Sweet & Savory Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe Everyone Will Love

Crispy golden chicken meets sweet and savory magic in this irresistible baked honey garlic chicken recipe that will make your taste buds dance.

Each tender bite promises a flavor explosion that feels almost too good to be real.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

The combination of honey’s natural sweetness and robust garlic creates a mouthwatering glaze that clings perfectly to each chicken piece.

Succulent meat emerges from the oven with a gorgeous caramelized exterior that looks like it came from a professional kitchen.

Home cooks can easily master this simple yet impressive dish that feels elegant without complicated techniques.

Quick, straightforward, and absolutely delectable – you will want to add this recipe to your regular rotation.

Grab your apron and let’s make dinner spectacular!

How To Cook Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for an easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Garlic powder

Step 3: Create a Crispy Coating

Dust the chicken with a light layer of cornstarch. Shake off any extra – we want a delicate, not clumpy, coating.

Step 4: Sear to Perfection

Fire up a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. The pan should be hot and ready to create some serious sizzle.

Step 5: Golden Brown Magic

Slide the chicken into the pan and let it dance around for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown exterior that’ll make your mouth water.

Step 6: Honey Garlic Glaze Prep

• Honey
• Minced garlic
• Soy sauce
• Butter
• Fresh thyme leaves

Step 7: Bake and Glaze

Transfer the golden chicken to the prepared baking dish. Lovingly pour the honey garlic sauce over the top, making sure each piece gets a generous coating.

Step 8: Oven Time

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The chicken should be completely cooked through and the sauce will become a sticky, caramelized dream.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after pulling it from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is incredibly tender and juicy.

Serving Suggestion

Plate up your masterpiece over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside roasted vegetables. Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips To Nail Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Every Time

• Optimize Chicken Texture: Pat chicken completely dry to ensure a crispy, golden exterior that locks in delicious juices and prevents soggy coating.
• Master Cornstarch Technique: Dust chicken lightly and evenly with cornstarch for a perfectly crisp, light breading that creates an amazing golden crust without being heavy.
• Choose Quality Meat: Select fresh, boneless chicken breasts of similar size to guarantee even cooking and consistent flavor throughout the dish.
• Control Moisture Level: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature (165°F) for perfectly cooked chicken that remains juicy and tender.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum flavor and preventing dry meat.

How To Store Baked Honey Garlic Chicken With Care

• Carefully transfer leftover chicken to an airtight container, ensuring a tight seal to maintain freshness.
• Refrigerate within two hours of cooking, keeping the chicken in the coolest part of your fridge.
• Consume stored chicken within 3-4 days for the best taste and texture.
• Gently reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to preserve the crispy coating and prevent drying out – add a splash of chicken broth to keep the meat moist and delicious.
• Avoid freezing this dish, as the honey garlic sauce may separate and change the chicken's texture when thawed.

Perfect Pairings For Baked Honey Garlic Chicken

• Enhance with Roasted Vegetables: Surround the chicken with colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots to create a balanced, nutritious meal that soaks up the delicious honey garlic sauce.
• Pair with Fluffy Jasmine Rice: Serve the chicken over steamed jasmine rice to capture every drop of the sweet and savory sauce, providing a perfect complement to the crispy chicken exterior.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the dish, its bright acidity balancing the honey's sweetness and garlic's intensity.
• Cool Down with Cucumber Salad: Create a light, refreshing side of sliced cucumbers dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil to provide a cool contrast to the warm, flavorful chicken.

Ways To Switch Up Baked Honey Garlic Chicken

• Spicy Honey Chili Chicken: Add red pepper flakes and cayenne to the honey garlic sauce for a fiery kick that tingles your taste buds.
• Lemon Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh rosemary, thyme, and a splash of lemon juice to brighten the chicken's flavor profile with zesty Mediterranean notes.
• Asian-Inspired Sesame Glaze: Replace honey with soy sauce and brown sugar, then sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the chicken for an umami-rich transformation.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Mix dried oregano, basil, and crumbled feta cheese into the coating for a greek-style version that brings Mediterranean warmth to your plate.

Your Questions On Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Answered

• Why do I need to pat the chicken dry before cooking?

Patting the chicken dry helps create a crispy exterior by removing excess moisture, allowing the seasonings to stick better and ensuring a more even sear.

• What does cornstarch do in this recipe?

Cornstarch creates a light, crispy coating on the chicken, helps the seasonings adhere, and provides a golden-brown color when seared and baked.

• Can I use a different type of oil instead of olive oil?

Yes, you can substitute olive oil with vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil. Just choose an oil with a high smoke point for searing.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it’s safe to eat.

Why Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Is Sweet, Sticky, And Savory

• Minimize Kitchen Chaos: This recipe requires minimal prep work and uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, making it perfect for busy weeknights when cooking feels like a chore.
• Quick Cooking Magic: From start to finish, you'll have a delicious meal ready in under 45 minutes, allowing you to spend less time cooking and more time enjoying dinner with your family.
• Restaurant-Quality Flavor at Home: The combination of searing and baking creates a beautifully golden exterior with tender, juicy chicken that rivals your favorite restaurant dishes, but at a fraction of the cost.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: The honey garlic sauce offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal family meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Baked Honey Garlic Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the main base of the dish, best when boneless and skinless for even cooking.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder: Classic seasoning blend that adds depth and warmth to the chicken's flavor profile.
• Cornstarch: Creates a light, crispy exterior that helps the chicken brown beautifully and lock in moisture.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden sear and prevents chicken from sticking to the pan, provides a subtle fruity undertone.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that caramelizes during baking, creating a glossy and flavorful glaze.
• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent flavor that complements the sweetness of honey, best when fresh and finely minced.

Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent honey garlic chicken delights palates with its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Crispy, caramelized edges and juicy meat promise a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

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

Spices and Seasonings:

• 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)

Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by warming the oven to 375F (190C) and creating a non-stick surface using parchment paper or a light grease coating in a suitable baking dish.
2. Thoroughly eliminate moisture from the chicken pieces using clean paper towels, ensuring a crisp exterior during cooking.
3. Season the chicken with a harmonious blend of salt, ground black pepper, smoky paprika, and aromatic garlic powder, massaging the spices gently into the meat’s surface.
4. Create a delicate protective layer by dusting the chicken with a fine cornstarch coating, carefully shaking off any excess powder to prevent clumping.
5. Select a large skillet and warm olive oil over medium-high heat, allowing the surface to become shimmering and hot.
6. Carefully place chicken pieces into the skillet, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust through strategic searing, which typically requires approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
7. Transfer the partially cooked chicken from the skillet directly into the prepared baking dish, positioning pieces with space between them to ensure even heat circulation.
8. Drizzle the honey garlic sauce comprehensively over the chicken, making certain each piece receives an even glaze that will caramelize during baking.
9. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and roast until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature and displays a rich, glossy exterior, typically taking 15-20 minutes.
10. Remove from the oven and allow a brief resting period of 3-5 minutes, which helps redistribute internal juices and complete the cooking process.

Notes

• For crispy exterior, ensure chicken is completely dry before coating with cornstarch to help create a golden, crunchy layer.
• Adjust honey garlic sauce thickness by adding more cornstarch if you prefer a thicker glaze or water if you want it thinner.
• Use chicken breasts of similar size and thickness to guarantee even cooking and prevent drying out the meat.
• Swap honey with maple syrup or agave for alternative sweeteners, making the recipe friendly for different dietary preferences.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg