Glazed Honey Soy Baked Chicken Recipe

If you are looking for a dish that combines simplicity with bold, irresistible flavors, the Glazed Honey Soy Baked Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe brings together tender, juicy chicken baked to perfection, smothered in a shiny glaze that balances sweet honey and savory soy sauce. It’s an easy weeknight winner that will have everyone asking for seconds, and it manages to come together in under 30 minutes without sacrificing any of the rich taste or satisfying texture you want in a main course.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the perfect balance of sweet and savory in this recipe starts with just a handful of ingredients, each serving a special role to ensure your chicken bakes up moist and flavorful with a beautiful glaze.

• Chicken breasts or thighs (2 lbs, boneless, skinless): Choose evenly sized pieces for uniform cooking and juicy results.
• Soy sauce (¼ cup, low sodium): Provides a savory umami kick without overpowering the honey’s sweetness.
• Honey (3 tablespoons): The star of the glaze, adding natural sweetness and a gorgeous sticky finish.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the glaze with subtle warmth and depth of flavor.
• Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Adds a tangy and slightly sweet undertone, enriching the glaze’s texture.
• Olive oil (½ tablespoon): Helps keep the chicken moist and aids in browning during baking.
• Green onion stalks (2, chopped, optional): For a fresh, crisp garnish that adds a pop of color and mild onion flavor.
• Sesame seeds (1 tablespoon, optional): Give a nutty crunch and visual appeal when sprinkled on top after baking.

How to Make Glazed Honey Soy Baked Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Chicken

Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly oil the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking, then place your evenly sized chicken breasts or thighs in a single layer. Uniform pieces ensure even cooking and maximum juiciness.

Step 2: Mix the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and ketchup. This simple glaze is where all the magic happens — the sweet and savory notes meld perfectly to create a sticky, flavorful coating.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Pour the glaze evenly over the chicken pieces, making sure each one is well coated. This guarantees every bite is bursting with flavor and helps create that irresistible shiny surface after baking.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the chicken for about 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it and check the internal temperature — the chicken should reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safety and optimal tenderness. For slightly juicier results, letting it go up to 175 degrees works great.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. These finishing touches add both crunch and freshness to the dish.

How to Serve Glazed Honey Soy Baked Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Adding chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds not only enhances the presentation but also adds layers of texture and subtle flavor contrasts that brighten the overall dish.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice to soak up every last drop of glaze. For veggies, steamed broccoli, snap peas, or roasted carrots complement the sweet and savory flavors perfectly, balancing the meal with vibrant colors and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the chicken and fan it over a bed of mixed greens or quinoa salad. You can also turn this into a flavorful wrap by shredding the chicken and wrapping it with fresh veggies in a soft tortilla, drizzled with extra glaze or a touch of spicy mayo for added excitement.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Glazed Honey Soy Baked Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it delicious when enjoyed later.

Freezing

If you want to save it for longer, this chicken freezes well. Place cooled pieces in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain texture. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw if frozen, then warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 300 degrees for 10–15 minutes, uncovered, to maintain its glossy glaze and tender texture. Avoid microwaving whenever possible to keep the chicken juicy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful, and they work wonderfully with the glaze. Just make sure they are boneless and skinless for even cooking.

Is it necessary to use low sodium soy sauce?

Low sodium soy sauce is recommended to control the salt level and let the honey’s sweetness shine through without the dish becoming too salty.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, by using a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, you can easily adapt the recipe to be gluten-free while keeping the delicious flavor intact.

What can I use instead of ketchup in the glaze?

If you don’t have ketchup, you can substitute it with a small amount of tomato paste mixed with a bit of vinegar and sugar to mimic its tangy sweetness.

How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer — the internal temperature should reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, which guarantees the chicken is safe and juicy.

Final Thoughts

There is something so comforting about the sticky, sweet, and savory notes dancing together in the Glazed Honey Soy Baked Chicken Recipe. It’s a dish that feels special but comes together with remarkable ease, perfect for impressing family or friends on any busy night. Give this recipe a try — I promise it will quickly become a beloved favorite in your cooking rotation.

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