility. In this recipe, the bone-in, skin-on thighs are used to maximize flavor and moisture. The skin crisps up beautifully in the oven, adding a delightful texture contrast to the tender meat and vegetables. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use boneless, skinless thighs or even chicken breasts, though you may need to adjust the cooking time to prevent drying out.

The honey-garlic marinade works particularly well with chicken thighs because it penetrates the meat, infusing it with flavor while keeping it moist during roasting. The result is succulent, flavorful chicken that pairs perfectly with the caramelized carrots and tender broccoli. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, chicken thighs are a reliable and delicious choice.

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The Nutritional Power of Carrots and Broccoli

This Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Carrots & Broccoli recipe isn’t just about the chicken—the vegetables play a starring role too. Both carrots and broccoli are nutrient-dense ingredients that add color, texture, and a host of health benefits to the dish.

Carrots are well-known for their high vitamin A content, which is essential for eye health and vision. Just one cup of carrots provides more than 400% of your daily vitamin A needs! Carrots are also rich in fiber, which supports digestive health by feeding the beneficial bacteria in your gut. When roasted, carrots become tender and slightly caramelized, enhancing their natural sweetness and making them a perfect complement to the savory chicken and honey-garlic sauce.

Broccoli, on the other hand, is a cruciferous vegetable that’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s an excellent source of vitamin C, which supports immune function, and vitamin K, which is important for bone health. Broccoli also contains compounds like sulforaphane, which have been linked to a reduced risk of cancer. When roasted, broccoli develops a slightly crispy texture and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the other components of this dish.

Nutritional Benefits

This Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Carrots & Broccoli recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients:

• Chicken Thighs: A great source of protein for muscle repair and growth, plus vitamin B12 for a healthy nervous system and zinc for immune support.
• Carrots: Rich in vitamin A for eye health and fiber for gut health.
• Broccoli: A cruciferous vegetable linked to reduced cancer risk, improved heart health, and stronger bones.
• Honey-Garlic Sauce: Contains garlic (lowers blood pressure and cholesterol), honey (anti-inflammatory and antibacterial), and apple cider vinegar (supports heart and gut health).

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Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? No problem! Here are some easy swaps:

• Chicken Thighs: Use boneless, skinless thighs or chicken breasts if preferred. Adjust cooking time as needed.
• Soy Sauce: Substitute with coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
• Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as alternatives.
• Vegetables: Swap carrots and broccoli for sweet potatoes, cauliflower, or green beans.

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Final Thoughts

This Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Carrots & Broccoli recipe is the perfect combination of flavor, convenience, and nutrition. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!