If you’re searching for a savory, slightly sweet, and perfectly glazed chicken recipe, look no further than this Honey-Soy Glazed Chicken. This dish delivers a mouthwatering balance of umami, sweetness, and spice, making it a family favorite for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this tender, juicy chicken will impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor – The combination of soy sauce, honey, and spices creates an irresistible glaze.
- Easy to Make – With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this dish is beginner-friendly.
- Perfectly Glazed – The two-step baking process ensures a caramelized, sticky coating on the chicken.
- Versatile Pairing – Serve it with rice, vegetables, or noodles for a complete meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To prepare this delicious Honey-Soy Glazed Chicken, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon red chili paste (such as Sambal Oelek)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds and sliced scallions, for garnish (optional)
Each ingredient plays a key role in enhancing the flavors of this dish. The honey and brown sugar contribute a natural sweetness, while the soy sauce and rice vinegar balance it out with savory and tangy elements. The ginger, garlic, and chili paste provide the perfect kick of heat and depth of flavor.
Step-by-Step Directions
Follow these steps to prepare the best Honey-Soy Glazed Chicken with a perfectly sticky glaze.
1. Marinate the Chicken
A good marinade is the key to a flavorful and tender chicken. Here’s how you do it:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger paste, garlic paste, red chili paste, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight for best results). This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, making it extra juicy.
2. Prepare for Baking
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Reserve the marinade for later use.
3. First Bake
- Arrange the chicken skin-side up on the wire rack.
- Bake for 30 minutes, allowing the fat to render and the skin to start crisping up.
4. Prepare the Glaze
- While the chicken bakes, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan.
- Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low and let it thicken slightly into a flavorful glaze.
5. Second Bake with Glaze
- Remove the chicken from the oven and generously brush it with the warm glaze.
- Flip the chicken over and brush the other side.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 30 minutes, ensuring the glaze caramelizes beautifully.
- For an extra glossy finish, brush more glaze and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the golden, sticky chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced scallions for a restaurant-quality presentation.
- Serve warm with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or stir-fried noodles.
Tips for the Best Honey-Soy Glazed Chicken
- Marinate Longer – The longer the chicken marinates, the deeper the flavors will penetrate.
- Use a Wire Rack – This ensures the heat circulates evenly, making the skin crispy.
- Don’t Skip the Glazing – Reapplying the glaze during baking helps achieve a rich, sticky coating.
- Adjust Spice Level – If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the red chili paste.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness – For an added charred effect, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken instead?
Yes! However, bone-in, skin-on thighs provide the best flavor and juiciness. If using boneless chicken, reduce the cooking time to prevent drying out.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover glazed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop to preserve its texture.
3. Can I grill instead of bake?
Absolutely! Grill over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, basting with the glaze for extra flavor.
4. What sides pair well with Honey-Soy Glazed Chicken?
This dish goes well with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, garlic noodles, or a fresh Asian-inspired salad.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
6. Can I make the glaze thicker?
Yes! Simmer the sauce longer until it reaches your desired consistency or mix in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 teaspoon water).
Conclusion
This Honey-Soy Glazed Chicken is an irresistibly delicious dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. With a sticky, caramelized glaze and juicy meat, it’s bound to become a go-to meal in your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. So, grab your ingredients, fire up your oven, and enjoy this restaurant-quality dish right at home!