Description
This Sticky Honey Soy Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs or drumsticks baked to perfection in a luscious glaze of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and spices. The result is a sweet and savory dish with a sticky, caramelized coating, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh coriander, perfect for serving alongside rice and steamed greens.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1.2kg / 2.4lb bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs OR drumsticks (5 – 6 pieces)
- 1 red onion, peeled and cut into wedges
Glaze
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or ordinary white vinegar)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh coriander/cilantro leaves (or green onions, parsley, chives)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 200°C (390°F), or 180°C (fan) to ensure even heat circulation for baking the chicken perfectly.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Line a baking dish with foil first, then baking paper to prevent sticking and make cleaning easier. The dish should be large enough so the chicken pieces fit comfortably without too much space to avoid glaze drying out or overcrowding which prevents proper thickening.
- Make the Glaze: In a bowl, combine minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth, flavorful glaze.
- Arrange Chicken and Pour Glaze: Place the red onion wedges and chicken pieces skin side down into the baking dish. Pour the prepared glaze evenly over the chicken and onions, ensuring good coverage.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, then carefully turn the chicken pieces to coat them evenly. Continue baking for another 25-35 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through, and the glaze has thickened to a sticky consistency.
- Reduce Glaze if Needed: If the glaze is not syrupy enough at the end, transfer the chicken to a plate and return the baking dish to the oven for a few more minutes to reduce the glaze quickly.
- Squidge and Coat Chicken: Turn the chicken again and use a spoon to baste and squidge the sticky glaze over the pieces fully to enhance flavor and shine.
- Serve: Plate the sticky honey soy chicken alongside steamed rice and greens. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh coriander or preferred fresh herbs for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- You can use either chicken thighs or drumsticks; bone-in and skin-on for best flavor and moisture.
- Apple cider vinegar adds a mild tanginess, but white vinegar can be substituted if preferred.
- Using foil and baking paper makes cleanup easier and prevents the glaze from sticking excessively.
- If you want extra sticky glaze, you can reduce it separately after baking chicken.
- This recipe pairs wonderfully with jasmine or basmati rice and steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: honey soy chicken, baked chicken thighs, sticky chicken, easy dinner, Asian chicken recipe, sweet and savory chicken
