Irresistible Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Have you ever craved a mouthwatering baked honey garlic chicken that melts in your mouth?

Sweet and savory aromas will dance through your kitchen during preparation.

Succulent chicken pieces glisten with a golden, caramelized coating that promises incredible flavor.

Minimal ingredients blend into a spectacular dinner solution anyone can master.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance between gentle sweetness and robust garlic notes.

Home cooks will appreciate how quickly this dish comes together with simple pantry staples.

Marinades infuse deep, complex flavors that make ordinary chicken extraordinary.

This recipe guarantees you’ll become the culinary hero at your next family meal.

Best Sides for Baked Honey Garlic Chicken

• A crisp, slightly sweet Riesling complements the honey's sweetness and cuts through the dish's rich garlic flavors, creating a balanced and refreshing pairing.
• Fluffy jasmine rice absorbs the delicious honey garlic sauce perfectly, providing a soft, fragrant base that enhances the chicken's complex taste profile.
• Slightly charred roasted broccoli with a hint of sea salt offers a crunchy, nutty counterpoint to the tender, saucy chicken, adding nutritional balance and textural contrast.
• A light, tangy cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame seeds provides a cool, crisp accompaniment that refreshes the palate between bites of the rich, sweet-savory chicken.

Variations for Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Recipes

Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace rice or noodles with roasted cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake and create a keto-friendly version of the meal.

Gluten-Free Friendly: Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to ensure the recipe is completely gluten-free while maintaining similar flavor profiles.

Spicy Chili Lovers Option: Increase red pepper flakes or add sriracha sauce to the honey garlic mixture for an extra kick of heat and more intense flavor complexity.

Herb-Infused Chicken Variation: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley into the seasoning blend to add a fragrant, garden-fresh dimension to the chicken’s overall taste.

Honey Garlic Chicken FAQs

• Why do I need to sear the chicken before baking?

Searing locks in the juices and creates a delicious golden crust that adds extra flavor and texture to the chicken before it goes into the oven.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of other chicken cuts?

Yes, chicken breasts work perfectly for this recipe. Just ensure they are similar in size for even cooking and adjust cooking time if they are particularly thick.

• Is the cornstarch coating important?

Absolutely! The cornstarch helps create a crispy exterior, prevents the chicken from becoming soggy, and helps the sauce stick better to the meat, giving you a more flavorful and textured dish.

• How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (75C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy and tender.

What Makes Baked Honey Garlic Chicken So Crave-Worthy

• Adjust red pepper flakes for mild or spicy preferences, making this recipe perfect for different taste buds.
• From start to finish, this delicious chicken dish takes only 45 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Create a professional-tasting Asian-inspired meal without complicated techniques or expensive ingredients.
• Seamlessly transition from stovetop searing to oven baking, minimizing kitchen cleanup and simplifying the cooking process.

Ingredients for Baked Honey Garlic Chicken

• Chicken: Tender and mild meat that absorbs flavors beautifully, boneless and skinless chicken breasts work best for even cooking.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic flavor enhancers that bring out the chicken's natural taste.
• Paprika, Garlic Powder: Adds warmth and depth to the chicken's seasoning.
• Cornstarch: Creates a crispy exterior and helps sauce stick to the chicken, choose a finely milled variety.

• Honey, Soy Sauce: Provides sweet and savory base for the sauce, local honey adds richer flavor.
• Garlic: Adds robust and aromatic flavor to the sauce, fresh minced garlic is recommended.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings subtle tanginess and balances the sweetness, unseasoned rice vinegar works best.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing chicken, gives golden color and prevents sticking.
• Sesame Oil: Adds nutty and rich undertone to the sauce, use sparingly.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides optional gentle heat and subtle spiciness.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Adds visual appeal and fresh flavor to the final dish.

How to Cook Baked Honey Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Surface

Grab a baking dish and lightly grease it or line with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to a warm 375°F.

Step 2: Season Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Garlic powder

Step 3: Create Crispy Coating

Dust chicken with cornstarch, carefully shaking off excess powder for a light, even layer.

Step 4: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden color develops.

Step 5: Whip Up Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Honey
• Minced garlic
• Soy sauce
• Vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Red pepper flakes

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

Mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl. Stir into the sauce and simmer for 1-2 minutes until it reaches a silky consistency.

Step 7: Bake and Coat

Transfer seared chicken to the prepared baking dish. Pour sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 8: Oven Magic

Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 9: Final Touches

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Plate alongside steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or noodles. Savor the mouthwatering combination of sweet and savory flavors!

Tips for Getting the Best Baked Honey Garlic Chicken

• Optimize Chicken Coating: Ensure chicken is completely dry before adding cornstarch for maximum crispiness and better sauce adherence.
• Control Sauce Thickness: Adjust cornstarch slurry carefully to prevent sauce from becoming too thick or too runny, maintaining perfect glaze consistency.
• Manage Heat Levels: Sear chicken quickly at medium-high heat to develop golden exterior without overcooking, creating delicious caramelized edges.
• Choose Quality Honey: Select raw or local honey for deeper flavor complexity and more robust sweetness in the sauce.
• Monitor Internal Temperature: Use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 165F, guaranteeing safe and juicy meat without drying out.

How to Store Baked Honey Garlic Chicken for Later

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of water to prevent drying, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when chicken reaches 165F to maintain moisture and prevent toughness.
• Consume reheated chicken within one day for best quality and safety. Discard if left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Honey Garlic Chicken delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that dance across your palate. Crispy golden chicken pieces glazed with a rich, glossy sauce promise a delightful dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6 chicken thighs)

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Sauce and Coating Ingredients:

• ¼ cup cornstarch (for a light crispy coating)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ⅓ cup honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 teaspoons water (to thicken)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and preparing a baking dish with a light coating of oil or parchment paper.
2. Clean and thoroughly dry the chicken pieces, then season comprehensively with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Create a light protective coating on the chicken by dusting with cornstarch, carefully removing any excess powder.
4. Develop a golden exterior by searing the chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil, cooking approximately 2-3 minutes per side until a light golden color emerges.
5. Craft the signature sauce by combining honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan over medium heat.
6. Enhance sauce consistency by creating a cornstarch slurry and incorporating it into the mixture, then simmer until the texture becomes slightly thickened.
7. Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking dish, ensuring complete and even coverage with the prepared honey garlic sauce.
8. Roast the chicken uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, verifying doneness when internal temperature reaches 165F (75C).
9. Elevate the presentation by spooning additional sauce over the cooked chicken and garnishing with toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions.
10. Serve immediately alongside complementary accompaniments like steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or noodles.

Notes

• Check chicken’s moisture by patting it completely dry, ensuring crispy exterior and better sauce adherence.
• Cornstarch coating creates a protective layer, preventing sauce from making chicken soggy while maintaining a golden, crisp texture.
• Searing chicken before baking locks in juices and develops deeper flavor profiles through caramelization.
• Customize sauce heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for mild or spicy preferences without compromising overall dish integrity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg