Easy Baked Honey Garlic Chicken

Baked Honey Garlic Chicken has become a staple in our household, and for good reason. Weeknights can be hectic, but the aroma of garlic and honey filling the kitchen as this chicken bakes is instantly calming and comforting. From the moment I first tried this recipe, I knew it was a winner. My kids, usually picky eaters when it comes to chicken, devour it without a single complaint, and my husband, a self-proclaimed BBQ enthusiast, actually prefers this baked version over grilled chicken sometimes! The ease of preparation is a huge bonus – it’s truly a toss-it-in-the-oven and forget-about-it kind of meal, perfect for busy families or anyone who appreciates delicious food without the fuss. The chicken emerges from the oven glistening, beautifully caramelized, and incredibly juicy. The honey garlic sauce is the star, striking the perfect balance between sweet and savory, with just the right amount of garlicky punch. It’s honestly so good, we often find ourselves drizzling the extra sauce over rice or roasted vegetables. If you’re looking for a reliable, crowd-pleasing, and incredibly flavorful chicken dish that’s also incredibly easy to make, then look no further. This Easy Baked Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is about to become your new go-to!

Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs or Breasts (About 2 lbs): The star of the show! You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor, or boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option. Both work wonderfully in this recipe.
• Honey (½ cup): The natural sweetener that provides that signature honey-garlic glaze. Use a good quality honey for the best flavor.
• Soy Sauce (½ cup): Adds a savory, umami depth and saltiness to balance the sweetness of the honey. Low sodium soy sauce is recommended to control the salt level.
• Garlic (6-8 cloves): The aromatic powerhouse! Fresh garlic is essential for that pungent, garlicky flavor. Mince it finely to release its full aroma and flavor into the sauce.
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps to coat the chicken and promotes browning during baking. It also adds a touch of richness to the sauce.
• Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tablespoons): Provides a subtle tanginess that cuts through the sweetness and balances the flavors. It also helps tenderize the chicken.
• Sesame Oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a nutty, aromatic depth that elevates the flavor profile of the sauce, giving it an Asian-inspired touch.
• Ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Fresh ginger adds a warm, spicy note that complements the garlic and honey beautifully, adding complexity to the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): For a touch of heat! If you like a little kick, red pepper flakes add a subtle spiciness that balances the sweetness and savory notes. Adjust to your spice preference.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in the dish. Season generously to taste.
• Sesame Seeds and Chopped Green Onions (for garnish, optional): Adds a beautiful visual appeal and a final layer of flavor and texture. Sesame seeds provide a nutty crunch, while green onions add a fresh, mild oniony flavor.

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for baking chicken, ensuring it cooks through while developing a lovely golden-brown exterior. While the oven is preheating, prepare your baking dish. Choose a 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar sized oven-safe dish. Lightly grease the dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking during baking and to make cleanup easier later.
2. Prepare the Honey Garlic Marinade: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce (low sodium recommended), minced garlic, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Ensure all the ingredients are well combined to create a homogenous marinade. If you are using red pepper flakes for a touch of spice, add them to the marinade at this stage and whisk to distribute them evenly. This flavorful marinade is the key to the deliciousness of the dish.
3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs or breasts into the bowl with the honey garlic marinade. Using tongs or your hands (ensure they are clean!), toss the chicken to coat it evenly with the marinade. Make sure every piece of chicken is well covered, allowing the marinade to penetrate and infuse the chicken with flavor. For optimal flavor, it’s recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or for even better results, marinate it in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours, or even overnight. Longer marinating times will result in more flavorful and tender chicken. If marinating in the refrigerator, allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
4. Arrange Chicken in Baking Dish: Remove the marinated chicken from the bowl and arrange it in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Avoid overcrowding the dish, as this can steam the chicken instead of baking it properly and prevent it from browning nicely. If necessary, use two baking dishes to ensure the chicken is in a single layer. Pour the remaining honey garlic marinade over the chicken in the baking dish. This extra marinade will act as a basting sauce as the chicken bakes, keeping it moist and adding even more flavor.
5. Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes for chicken breasts, or 35-45 minutes for chicken thighs. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the chicken and your oven. To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken breasts should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and chicken thighs should reach 170°F (77°C).
6. Baste and Continue Baking (Optional): For extra flavorful and glossy chicken, you can baste the chicken halfway through the baking time (around 20 minutes in for breasts, or 25 minutes in for thighs). Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and spoon some of the honey garlic sauce from the bottom of the dish over the chicken. Return the dish to the oven and continue baking for the remaining time. Basting helps to keep the chicken moist and enhances the glaze.
7. Broil for Caramelization (Optional): If you desire a more caramelized and slightly crispy top, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Turn the oven to broil (high heat) and watch the chicken closely to prevent burning. Broiling should be done quickly and carefully, as the honey in the sauce can burn easily. Broiling is optional but adds a nice visual appeal and textural contrast.
8. Rest and Garnish: Once the chicken is cooked through and nicely browned (and optionally broiled), remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the chicken rest in the baking dish for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat. Before serving, garnish the baked honey garlic chicken with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. These garnishes add a final touch of flavor, texture, and visual appeal to the dish.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Easy Baked Honey Garlic Chicken hot, with your favorite sides. The delicious honey garlic sauce in the baking dish can be spooned over the chicken and sides for extra flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your flavorful and easy-to-make Baked Honey Garlic Chicken!

