Chef Mitchell preparing Honey Glazed Chicken
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this Honey Glazed Chicken recipe while experimenting with different flavor combinations in my kitchen. The mix of honey and soy sauce created a delicious harmony that my family loved. Over the years, I've perfected it, ensuring the chicken is juicy and the glaze is perfectly balanced. It's now a cherished recipe that I share with friends and family."

With over a decade of experience in American cuisine, I specialize in creating easy, delicious dinner recipes. My love for cooking stems from my childhood, where family meals brought us together. I focus on using fresh, quality ingredients to make dishes that everyone can enjoy.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Honey Glazed Chicken served on a plate

Why This Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe Works

This Honey Glazed Chicken recipe is special due to its rich blend of flavors that complements the natural taste of chicken. The simplicity of the ingredients means you can whip it up any night of the week while still impressing your guests. The marinade not only infuses the meat but also caramelizes beautifully during cooking, giving it a gorgeous golden hue.

The technique of marinating the chicken allows for deep flavor penetration, while the baking method ensures the outside becomes crispy without drying out the meat. The result is a dish that's both visually stunning and deliciously satisfying.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, always allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have more time, letting it sit overnight in the refrigerator will yield even more flavor. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking to achieve optimal crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions when you are ready to bake it. The flavors will intensify the longer the chicken marinates, making it even tastier.

If you're looking for a substitute for honey, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar. Both alternatives will give a similar sweetness to the glaze. If you prefer a less sweet version, consider using a combination of brown sugar and water to achieve the desired consistency and flavor.

The best way to check if Honey Glazed Chicken is done is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Additionally, the juices should run clear, and the chicken should no longer be pink inside.

Yes, you can freeze Honey Glazed Chicken. Allow it to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in the oven until heated through.

Honey Glazed Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh garden salad. For a comforting meal, mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes are excellent options as well.

Honey Glazed Chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Reheat thoroughly before serving again.

Absolutely! You can prep the chicken and marinade a day in advance. Just ensure it's stored properly in the fridge. When you're ready to cook, simply bake it according to the instructions. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights.

The best way to reheat Honey Glazed Chicken is by placing it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the chicken's crispy texture. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overcook.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If the chicken turns out dry, it could be due to overcooking.

Solution: Always check the internal temperature and remove the chicken from the oven as soon as it reaches 165°F (74°C). Consider marinating for longer to add moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: The skin may not become crispy if there is too much marinade left on it.

Solution: Ensure to shake off excess marinade before baking and bake on a wire rack to allow airflow around the chicken.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooking can occur if the oven temperature is too high or if the cooking time is extended.

Prevention: Use a meat thermometer for accurate cooking times and keep an eye on the chicken during the last few minutes of baking.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center of the chicken is undercooked, it can pose a food safety risk.

Recovery: Ensure the chicken pieces are of even size for even cooking. You can slice into a piece to check for any pinkness.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: The chicken may burn if it's exposed to direct high heat for too long.

Prevention: Cover the chicken with foil during the last few minutes if it's browning too quickly, or reduce the oven temperature slightly.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the dish is too sweet, consider adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to balance it out.

Too Salty: To fix a dish that is too salty, serve it with a side of unsalted rice or bread to absorb some of the excess salt.

Bland: If the flavor is bland, enhance it with additional seasoning or a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving.

Fresh ingredients for Honey Glazed Chicken

Essential Ingredients for Honey Glazed Chicken

The key ingredients for Honey Glazed Chicken include chicken, honey, and soy sauce. These components work together to create the dish's signature sweet and savory flavor. Fresh garlic and ginger add aromatic notes that elevate the overall taste.

Quality ingredients are essential for the best flavor, so opt for fresh chicken and pure honey. Avoid using processed sauces to ensure a rich and natural taste in your dish.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for the juiciest results. The skin will help retain moisture during cooking and adds crispiness when baked.
  • Honey: Choose high-quality, pure honey for the best flavor. Raw honey will provide a more complex taste compared to processed honey.
  • Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish without sacrificing flavor. This allows for better flavor balance in the final glaze.
Cooking process for Honey Glazed Chicken

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Cooking Honey Glazed Chicken is straightforward with a few simple steps. Start by marinating the chicken to allow the flavors to blend. Once ready, bake the chicken until it's fully cooked and glazed to perfection.

To achieve perfect results, keep an eye on the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking. This is when the glaze can easily burn, so adjusting the cooking time is essential.

Key Technique for Perfect Honey Glazed Chicken

The most important technique for Honey Glazed Chicken is the marinating process. This allows the chicken to soak up all the flavors from the honey and soy sauce, resulting in a moist and flavorful dish. Ensuring that you don't skip this step is crucial for a delicious outcome.

Honey Glazed Chicken

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup honey
    For the glaze
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
    Low-sodium recommended
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
    For marinating
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    Adds flavor
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
    For warmth
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
    To balance sweetness

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken
    Cut into pieces
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
    For seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
    For a kick
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
    To thicken sauce
  • 1 tbsp water
    To mix with cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
    For garnish
  • Salt to taste
    For seasoning

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    Gather all the ingredients and cut the chicken into pieces.

  2. Make the Marinade

    In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, ginger, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

  3. Marinate the Chicken

    Place the chicken pieces in a large zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

  4. Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  5. Bake the Chicken

    Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until cooked through.

  6. Prepare the Glaze

    While the chicken is baking, pour the remaining marinade into a saucepan. Add apple cider vinegar and bring to a boil.

  7. Thicken the Sauce

    Mix cornstarch with water and add it to the boiling sauce. Stir until thickened.

  8. Glaze the Chicken

    Once the chicken is done, brush it with the thickened glaze and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.

  9. Serve

    Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

For proper storage, make sure the Honey Glazed Chicken has cooled completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for longer storage. Always reheat thoroughly before enjoying leftovers.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Honey Glazed Chicken with a side of fluffy rice or steamed vegetables to complement the sweet glaze. A crisp salad can also provide a refreshing contrast to the dish's richness.

Recipe Variations

You can customize Honey Glazed Chicken by adding different spices or herbs to the marinade. Consider incorporating citrus zest for a fresh twist or swapping out the chicken for salmon or tofu for a different protein option.