Baked Honey Soy Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Baked Honey Soy Chicken combines the sweetness of honey with the umami of soy sauce, creating a savory-sweet glaze that coats the chicken perfectly. This dish is a wonderful balance of flavors, offering a juicy, tender chicken with a delicious caramelized glaze. The best part is that it’s incredibly simple to prepare yet impressively flavorful.

Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s easy to make or a dish that can wow guests at a dinner party, this Baked Honey Soy Chicken recipe is sure to deliver. With only a few ingredients and minimal preparation, you can enjoy a flavorful and tender chicken dish that’s baked to perfection. This guide will take you through the process step-by-step, provide tips for success, and offer some variations to customize the dish to your taste.

Why You’ll Love Baked Honey Soy Chicken

• Sweet and Savory Flavor: The perfect combination of honey and soy sauce creates a deliciously sweet and salty glaze that gives the chicken a rich flavor that everyone will love.
• Simple and Easy to Prepare: With only a handful of ingredients, you can make this dish without much effort, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced home cooks.
• Juicy and Tender Chicken: The marinade helps to tenderize the chicken, keeping it juicy while the glaze caramelizes as it bakes, providing a beautiful golden-brown finish.
• Versatile Dish: Whether you’re serving it with rice, vegetables, or a salad, this dish pairs well with many side options, making it perfect for any occasion.
• Healthy Option: Baked rather than fried, this dish allows you to enjoy flavorful chicken without extra fat, making it a healthier choice for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 250-300 calories per serving, depending on portion sizes and chicken cuts.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Fat: 8-12g
• Carbohydrates: 17-22g
• Protein: 28-32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 14-18g

Ingredients

For the Baked Honey Soy Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or chicken breasts if preferred)
• ¼ cup soy sauce (preferably low-sodium)
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Optional garnish: sesame seeds and chopped green onions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, olive oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, black pepper, and salt. Whisk everything together until the honey has dissolved and the mixture is well combined. This will be the flavorful marinade that not only seasons the chicken but also creates the delicious glaze as it bakes.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs (or breasts) into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. If you have the time, marinate the chicken for several hours or overnight for even deeper flavor. The longer it marinates, the more intense the flavor will be.

3. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

While the chicken marinates, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. If you have a wire rack, place it on top of the baking sheet. This allows the heat to circulate around the chicken, helping it cook more evenly and get a crispy skin.

4. Bake the Chicken

Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Arrange the chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack, skin-side up. Be sure to space them apart so that they have room to cook evenly.

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown. You can baste the chicken once or twice during baking with the leftover marinade to enhance the glaze, but be sure to discard any marinade that has touched raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination.

5. Caramelize the Glaze (Optional)

For an extra caramelized effect, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) during the last 5-10 minutes of baking. This will help the glaze thicken and bubble, creating a deliciously sticky coating on the chicken. Keep a close eye on the chicken during this time to ensure it doesn’t burn.

6. Rest and Serve

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender chicken.

7. Garnish and Enjoy

Before serving, garnish the chicken with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions for added flavor and texture. Serve the chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Tips for Perfect Baked Honey Soy Chicken

• Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts are ideal for this recipe because the skin helps to retain moisture during baking, ensuring juicy, flavorful chicken. The skin also crisps up nicely, adding extra texture to the dish.
• Don’t Skip Marinating: The longer you marinate the chicken, the better the flavor will be. Try to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, marinate the chicken for 2-4 hours or even overnight.
• Check the Internal Temperature: To ensure that your chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).
• Baste for Extra Glaze: If you want an extra layer of flavor, baste the chicken with the marinade a couple of times while it bakes. Just be sure to discard any leftover marinade that has touched raw chicken.
• Crisp the Skin: For crispy skin, make sure the chicken is cooked skin-side up. If you prefer even crispier skin, broil the chicken for the last 1-2 minutes of baking, but watch carefully to prevent burning.

Variations of Baked Honey Soy Chicken

• Garlic-Honey Soy Chicken: For an extra garlicky kick, increase the amount of garlic to 3-4 cloves or add a tablespoon of garlic powder to the marinade.
• Spicy Honey Soy Chicken: If you like a bit of heat, add 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of sriracha sauce to the marinade. This will add a delightful spicy contrast to the sweet and savory glaze.
• Lemon Honey Soy Chicken: For a citrusy twist, add the juice of one lemon to the marinade. The acidity of the lemon will balance the sweetness of the honey and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Herb-Infused Honey Soy Chicken: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or cilantro to the marinade for a fragrant, herbaceous flavor that complements the honey and soy glaze.
• Honey Soy Chicken with Pineapple: Add 1 cup of fresh pineapple chunks or pineapple juice to the marinade for a tropical, sweet-and-sour variation that pairs beautifully with the savory soy sauce.

Storage and Shelf Life

Baked Honey Soy Chicken is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the skin may lose some of its crispness.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken. To freeze, place the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer the chicken to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen chicken can last for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Baked Honey Soy Chicken

Pair this flavorful chicken with side dishes that complement its sweet and savory profile:

• Steamed Rice: A classic pairing with baked chicken, steamed white or brown rice absorbs the delicious glaze, creating the perfect bite.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers make for a healthy and colorful side dish that balances the richness of the chicken.
• Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw can add a refreshing contrast to the tender, juicy chicken.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are another great option to serve with this chicken, as they soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Asian-Inspired Sides: Serve the chicken with dishes like sautéed bok choy, stir-fried noodles, or pickled vegetables for a complete Asian-inspired meal.

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Conclusion

Baked Honey Soy Chicken offers a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, with juicy, tender chicken and a rich caramelized glaze. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. With simple ingredients, easy instructions, and customizable variations, you can enjoy this delicious dish time and time again. Enjoy the sticky, flavorful goodness of this baked chicken—it’s sure to be a hit every time!