Nutrition Facts (per serving, estimated)

(Please note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Serving Size: 1 Chicken Thigh or Breast (approx. 4-5 oz cooked chicken) – This serving size is a reasonable portion for a main course and allows for enjoying the dish as part of a balanced meal.
• Calories: Approximately 350-450 calories per serving – This calorie range is moderate for a chicken dish and can be adjusted by controlling portion sizes and side dishes.
• Protein: 30-40 grams per serving – Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle building, repair, and overall bodily functions.
• Fat: 15-25 grams per serving – This includes both healthy fats from olive and sesame oil and fats naturally present in chicken. The fat content can vary depending on whether you use thighs or breasts and if you trim any visible fat.
• Sugars: 15-20 grams per serving – Primarily from the honey in the glaze. While honey is a natural sugar, it’s still important to be mindful of sugar intake as part of a balanced diet. The sweetness is a key component of the honey garlic flavor profile.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes: This includes the time it takes to gather your ingredients, mince the garlic and ginger, whisk together the marinade, and marinate the chicken. The recipe is very efficient in terms of prep time, making it ideal for weeknight cooking.
• Marination Time: 30 minutes to 4 hours (or overnight for best results): While 30 minutes is sufficient for flavor infusion, longer marination times (2-4 hours or overnight) greatly enhance the taste and tenderness of the chicken. Plan your marination time according to your schedule for optimal results.
• Cook Time: 30-45 minutes: Baking time varies slightly depending on whether you use chicken breasts or thighs and the size of the pieces. Always ensure chicken is cooked through to a safe internal temperature.
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 5 hours (including marination): This is a reasonable timeframe for a flavorful and satisfying homemade meal, especially considering the hands-off nature of baking. The majority of the time is passive marination and baking time.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken

• Classic Rice:
  • White Rice: Simple and pairs perfectly with the savory-sweet sauce. The rice soaks up the delicious honey garlic glaze.
  • Brown Rice: For a healthier, whole-grain option, brown rice offers a nutty flavor and chewier texture that complements the chicken.
  • Jasmine Rice: Its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture make it an excellent choice, especially if you want to enhance the Asian-inspired flavors of the dish.
• Grains for Variety:
  • Quinoa: A protein-rich and gluten-free option, quinoa provides a fluffy texture and mild flavor that works well with the chicken and sauce.
  • Couscous: Light and fluffy, couscous is quick to prepare and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
  • Farro: For a more substantial and nutty grain, farro offers a chewy texture and earthy flavor that pairs well with the richness of the honey garlic chicken.
• Vegetable Sides for Balance:
  • Steamed Broccoli: A simple and healthy side that provides a nice green contrast and nutritional value.
  • Roasted Asparagus: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of asparagus, complementing the honey garlic flavors.
  • Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed or roasted green beans with garlic add another layer of garlicky flavor and a crisp texture.
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts offer a slightly bitter counterpoint to the sweetness of the sauce, creating a balanced flavor profile.
  • Asian Slaw: A light and refreshing slaw with a vinegar-based dressing provides a crisp and tangy contrast to the richness of the chicken.
• Potato Perfection:
  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food side that pairs well with almost anything, including honey garlic chicken.
  • Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes, seasoned with herbs or spices, offer a hearty and satisfying side.
  • Sweet Potato Fries: For a sweeter side, sweet potato fries provide a nice contrast to the savory chicken and echo the sweetness of the honey garlic glaze.
• Salads for Freshness:
  • Simple Green Salad: A basic green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing and palate-cleansing side.
  • Cucumber and Tomato Salad: A cool and crisp salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light dressing adds freshness and hydration to the meal.

