This Baked Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors. Tender, juicy chicken is coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce and baked to perfection, making it an easy yet delicious meal. Serve it with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete dinner that’s better than takeout!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet & Savory Perfection – The honey garlic sauce is rich, sticky, and packed with flavor.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Healthier Than Fried Chicken – Baking keeps it crispy without deep frying.
- Versatile & Customizable – Works with chicken breasts, thighs, or wings.
- Family-Friendly – A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for kids and adults!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Salt and black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Cornstarch (for crispiness)
- Olive oil or butter
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- Honey
- Garlic, minced
- Soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- Apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- Sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Directions
1. Preheat & Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat chicken dry and season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Lightly coat chicken with cornstarch for extra crispiness.
2. Bake the Chicken
- Place chicken in a greased baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/75°C).
3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter or heat olive oil.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil (if using).
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Coat the Chicken
- Remove chicken from the oven and brush generously with the honey garlic sauce.
- Return to the oven and broil for 2-3 minutes until caramelized.
5. Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken – Add sriracha or extra red pepper flakes.
- Crispy Version – Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy coating.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- Sticky Glaze – Add 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water to thicken the sauce.
- Vegetarian Version – Use the sauce over tofu or cauliflower.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes! Adjust the baking time to 35-40 minutes for bone-in thighs or drumsticks.
Can I pan-fry instead of baking?
Absolutely! Sear the chicken in a pan over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side, then coat with the sauce.
What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with rice, quinoa, steamed broccoli, or stir-fried veggies.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to 1 week and reheat before using.
How do I make it extra crispy?
For a crispier texture, coat the chicken in a light egg wash and panko breadcrumbs before baking.
Can I use chicken wings?
Yes! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 35 minutes, tossing with sauce halfway through.
Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes! It adds a slightly different sweetness but works well.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water, then stir it into the sauce while simmering.
What’s the best way to prevent dry chicken?
Bake just until the internal temp reaches 165°F and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Can I double the sauce?
Yes! Extra sauce is perfect for drizzling over rice or veggies.
Conclusion
This Baked Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and crispy textures. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or meal prep, this easy and flavorful dish is sure to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy homemade takeout-style chicken at its best!
PrintBaked Honey Garlic Chicken
This Baked Honey Garlic Chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and smothered in a sticky honey garlic sauce. A delicious, easy-to-make meal in under 40 minutes!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6 chicken thighs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup cornstarch (for a light crispy coating)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- â…“ 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)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 teaspoons water (to thicken)
For Garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
Instructions
1. Prep & Sear the Chicken
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Lightly coat the chicken in cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden (it will finish cooking in the oven).
2. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together honey, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 teaspoons water and stir it into the sauce.
- Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Bake the Chicken
- Place the seared chicken in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Spoon extra sauce over the chicken before serving.
4. Serve & Garnish
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, roasted veggies, or noodles.
Notes
- Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for a juicier texture.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness.
- Want it crispier? Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, then broil for 2–3 minutes to caramelize the sauce.