Sweet, savory, and perfectly caramelized—this honey & soy baked chicken is one of those recipes that always delivers.
It’s quick to prep, full of flavor, and makes your kitchen smell absolutely amazing while baking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The honey-soy marinade creates a delicious balance of sweet and salty flavors.
Garlic and ginger add depth and warmth to every bite.
The chicken turns out juicy inside with golden, crispy skin outside.
It’s simple enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Soy sauce balances the honey’s sweetness with a savory umami flavor.
Honey caramelizes beautifully in the oven, coating the chicken in a sticky glaze.
Garlic and ginger give the dish a classic Asian-inspired flavor.
Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender even with high-heat roasting.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor.
Bake skin side up at the end to crisp and caramelize the skin.
Always check the internal temperature—it should reach 165°F for safety.
How to Make Honey & Soy Baked Chicken
Step 1 – Preheat the oven
Heat oven to 425°F to ensure crispy skin and a juicy inside.
Step 2 – Make the marinade
Combine olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper in a bowl or zip-top bag.
Step 3 – Coat the chicken
Add chicken pieces and toss until fully coated.
Marinate in the refrigerator if time allows.
Step 4 – Bake the chicken
Arrange chicken skin side up in a baking dish.
Bake for 25 minutes.
Step 5 – Turn and continue cooking
Flip the chicken, bake for another 15 minutes.
Flip back to skin side up and bake for 10 minutes until skin is golden and crisp.
Step 6 – Serve and enjoy
Remove from oven and let rest briefly.
Serve warm with extra sauce from the pan.
What to Serve Them With
Steamed rice or fried rice soaks up the flavorful sauce.
Roasted or stir-fried vegetables add a healthy balance.
A simple cucumber salad makes a refreshing side.
Variations / Substitutions
Use chicken drumsticks or wings instead of thighs.
Swap honey for maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness.
Add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to crisp the skin again.
Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes, overnight marination makes the flavors even richer.
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid drying out.
How do I prevent the sauce from burning?
Bake on the middle rack and spoon sauce over the chicken halfway through.
Can I cook this in an air fryer?
Yes, cook at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
What’s the best way to check doneness?
Use a meat thermometer—the chicken is safe when it reaches 165°F.
Final Thoughts
This honey & soy baked chicken is a fail-proof recipe that’s both comforting and flavorful.
It’s the kind of dish that can quickly become a family favorite, perfect for busy nights or weekend gatherings.
My name is Isabella, and this space was born from years of stirring sauces at sunset, baking cookies while the kids played on the porch, and finding comfort in a homemade meal after long, busy days. Here you’ll find delicious, reliable recipes made with simple ingredients, plus easy step-by-step photos and videos to help you cook confidently at home.