Honey Glazed Chicken

Honey Glazed Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish where tender chicken is coated in a glossy, sweet, and savory honey glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish brings together a balance of rich umami and subtle sweetness, creating a mouthwatering result that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Convenient: Ready in under an hour with simple preparation steps.

• Bold Flavor: A delicious combination of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and aromatic garlic.

• Perfect Texture: The glaze caramelizes slightly, coating the juicy chicken in a sticky, flavorful sauce.

• Versatile: Works well with a variety of chicken cuts—breasts, thighs, wings, or drumsticks.

• Crowd-Pleaser: A family favorite that appeals to all ages and can be easily doubled for larger groups.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)

• Honey

• Soy sauce

• Garlic cloves, minced

• Olive oil or butter

• Salt and black pepper

• Optional: red pepper flakes or chili paste for heat

• Optional: fresh parsley or sesame seeds for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken
   Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and black pepper.

2. Sear the Chicken
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4–5 minutes per side.

3. Make the Glaze
   In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes or chili paste if using.

4. Add the Glaze
   Pour the honey glaze into the skillet with the chicken. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, turning the chicken occasionally to coat it in the glaze.

5. Finish Cooking
   Continue to simmer until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the glaze is thickened and sticky, about 10–15 minutes.

6. Serve
   Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley or sesame seeds if desired, and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes

• Total Time: 35–40 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Twist: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy-sweet glaze.

• Citrus Flavor: Add a splash of orange or lemon juice to the glaze for brightness.

• Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil to the glaze for added aroma.

• Oven-Baked Option: Bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, brushing with glaze halfway through.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Freeze cooked, cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen the glaze.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, chicken breasts work well but cook faster. Monitor closely to avoid overcooking.

Is this dish spicy?

Not unless you add chili or red pepper flakes. It’s primarily sweet and savory.

Can I bake the chicken instead of cooking on the stove?

Yes. Bake at 375°F (190°C) and baste with glaze midway through baking.

Can I use boneless chicken?

Absolutely. Boneless thighs or breasts cook quicker and still absorb the glaze beautifully.

How do I prevent the glaze from burning?

Simmer on low heat and stir occasionally. If it thickens too fast, add a small amount of water.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas pair well and can be added during the last few minutes of cooking.

What sides go well with Honey Glazed Chicken?

Steamed rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad complement this dish well.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes. The glaze can be mixed and refrigerated up to 2 days in advance.

Can I make this in the air fryer?

Yes. Air fry the chicken at 375°F (190°C) until cooked, then toss with warmed glaze.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion

Honey Glazed Chicken is a quick, flavorful dish that turns simple ingredients into a satisfying meal. With its perfect balance of sweet and savory, it’s ideal for both weeknight dinners and entertaining guests. Whether served with rice, vegetables, or on its own, this dish is sure to impress every time.