Baked Honey Garlic Chicken

I remember the first time I made this baked honey garlic chicken because it was a hectic Tuesday evening and I needed something comforting yet easy to prepare so I grabbed some chicken thighs from the fridge and instinctively reached for my favorite combo of garlic and honey. That evening turned into a little celebration because the sticky glaze coated the chicken perfectly and my kitchen smelled like a dream and my family couldn’t stop raving about it.

Since that day, baked honey garlic chicken has become one of my go-to dishes when I want something both flavorful and effortless and it’s one of those meals that makes everyone feel taken care of. Whether I’m cooking for guests or just a quiet dinner at home, this dish always delivers that beautiful balance of sweet and savory that never fails to impress.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Chicken thighs – Juicy and full of flavor, they’re the perfect cut for baking.
• Honey – Provides a natural sweetness and helps create that gorgeous glaze.
• Garlic – Adds a deep, savory aroma that balances the honey beautifully.
• Soy sauce – Brings a salty, umami kick to deepen the flavor.
• Olive oil – Helps carry the flavors and promotes browning.
• Apple cider vinegar – Adds a bit of tang that brightens the sauce.
• Black pepper – Just enough to give it a gentle kick.
• Fresh parsley – For a burst of color and freshness on top.

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking dish – Essential for cooking the chicken evenly in the oven.
• Mixing bowl – To stir together the glaze ingredients.
• Whisk – Helps blend the honey, soy sauce, and garlic smoothly.
• Measuring spoons – For accuracy when mixing up your glaze.
• Basting brush (optional) – To add extra glaze over the chicken mid-bake.
• Oven mitts – For safely removing the hot baking dish from the oven.

Instructions

Step 1:

I begin by preheating my oven to 375°F so it’s ready when I am.

Step 2:

While the oven is heating, I whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.

Step 3:

Next, I arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in a baking dish and I pour the glaze evenly over them making sure each piece is nicely coated.

Step 4:

I place the dish in the oven and let it bake uncovered for about 35-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is nicely caramelized.

Step 5:

Halfway through baking, I like to spoon some of the glaze from the bottom of the pan back over the chicken to help intensify the flavor and add extra shine.

Step 6:

Once it’s done, I take the dish out of the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped fresh parsley.

Tips

If I’m in the mood for extra flavor, I sometimes add a sprinkle of red chili flakes to the glaze for a spicy-sweet finish. And if you prefer a thicker glaze, you can simmer the sauce on the stovetop for a few minutes before pouring it over the chicken. I also recommend lining the baking dish with foil for easier cleanup!

Ways to Serve

I love serving this baked honey garlic chicken over steamed jasmine rice or fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce. It’s also great with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a lighter meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts for this baked honey garlic chicken?

Yes, you can but be mindful that breasts cook faster than thighs so you’ll want to reduce the cooking time and check for doneness early.

Is it okay to make baked honey garlic chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the chicken and sauce the night before and bake it the next day or reheat leftovers gently in the oven.

Can I freeze baked honey garlic chicken?

Yes, just cool it completely before storing it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months then thaw in the fridge before reheating.

See You in the Kitchen

I really hope you give this baked honey garlic chicken a try because it’s one of those recipes that’s simple yet always delivers big flavor. I’d love to know how it turns out for you so leave a comment or share your version with me. And if this becomes a favorite in your kitchen like it has in mine, don’t forget to save it!

Happy Cooking!

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