Honey Glazed Baked Chicken

Honey Glazed Baked Chicken has become a staple in our home, and for good reason. From busy weeknights to relaxed Sunday dinners, this recipe has consistently delivered smiles around our table. The first time I made it, I was looking for something that was both flavorful and relatively hands-off, and this recipe exceeded expectations. The aroma that fills the kitchen while it bakes is simply divine, a sweet and savory promise of the deliciousness to come. Even my pickiest eater, who usually shies away from chicken, devours this honey-glazed version. The chicken comes out incredibly tender and juicy, coated in a glistening glaze that is sticky, sweet, and perfectly balanced with savory notes. It’s become a family favorite, and I’m excited to share this foolproof recipe with you, hoping it brings as much joy to your meals as it has to ours.

Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs (Bone-in, Skin-on): 8 pieces, providing juicy and flavorful meat that holds up well during baking.
• Honey: 1/2 cup, the star of the glaze, lending sweetness and a beautiful caramelized finish.
• Soy Sauce (Low Sodium): 1/4 cup, adds savory umami depth and balances the sweetness of the honey.
• Dijon Mustard: 2 tablespoons, contributes a tangy kick and emulsifies the glaze for better coating.
• Garlic (Minced): 2 cloves, infuses aromatic and pungent flavor into the chicken and glaze.
• Ginger (Freshly Grated): 1 teaspoon, provides a warm, zesty note that complements the honey and soy sauce.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon, adds a touch of acidity to cut through the sweetness and tenderize the chicken.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, helps to crisp the chicken skin and prevents sticking during baking.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, enhances the overall flavor profile and seasons the chicken.
• Black Pepper (Freshly Ground): 1/2 teaspoon, adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor.
• Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley or sesame seeds, for visual appeal and an extra touch of freshness.

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving crispy skin and ensuring the chicken cooks through evenly. While the oven is heating, prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish. You can lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. Alternatively, you can line the dish with parchment paper for easier cleanup, although this might slightly reduce the skin crispiness on the bottom.
2. Prepare the Chicken Thighs: Take your chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture from the skin is a key step for achieving crispy skin during baking. Place the chicken thighs in the prepared baking dish, arranging them in a single layer. Ensure they are not overcrowded, as this can steam the chicken instead of baking it properly. If necessary, use two baking dishes to give the chicken thighs enough space.
3. Whisk Together the Glaze Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, it’s time to create the flavorful honey glaze. Pour in the ½ cup of honey, ¼ cup of low sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Whisk all these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and emulsified. The Dijon mustard helps to bind the glaze together, creating a smoother and richer consistency. Taste the glaze and adjust seasonings if needed. You might want to add a pinch more salt if you prefer a saltier glaze, or a dash of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
4. Season the Chicken: Before pouring the glaze, season the chicken thighs directly in the baking dish. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper evenly over all the chicken pieces. This initial seasoning layer ensures that the chicken itself is flavorful, not just the glaze. Make sure to season both sides of the chicken if they are overlapping.
5. Pour the Honey Glaze Over the Chicken: Now, pour the prepared honey glaze evenly over the chicken thighs in the baking dish. Use a spoon or spatula to ensure that each piece of chicken is generously coated with the glaze. Lift the chicken pieces slightly to allow the glaze to seep underneath and coat them completely. The goal is to have every part of the chicken covered in the delicious honey mixture, ensuring a flavorful and moist final product.
6. Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. During this time, the chicken will cook through, and the glaze will start to caramelize and thicken beautifully. After 35 minutes, check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of a thigh, avoiding the bone. The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Baste the Chicken and Continue Baking: After the initial baking time, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a spoon, baste the chicken thighs with the glaze that has accumulated in the bottom of the dish. This basting step is crucial for creating that signature sticky, glossy honey glaze. Return the baking dish to the oven and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the glaze is deeply caramelized and the chicken skin is beautifully browned and crispy. Keep a close eye on the chicken during this final stage to prevent the glaze from burning. If the glaze starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the baking dish with aluminum foil.
8. Rest the Chicken Before Serving: Once the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is perfectly caramelized, remove the baking dish from the oven. Allow the honey glazed baked chicken to rest in the baking dish for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in even more tender and flavorful meat. It also makes it easier to handle and carve the chicken if needed.
9. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, you can garnish the honey glazed baked chicken with fresh parsley or sesame seeds for a pop of color and added visual appeal. These garnishes also provide a subtle fresh flavor that complements the richness of the glaze. Serve the chicken hot, directly from the baking dish, or arrange it on a serving platter. The caramelized glaze will be sticky and delicious, making it a truly irresistible dish.

Nutrition Facts

(Per Serving, based on 4 servings, approximate values)

• Serving Size: 2 Chicken Thighs
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 25g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (Includes measuring ingredients, mixing glaze, and preparing chicken)
• Cook Time: 45-55 minutes (Baking time in the oven, including basting)
• Total Time: 1 hour – 1 hour 10 minutes (From start to finish, ready to serve)

This honey glazed baked chicken recipe is relatively quick to prepare and cook, making it a great option for weeknight meals or when you need a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve

This versatile Honey Glazed Baked Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it easy to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some serving suggestions to inspire you:

