why make this recipe
Baked Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The marinade makes the chicken tender and flavorful, while the baking process gives it a lovely texture. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!
how to make Baked Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 8 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon MSG (optional)
- 4 pounds chicken drumsticks or bone-in, skin-on thighs, or a mixture of the two
- 1 tablespoon light olive oil
- 3 green onions, trimmed of their roots and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or parsley, minced
Directions:
- Add honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and MSG (if using) to a gallon zipper top bag and squeeze to combine.
- Add chicken drumsticks or thighs, squeezing out the air, seal the bag, and refrigerate for 4 to 24 hours.
- Preheat the oven or pellet grill to 375°F.
- Drizzle olive oil in a cast iron or regular pan and arrange the chicken in a single layer. Pour the marinade over the chicken.
- Bake for 45 minutes, flipping the chicken every 15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Bring the honey garlic sauce in the pan to a boil over medium heat, reducing by half, for about 5 minutes.
- For optional glazing, preheat the broiler and broil the chicken for 3-5 minutes on each side until lightly charred.
- Garnish with green onions and cilantro or parsley before serving.
how to serve Baked Honey Garlic Chicken
Serve Baked Honey Garlic Chicken with steamed rice or roasted vegetables. You can also enjoy it with a fresh salad. The sticky glaze pairs perfectly with sides, making it a complete meal.
how to store Baked Honey Garlic Chicken
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
tips to make Baked Honey Garlic Chicken
- Marinate the chicken overnight for even better flavor.
- If you like it spicy, add more hot sauce to the marinade.
- Consider using bone-in and skin-on chicken for the best results, as they stay juicy during cooking.
variation
You can make Baked Honey Garlic Chicken with bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts if you prefer white meat. You can also try adding vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the baking dish for a complete one-pan meal.
FAQs
Q: Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but the cooking time will be shorter. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F.
Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: The spice level depends on the amount of hot sauce you use. You can adjust it to your preference or omit it for a milder flavor.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day in advance and then bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Baked Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Add honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and MSG (if using) to a gallon zipper top bag and squeeze to combine.
- Add chicken drumsticks or thighs, squeezing out the air, seal the bag, and refrigerate for 4 to 24 hours.
- Preheat the oven or pellet grill to 375°F.
- Drizzle olive oil in a cast iron or regular pan and arrange the chicken in a single layer. Pour the marinade over the chicken.
- Bake for 45 minutes, flipping the chicken every 15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Bring the honey garlic sauce in the pan to a boil over medium heat, reducing by half, for about 5 minutes.
- For optional glazing, preheat the broiler and broil the chicken for 3-5 minutes on each side until lightly charred.
- Garnish with green onions and cilantro or parsley before serving.