When it comes to a delightful dinner that pleases both your taste buds and your craving for something comforting, nothing beats the allure of a perfectly cooked dish of Honey Soy Chicken. This delightful recipe combines the rich, umami flavors of soy sauce and the natural sweetness of honey to create a mouthwatering experience that will leave you wanting more.
Baked Chicken legs are perfect for the weekend or weeknights. One of the best things about this ultimate baked honey soy chicken recipe is that it can be enjoyed anytime – a luxurious weekend feast or a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.
Whether you choose to marinate the chicken for a short amount of time or let it sit overnight, the honey and soy sauce will work their magic, infusing the chicken with their incredible flavors. The longer you marinate, the more intense the flavor will become, making each bite more satisfying than the last.
Why is this the best honey soy chicken recipe
- This flavor combination is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for any occasion.
- The secret behind the success of this recipe lies in its carefully selected ingredients.
- The combination of honey and soy sauce creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes, adding a delightful complexity to the chicken.
- Any chicken would do for this recipe. Using chicken legs or thighs ensures that each bite is succulent and juicy, with the bone adding extra flavor to the dish.
Ingredients and substitutes
- First, let’s talk about the star of the show: honey. This natural sweetener adds a delightful caramelization and depth of flavor to the chicken. If you run out of honey, you can also substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar for a slightly different taste.
- Next is soy sauce, which perfectly balances saltiness and umami. If you don’t have soy sauce, you can use tamari or liquid aminos as alternatives.
- The combination of garlic and onion powder adds a delicious aroma and additional layers of flavor to the chicken. However, if you prefer using fresh ingredients, you can finely mince garlic cloves and finely chop onions to achieve a similar taste.
- For a tangy kick, rice vinegar is added to the marinade. It contributes a slight acidity that enhances the overall taste of the dish. If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as a substitute.
- Lastly, sesame oil lends a nutty aroma and depth to the marinade. It adds a distinct Asian flair to the dish. If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use toasted sesame seed or olive oil as a substitute.
Step-by-step: Baked Honey Soy Chicken
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F /190°C/ Gas mark 5. This temperature will ensure the chicken cooks evenly and develops a beautiful glaze.
- Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. This will be your marinade and glaze.
- Marinate chicken: Place the chicken legs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag, cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For the best results, marinate the chicken for 2-4 hours or even overnight for maximum flavor.
- Prepare baking dish: Grease or line a large dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Arrange chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it in the prepared baking dish, skin side up. Pour the marinade over.
- Bake: Transfer to the oven and bake the chicken legs in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes. Baste the chicken with the reserved marinade every 15 minutes or so. This will help create a flavorful glaze and keep the chicken moist.
- Check doneness: To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C). If the chicken is not done yet, continue baking and basting until it reaches the desired temperature.
Pro tip – For an extra crispy and caramelized finish, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent burning. - Garnish and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven once perfectly cooked. Garnish with chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, or chopped green onions if desired. Serve your delicious Baked Honey Soy Chicken with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.
Frequently asked questions
This chicken will keep in the fridge for 4 to 5 days
Absolutely! While this recipe specifically calls for chicken legs, you can easily substitute them with chicken breasts. Just remember that the cooking time may be slightly shorter for chicken breasts, so be sure to adjust accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked.
Definitely! Baked honey soy chicken is a great dish to prep ahead of time. You can marinate the chicken overnight and then refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This saves you time on the day of the dinner and also allows the flavors to meld together for a more intense taste.
Absolutely! While baking is the recommended method for this recipe, you can certainly grill the chicken legs for a smoky and charred flavor. Just make sure to adjust the grilling time and temperature according to your grill and personal preference. Of course, thicken the sauce on the stove with a little cornstarch slurry and serve it alongside your grilled chicken.