Additional Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken

1. Don’t Skip the Marination: Marinating the chicken is crucial for flavor and tenderness. Even a short 30-minute marinade makes a noticeable difference. For the best results, plan ahead and marinate for a few hours or overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and juicy it will become.
2. Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger are key ingredients that provide the signature aromatic flavors of this dish. Avoid using garlic powder or ginger powder if possible, as they lack the vibrant freshness of their fresh counterparts. The fresh ingredients truly elevate the flavor profile.
3. Adjust Sweetness and Savoryness to Taste: The recipe provides a balanced starting point, but you can adjust the honey and soy sauce ratios to suit your personal preference. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more honey. If you like it more savory, slightly increase the soy sauce. Taste the marinade before adding the chicken and adjust accordingly.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Dish: Ensure the chicken is arranged in a single layer in the baking dish. Overcrowding will cause the chicken to steam rather than bake, resulting in less browning and potentially uneven cooking. If necessary, use two baking dishes or bake in batches to ensure proper spacing.
5. Baste for Extra Flavor and Moisture: Basting the chicken halfway through baking with the pan juices helps to keep it moist and adds an extra layer of flavor. Spooning the honey garlic sauce over the chicken as it bakes ensures a beautifully glazed and flavorful final product.
6. Use a Meat Thermometer: The best way to ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly and safely is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken breasts should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and chicken thighs should reach 170°F (77°C). Checking the internal temperature eliminates guesswork and guarantees perfectly cooked chicken every time.
7. Broil for Caramelization (Carefully): Broiling for the last few minutes can create a beautiful caramelized and slightly crispy top. However, be very vigilant as the honey in the sauce can burn quickly under the broiler. Watch it closely and broil for a short duration, just until you achieve the desired level of caramelization.
8. Rest the Chicken Before Serving: Allowing the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking is crucial for juicy and tender results. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, preventing them from escaping when you slice or serve the chicken. Cover the baking dish loosely with foil during the resting period to keep the chicken warm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
   • Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it must be fully thawed before marinating and baking. Thawing ensures even marination and cooking. Thaw chicken in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost function on your microwave.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. This is a great time-saver for busy days. Store marinated chicken covered in the refrigerator. You can also bake the chicken ahead of time and reheat it gently in the oven or microwave, although it is best served fresh for optimal texture.
3. Can I grill the chicken instead of baking?
   • Absolutely! Honey garlic chicken is delicious grilled. Marinate the chicken as directed, then grill over medium heat until cooked through, basting with the remaining marinade during grilling. Grilling will impart a smoky flavor that complements the honey garlic sauce beautifully.
4. Can I use chicken drumsticks or wings?
   • Yes, this recipe works well with chicken drumsticks or wings. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as smaller pieces of chicken will cook faster. Ensure they are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches the safe level.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   • As written, this recipe is not gluten-free because of the soy sauce. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. These are gluten-free soy sauce alternatives that offer similar savory flavors.
6. Can I add vegetables to bake with the chicken?
   • Yes, you can add vegetables like broccoli florets, bell peppers, or onions to the baking dish alongside the chicken. Add them about halfway through the baking time so they don’t become overcooked. Toss the vegetables with a little olive oil and seasoning before adding them to the dish.
7. How do I store leftover honey garlic chicken?
   • Store leftover honey garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven, microwave, or skillet until heated through. Adding a little water or chicken broth when reheating can help keep it moist.
8. Can I double or triple the recipe?
   • Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe to feed a larger crowd. Simply multiply all the ingredients accordingly. You may need to use larger baking dishes or bake in batches to avoid overcrowding. Ensure the chicken is cooked through regardless of batch size.

This Easy Baked Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is truly a winner – simple enough for a weeknight meal, yet delicious enough to impress guests. Give it a try, and I’m confident it will become a beloved dish in your home too!

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