If you’re looking for a quick, wholesome dinner that’s packed with flavor, this Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini Skillet is the perfect choice. Tender chicken thighs, fresh zucchini, and a sweet-savory honey garlic sauce come together in one pan for an easy weeknight meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick one-pan dinner with minimal cleanup
• Sweet, savory, and garlicky flavor everyone loves
• Juicy chicken with perfectly tender zucchini
• Great for busy weeknights
• Naturally dairy-free
• Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables
• Perfect for meal prep

Ingredients

For the Sauce

• 1/4 cup honey (or hot honey)
• 3 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

For the Skillet

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil, divided
• 1 pound zucchini (about 3 medium), quartered lengthwise and sliced
• 2 medium scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, water, soy sauce, vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth.
2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and cut into 1-inch pieces. Season with half of the kosher salt.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until browned. Transfer to a bowl.
5. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet.
6. Add the zucchini and season with the remaining salt. Cook undisturbed for 1 minute, then stir and cook another minute.
7. Stir in the garlic and the white parts of the scallions. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
8. Return the chicken and any juices to the skillet.
9. Stir the sauce once more and pour it into the skillet.
10. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked, about 1–2 minutes.
11. Garnish with the sliced scallion greens and serve immediately.

This Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini Skillet is delicious served over steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.

Tips & Tricks

• Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces for even cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet to achieve a golden brown crust.
• Fresh garlic provides the best flavor.
• Hot honey adds a subtle spicy kick.
• Tamari makes this recipe gluten-free.
• Add broccoli, mushrooms, snap peas, or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
• Finish with sesame seeds for added texture.

Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dietary Notes: Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, and Gluten-Free when made with tamari instead of soy sauce.

Notes

• Chicken breast can replace chicken thighs.
• Yellow squash works well instead of zucchini.
• Serve with jasmine rice, brown rice, quinoa, or noodles.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 365
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 14g

FAQ

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes. Chicken breast cooks slightly faster but works perfectly.

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely. It’s excellent for meal prep and reheats well.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, when using tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

Can I freeze it?

Yes. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

What should I serve with Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini Skillet?

Rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, noodles, or cauliflower rice all pair beautifully.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through.

Similar Recipes

• Peach Salsa Chicken
• Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken

Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini Skillet

Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini Skillet is a quick one-pan dinner featuring juicy chicken thighs, tender zucchini, and a sweet savory garlic sauce.

Ready in just 30 minutes.

Perfect for busy weeknight meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Ingredients

  

For the Sauce

• 1/4 cup honey or hot honey
• 3 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

For the Skillet

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil divided
• 1 pound zucchini about 3 medium, quartered lengthwise and sliced
• 2 medium scallions thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
• 4 cloves garlic minced

Instructions

 

• In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, water, soy sauce, vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth.
• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and cut into 1-inch pieces. Season with half of the kosher salt.
• Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until browned. Transfer to a bowl.
• Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet.
• Add the zucchini and season with the remaining salt. Cook undisturbed for 1 minute, then stir and cook another minute.
• Stir in the garlic and the white parts of the scallions. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Return the chicken and any juices to the skillet.
• Stir the sauce once more and pour it into the skillet.
• Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked, about 1–2 minutes.
• Garnish with the sliced scallion greens and serve immediately.
• This Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini Skillet is delicious served over steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.

Notes

• Chicken breast can replace chicken thighs.
• Yellow squash works well instead of zucchini.
• Serve with jasmine rice, brown rice, quinoa, or noodles.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Conclusion

This Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini Skillet is a simple, satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy evenings. With juicy chicken, tender zucchini, and a glossy honey garlic sauce, it’s a family-friendly recipe you’ll want to make again and again.