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Baked Honey Garlic Chicken

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.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the marinade
  • 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)
For the chicken
  • 4 pounds chicken drumsticks or bone-in, skin-on thighs A mixture of both can be used.
  • 1 tablespoon light olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons green onions, trimmed of their roots and thinly sliced For garnish.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or parsley, minced For garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. 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.
  2. Add chicken drumsticks or thighs, squeezing out the air, seal the bag, and refrigerate for 4 to 24 hours.
Cooking
  1. Preheat the oven or pellet grill to 375°F.
  2. Drizzle olive oil in a cast iron or regular pan and arrange the chicken in a single layer. Pour the marinade over the chicken.
  3. Bake for 45 minutes, flipping the chicken every 15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Bring the honey garlic sauce in the pan to a boil over medium heat, reducing by half, for about 5 minutes.
  5. For optional glazing, preheat the broiler and broil the chicken for 3-5 minutes on each side until lightly charred.
  6. Garnish with green onions and cilantro or parsley before serving.

Notes

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. Marinate the chicken overnight for even better flavor. If you like it spicy, add more hot sauce to the marinade.