Name: Baked Honey Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1/3 cup pure honey; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon cornstarch

If you’re looking for a delightful and easy-to-make dish that will impress your family or guests, look no further than baked honey garlic chicken. This recipe combines the rich flavors of honey and garlic into tender chicken pieces, creating a mouthwatering meal that is both sweet and savory. The best part? You can whip it up in under an hour with just a few common ingredients. Whether you’re serving it over rice or alongside roasted vegetables, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about making baked honey garlic chicken from scratch, including tips on preparation, cooking methods, and variations to try. Get ready to enjoy a delicious homemade meal that’s bursting with flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Honey Garlic Chicken

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners

Ingredients for Baked Honey Garlic Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor

For the Sauce:

Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness
Honey: Opt for pure honey for the best sweetness; local varieties often provide unique flavors
Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil helps coat the chicken evenly and adds richness
Cornstarch: This will help thicken the sauce slightly during cooking

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Baked Honey Garlic Chicken

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, and cornstarch until well combined.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts. Ensure each piece is well-coated with the mixture. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while your oven preheats.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (75°C).

Step 5: Broil for Additional Flavor

For an extra caramelized finish, switch your oven to broil mode after baking for about five minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer to plates and drizzle with remaining sauce from the baking dish for the perfect finishing touch.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
Advanced Technique: For enhanced flavor, try marinating the ingredients overnight

How to Serve Baked Honey Garlic Chicken

This Baked Honey Garlic Chicken is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken in the honey garlic sauce for up to 24 hours before baking. This enhances flavor and saves time on cooking day. Store the marinated chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Storing: Leftover Baked Honey Garlic Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, consider freezing it, where it will remain good for about three months.
Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring they stay moist.

Suggestions for Baked Honey Garlic Chicken

Choose the Right Cut of Chicken

Selecting the right cut of chicken is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your Baked Honey Garlic Chicken. Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Thighs remain juicier during cooking, absorbing flavors more effectively. Additionally, they have a higher fat content, which enhances the overall taste. Avoid using whole chickens or wings as these cuts may not cook evenly and could lead to a dry outcome. Remember that uniformity in size promotes even cooking, so consider trimming larger pieces to match smaller ones.

Marinating Time Matters

Marinating your chicken is essential to infuse it with the sweet and savory flavors of honey and garlic. However, marinating for too long can lead to an overpowering taste or mushy texture. Aim for a marination period of at least 30 minutes but no more than 24 hours. This timeframe allows the chicken to absorb enough flavor without compromising its integrity. Using an airtight container or zip-top bag can help ensure that the marinade coats every piece evenly, enhancing flavor while preventing any mess.

Temperature Control is Key

Baked Honey Garlic Chicken requires careful attention to temperature control for optimal results. Cooking at too high a temperature may cause the exterior to burn before the inside is fully cooked. Conversely, cooking at too low a temperature can result in undercooked chicken. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for best results. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (75°C). This ensures your dish is safe to eat while maintaining moistness and tenderness.

Balance Sweetness and Saltiness

Finding the right balance between sweetness from honey and saltiness from soy sauce is essential when preparing Baked Honey Garlic Chicken. Too much honey can make the dish overly sweet while too much soy sauce can render it salty and unappetizing. Start with equal parts of both ingredients, then adjust according to your taste preferences. Consider adding garlic or ginger for an extra flavor kick but be cautious not to overpower the main ingredients. Taste test your marinade before applying it to ensure a delicious final dish.

FAQs

What are some good side dishes for Baked Honey Garlic Chicken?

Pairing side dishes with your Baked Honey Garlic Chicken enhances your meal experience. Consider serving steamed broccoli or green beans for freshness and crunch. Rice or quinoa absorbs excess sauce beautifully, making them excellent choices for this dish as well. If you’re looking for something more substantial, mashed potatoes or baked sweet potatoes provide comforting flavors that complement the honey garlic glaze perfectly. Mixing textures helps create a well-rounded meal that delights every palate.

Can I make Baked Honey Garlic Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Baked Honey Garlic Chicken ahead of time! Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. You can also cook it entirely and refrigerate leftovers for up to three days—just reheat in the oven until warmed through. This makes it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or meal prep enthusiasts who want flavorful meals without spending extra time cooking.

How do I store leftover Baked Honey Garlic Chicken?

To store leftover Baked Honey Garlic Chicken properly, allow it to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated, where it will stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep leftovers longer, consider freezing them instead; they can last up to three months when properly sealed in freezer-safe bags or containers. When reheating, use an oven or microwave but ensure that you heat thoroughly until reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?

Absolutely! While Baked Honey Garlic Chicken is delicious on its own, you can adapt this recipe using other meats such as pork tenderloin or shrimp, which also pair beautifully with honey and garlic flavors. Just remember that cooking times will vary depending on the type of protein used; shrimp cooks quickly while pork may require longer than chicken thighs. Adjust marinade times accordingly based on your chosen meat’s characteristics for delicious results every time.

Conclusion

Baked Honey Garlic Chicken offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that captivates diners’ taste buds. By selecting the right cut of chicken and paying attention to marination time, you set yourself up for success in creating this dish. Controlling oven temperature ensures moistness while balancing sweetness with saltiness enhances overall flavor profiles beautifully.