• Classic Comfort Sides:
  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a perfect complement to the sweet and savory chicken, soaking up the delicious glaze.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus add color, nutrients, and a contrasting texture to the meal.
  • Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf, seasoned with herbs and broth, is a simple yet elegant side that absorbs the glaze wonderfully.
  • Creamy Polenta: For a richer option, serve the chicken over a bed of creamy polenta, which offers a smooth and comforting base.
• Fresh and Light Sides:
  • Quinoa Salad: A vibrant quinoa salad with vegetables, herbs, and a light vinaigrette provides a healthy and refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
  • Green Salad: A simple green salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette or lemon dressing adds freshness and lightness.
  • Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw, either creamy or vinegar-based, offers a cool and tangy counterpoint to the warm, glazed chicken.
  • Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans, tossed with a bit of butter and salt, are a simple and healthy side dish.
• Bread and Grains:
  • Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread or baguette to soak up every last bit of the flavorful honey glaze.
  • Dinner Rolls: Warm dinner rolls or biscuits are always a welcome addition and perfect for mopping up the sauce.
  • Couscous: Fluffy couscous, seasoned with herbs or spices, makes a light and flavorful side dish.
• International Flavors:
  • Asian Noodles: For an Asian-inspired meal, pair the chicken with stir-fried noodles or rice noodles.
  • Edamame: Steamed edamame pods, sprinkled with sea salt, make a simple and healthy appetizer or side.
  • Kimchi: A small serving of kimchi adds a spicy and fermented kick that can complement the sweetness of the glaze.

Additional Tips for Perfect Honey Glazed Baked Chicken

1. Use Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Thighs for Maximum Flavor and Moisture: While you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even chicken breasts, bone-in, skin-on thighs are highly recommended for this recipe. They are more forgiving during baking, stay juicier, and the skin crisps up beautifully, adding extra flavor and texture. The bone also contributes to richer flavor as it cooks.
2. Don’t Skip Patting the Chicken Dry: This seemingly small step is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Excess moisture on the chicken skin will prevent it from browning and crisping up in the oven. Patting the chicken thoroughly dry with paper towels before seasoning and glazing is essential for optimal results.
3. Marinate for Deeper Flavor (Optional but Recommended): While this recipe is delicious even without marinating, allowing the chicken to marinate in the glaze for at least 30 minutes, or even up to a few hours in the refrigerator, will significantly enhance the flavor. Marinating allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the chicken meat, resulting in a more intensely flavored and tender dish. If marinating, ensure the chicken is covered and refrigerated.
4. Adjust Sweetness and Savoryness to Your Preference: Taste the honey glaze before pouring it over the chicken. If you prefer a less sweet glaze, you can reduce the amount of honey slightly and increase the soy sauce or Dijon mustard. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more honey. You can also adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. This recipe is easily customizable to your personal preferences.
5. Baste Regularly for a Glossy Glaze: Basting the chicken with the pan juices during baking is key to creating that beautiful, glossy, and sticky honey glaze. Basting helps to keep the chicken moist and ensures that the glaze coats every part of the chicken evenly, building up layers of flavor and shine. Baste every 10-15 minutes during the last half of the baking time.
6. Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Dish: Ensure the chicken thighs are arranged in a single layer in the baking dish and not overcrowded. Overcrowding will cause the chicken to steam rather than bake, resulting in soggy skin and uneven cooking. If necessary, use two baking dishes or bake in batches to give the chicken enough space.
7. Use a Meat Thermometer to Ensure Doneness: The best way to ensure the chicken is cooked through safely and perfectly is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of a thigh, avoiding the bone. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Overcooked chicken can be dry, so accurate temperature reading is important.
8. Let the Chicken Rest Before Serving: Allowing the honey glazed baked chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking is crucial for juicy and tender meat. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, preventing them from running out when you cut into it. Cover the baking dish loosely with foil during the resting period to keep the chicken warm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However, chicken breasts tend to be leaner and can dry out more easily than thighs. If using breasts, reduce the baking time as they cook faster. Keep a close eye on them and check for doneness around 25-30 minutes. Basting is even more important with chicken breasts to maintain moisture.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the honey glaze ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also marinate the chicken in the glaze overnight in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor. However, for the best results, it’s recommended to bake the chicken fresh just before serving.

Q3: How do I store leftover honey glazed baked chicken?

A: Store leftover honey glazed baked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave until heated through. Reheating in the oven is recommended for maintaining crispier skin.

Q4: Can I freeze honey glazed baked chicken?

A: While you can technically freeze cooked chicken, the honey glaze may become slightly sticky and the skin might lose some of its crispness upon thawing and reheating. For best quality, it’s recommended to consume the chicken fresh or within a few days of refrigeration. If you do freeze it, wrap it tightly in freezer-safe wrap and then in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q5: Can I add vegetables to bake with the chicken?

A: Absolutely! You can add vegetables like broccoli florets, carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to the baking dish alongside the chicken during the last 20-30 minutes of baking. Toss the vegetables with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper before adding them to the dish. Ensure they are cut into similar sizes so they cook evenly.

Q6: What if I don’t have Dijon mustard? Can I substitute it?

A: If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can substitute it with yellow mustard or even a grainy mustard. Yellow mustard will provide a milder tang, while grainy mustard will add a bit more texture. You can also use a small amount of mustard powder mixed with a little water to create a paste as a substitute.

Q7: Can I make this recipe spicier?

A: Yes, you can easily add a touch of heat to this recipe. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze, or include a dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce for extra spice. You can also garnish with sliced fresh chili peppers before serving for a more vibrant heat.

Q8: The glaze is burning in the oven, what should I do?

A: If you notice the honey glaze starting to burn or become too dark before the chicken is fully cooked, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and loosely tent the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help to prevent further browning and burning while allowing the chicken to continue cooking through. Keep an eye on it and remove the foil during the last few minutes of baking if you want to crisp up the skin further.

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