Baked Honey Soy Chicken Recipe
When it comes to a delightful dinner that pleases both your taste buds and your craving for something comforting, nothing beats the allure of a perfectly cooked dish of Honey Soy Chicken. This delightful recipe combines the rich umami flavors of soy sauce, the natural sweetness of honey, and a symphony of complementary spices to create a mouthwatering experience that will leave you wanting more.
Video
Ingredients
- 8 (1 kg) Chicken legs drumsticks or thighs work too
- ½ cup (120 ml) Soy sauce
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) Honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- ½ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp Sesame oil
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions optional
Method
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F /190°C/ Gas mark5. This temperature will ensure the chicken cooks evenly and develops a beautiful glaze.
- Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. This will be your marinade and glaze.½ cup Soy sauce, ⅓ cup Honey, 1 tsp Garlic powder, 1 tsp Onion powder, ½ tsp Salt, ¼ tsp Black pepper, 2 tbsp Rice vinegar, 1 tbsp Sesame oil
- Marinate chicken: Place the chicken legs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag, cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For the best results, marinate the chicken for 2-4 hours or even overnight for maximum flavor.8 Chicken legs
- Prepare baking dish: Grease or line a large dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Arrange chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it in the prepared baking dish, skin side up. Pour the marinade over.
- Bake: Transfer to the oven and bake the chicken legs in the preheated oven for about 35-45 minutes. Baste the chicken with the reserved marinade every 15 minutes or so. This will help create a flavorful glaze and keep the chicken moist.
- Check doneness: To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C). If the chicken is not done yet, continue baking and basting until it reaches the desired temperature.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven once perfectly cooked. Garnish with chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, or chopped green onions if desired. Serve your delicious Baked Honey Soy Chicken with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.Sesame seeds and chopped green onions
Notes
- Marinate for optimal flavor: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 2 hours, but if you have the time, let it sit in the marinade overnight for maximum taste. Cover the chicken evenly and ensure each piece is well coated.
- Use the right cut of chicken: While chicken legs are recommended for this recipe, you can also use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or thighs. The key is to choose cuts with enough fat to stay moist and tender during baking.
- Patience is key: When it comes to baking chicken, low and slow is the way to go. Bake the chicken at a moderate temperature (around 375°F/190°C) for approximately 40-45 minutes. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and retains its juices for a succulent result.
- Baste for extra flavor: Throughout the baking process, baste the chicken with the marinade every 10-15 minutes. This adds an extra layer of flavor and keeps the chicken moist. Just handle the chicken carefully when basting to avoid burning yourself.
- Check for doneness: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. It should register at least 165°F/74°C. If the chicken needs more time, continue baking until it reaches the appropriate internal temperature.
Equipment you will need
Nutrition
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Hi, I’m Veena
I’m the recipe developer, baker, and food photographer behind Veena Azmanov Kitchen.
I’ve spent years developing and testing recipes, from everyday meals and homemade breads to cakes and desserts.
I share the practical tips and little details I’ve learned along the way so you can get great results in your own kitchen.
This was a easy and delicious recipe. I doubled the honey because I like honey ! Came out great!
Thank you, Tom. So happy you enjoyed it.
I love the hot and sweet flavor combination! This is a recipe I’ll be saving to make soon for the family. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Tina – SO happy to hear that. Let me know if you try it. Thanks
We eat so much chicken that it’s always a real delight to find a recipe that will tantalize the tastebuds. We’ve always liked the combination of honey and soy. Then if you add garlic and lemon, we are salivating.Now, with your spices, I’m getting a hint of Chinese Five Spice.arisa I’m definitely trying this recipe once we’re home. It sounds so good!! It’s a welcome change from our normal spices.
Thank you Marisa. I love my spices and I love playing with flavor combination. This really has a perfect blend
I like this spiced chicken legs, this best recipe with garlic, soy sauce and festive spices like cloves, cinnamon, paprika and star anise. So yum great for gatherings.
Thank you Swathi. Yup it so flavorful you will love it.