Honey Soy Baked Chicken

Enjoy the delicious flavors of Honey Soy Baked Chicken, a savory dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the umami richness of soy sauce. This recipe is perfect for a flavorful and easy-to-make meal.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is ideal for anyone who loves tender, juicy chicken with a sweet and tangy glaze. The marinade infuses the chicken with rich flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for both family dinners and gatherings with friends.

How to Make Honey Soy Baked Chicken

Ingredients:

1.25 – 1.5 kg (2.5 – 3 lb) skinless boneless chicken thighs or breast
1 tbsp vegetable oil, for cooking

Honey Soy Marinade Sauce:

1/2 cup soy sauce (all-purpose or light, not dark)
2/3 cup honey (can substitute with maple syrup)
1/3 cup cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
1/4 cup Chinese cooking wine or dry sherry
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
1 1/2 tbsp garlic, finely minced

Serving Sauce:

1/3 cup water
1 1/2 tsp cornflour/cornstarch

Garnishes (Optional):

Green onion, finely sliced
Sesame seeds

Instructions:

Marinade Sauce:
- Combine all marinade sauce ingredients in a jug and mix until honey is dissolved. Reserve 1/4 cup for basting and 2/3 cup for the serving sauce. Refrigerate both.
Marinade Chicken:
- Place chicken in a container and pour the remaining marinade over it. Coat the chicken thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, ideally 24 to 48 hours.
Serving Sauce:
- Transfer the reserved sauce to a small saucepan. Mix cornflour and water in a bowl, then add to the saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring regularly until it thickens to a syrupy consistency. Set aside and keep warm.
Cooking:
- Preheat BBQ plate or grill to medium-high heat, or heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- For chicken thighs: Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping and basting with the reserved sauce every minute, until internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
- For chicken breast: Cook for about 8 minutes, flipping and basting every 45 seconds, until internal temperature reaches 66°C (151°F).
Rest and Serve:
- Transfer cooked chicken to a serving plate, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onion. Serve with the warm serving sauce on the side for dipping.

How to Serve Honey Soy Baked Chicken

Serve this chicken dish hot, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. Pair it with steamed rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

How to Store Honey Soy Baked Chicken

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Tips to Make Honey Soy Baked Chicken

Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade for maximum flavor absorption.
Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or substituting with maple syrup.
For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 24 hours before cooking.

FAQs

1. Can I use dark soy sauce instead of light soy sauce? It’s best to use light soy sauce for this recipe as dark soy sauce has a stronger flavor that may overwhelm the other ingredients.

2. What can I substitute for Chinese cooking wine or dry sherry? You can substitute with mirin or omit it, but it adds depth to the marinade.

3. Can I bake this chicken instead of grilling or pan-frying? Yes, you can bake it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through, basting occasionally with the reserved sauce.