Sticky Honey Soy Baked Chicken is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—succulent chicken thighs bathed in a glossy, sweet-and-salty glaze, all baked together with tender roasted onions. The combination of honey, soy sauce, and aromatics transforms humble pantry ingredients into an unforgettable main dish you’ll crave again and again. Every juicy bite bursts with flavor, making this recipe a must-try whether you’re entertaining friends or just looking for an easy, comforting meal that delivers restaurant-worthy results from your home kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about straightforward ingredients that work together in delicious harmony. Each component has its role, from the juicy chicken to the sticky-sweet glaze, leading to maximum taste without any fuss.
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: The skin crisps up beautifully while the bone keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.
- Red onion wedges: These melt into sweet, caramelized bites that soak up the sauce and add gorgeous color.
- Honey: Delivers that irresistible sticky sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize.
- Soy sauce: Packs each bite with deep umami savoriness—use light soy for a balanced flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar): Provides just the right tang to balance the sweet and salty elements.
- Sesame oil: Just a splash infuses the chicken with delicate, nutty depth.
- Minced garlic: For bold, aromatic warmth in every mouthful.
- Black pepper: A simple pinch sharpens the flavors without overpowering.
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions or cilantro: The finishing touches for crunch, freshness, and a pop of color.
How to Make Sticky Honey Soy Baked Chicken
Step 1: Mix Up the Glaze
In a small bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of black pepper. Whisk them together until the honey dissolves and the ingredients form a smooth, glossy sauce. This quick glaze is where all that signature Sticky Honey Soy Baked Chicken flavor begins!
Step 2: Prep the Tray
Line your baking tray with foil and a layer of parchment paper—this simple step not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze. Scatter the red onion wedges over the base; they’ll caramelize in the sauce, turning ultra-soft and flavorful.
Step 3: Arrange the Chicken
Nestle the chicken thighs skin-side down on top of the onions. This helps some of the flavorful glaze soak right into the meat as it starts to bake, while the onions underneath catch all those tasty juices.
Step 4: Add the Glaze
Pour the entire bowl of glaze evenly over the chicken and onions, making sure every nook and cranny is covered. The sauce will settle around the chicken as it bakes, infusing everything with deep, sticky flavor.
Step 5: Bake and Flip
Pop the tray in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, carefully turn the chicken thighs skin-side up and spoon over some of the bubbling sauce. Return to the oven and bake for another 25 to 35 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened into a sticky, shiny glaze.
Step 6: Finish and Glaze
If the chicken is cooked but the sauce needs a bit more time to become syrupy, simply remove the chicken from the tray and return the pan to the oven for a few minutes. Once the sauce is thickened, toss the chicken back in to coat every piece with that luscious Sticky Honey Soy Baked Chicken glaze.
How to Serve Sticky Honey Soy Baked Chicken
Garnishes
Sprinkle lots of toasted sesame seeds and a handful of chopped green onions or cilantro over your finished Sticky Honey Soy Baked Chicken. The seeds provide a nutty crunch, while the fresh herbs brighten up every serving with a beautiful burst of color and aroma.
Side Dishes
Steamed jasmine rice is a classic pairing; it sops up all the extra sauce. For veggies, try crisp-tender steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a medley of roasted Asian greens. Want something heartier? Fluffy coconut rice or a simple cucumber salad are also wonderful partners for Sticky Honey Soy Baked Chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the chicken thighs atop a big platter of sautéed or roasted vegetables for a stunning family-style presentation. Or, serve individually over rice in bowls with an extra drizzle of sauce and a scattering of garnishes for a modern, Instagram-worthy look. Sticky Honey Soy Baked Chicken also makes great lettuce wraps—just slice the meat, add a few onions, and tuck them into crisp lettuce leaves for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sticky Honey Soy Baked Chicken keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Simply store the cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days; the flavors will continue to meld and deepen overnight.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the chicken (sauce included) in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This makes Sticky Honey Soy Baked Chicken ideal for meal prepping or stocking your freezer with quick, homemade dinners.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, arrange the chicken and glaze in a baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and warm in a moderate oven (around 160°C or 325°F) until heated through. For an extra-sticky finish, uncover for the last few minutes to let the sauce bubble and thicken again.
FAQs
Can I use boneless or skinless chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless thighs or drumsticks work well, just remember to reduce the baking time since they’ll cook faster. You can use skinless pieces too, though the skin does add extra flavor and helps lock in moisture.
Do I need to marinate the chicken beforehand?
No marinating required—the beauty of Sticky Honey Soy Baked Chicken is that the long oven time allows all those bold flavors to penetrate right into the meat, resulting in maximum taste without any waiting around.
Can I make this Spicy?
Definitely! Add a pinch of chili flakes or a squirt of sriracha to the glaze for some heat. You can also serve chili oil or hot sauce at the table for those who like things fiery.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is cooked through when the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F). If your pieces are particularly large, a few extra minutes in the oven may be needed to ensure they’re perfectly done and super tender.
What’s the best way to reduce the sauce if it’s too runny?
If the sauce is still thin after baking, just transfer the chicken to a plate and return the pan to the oven for a few minutes. The sauce will bubble and thicken into that glossy, sticky consistency you want for Sticky Honey Soy Baked Chicken.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience the irresistible flavor and simplicity of this Sticky Honey Soy Baked Chicken. With minimal prep and maximum reward, it’s bound to become a staple in your rotation. Give it a try soon, and watch everyone come back for seconds!
Print
Sticky Honey Soy Baked Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 5–6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Sticky Honey Soy Baked Chicken recipe is a delicious Asian-inspired dish that features tender chicken thighs baked to perfection with a sticky, flavorful glaze. The combination of honey, soy sauce, and aromatic spices creates a dish that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1.2 kg bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 5–6 pieces)
Glaze:
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Pinch of black pepper
Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions or cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan or 400°F).
- Mix the glaze: In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and black pepper.
- Prepare the tray: Line a baking tray with foil and parchment paper. Scatter onion wedges on the base.
- Coat the chicken: Place chicken thighs on top of the onions, skin-side down. Pour the glaze over the chicken and onions.
- Bake: Bake for 25 minutes. Flip the chicken skin-side up, spoon over sauce, and bake for another 25–35 minutes until fully cooked.
- Glaze and serve: Coat the chicken in the glaze before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions or cilantro.
Notes
- This recipe doesn’t require marinating, thanks to the long bake time.
- You can use drumsticks or boneless thighs, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- Pair with steamed rice and greens or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
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