Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe

If you’re searching for that perfect mix of juicy, savory, sweet, and just a little bit sticky, look no further than this Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe. Drumsticks bask in a golden marinade of honey, soy, citrus, garlic, and ginger, soaking up all that flavor before being baked to crispy, caramelized perfection. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone running to the table, and the leftovers (if you have any) taste even better the next day. Whether you’re hosting friends or craving comfort food on a weeknight, this easy chicken dinner is sure to impress!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create such rich flavor and irresistible color. Each component plays a key role, from the sweetness of the honey to the zing of fresh ginger, blending into a glaze that transforms humble drumsticks into a star entrée.

• Chicken drumsticks (5 lbs): The dark meat stays juicy and tender while soaking up all the delicious marinade flavors.
• Honey (3/4 cup): Adds the signature sweetness and guarantees a glossy, caramelized finish on every bite.
• Soy sauce (1/2 cup): Brings deep, umami saltiness that perfectly balances the honey’s sweetness.
• Orange juice (1/4 cup): Lends a bright citrus punch that cuts through the richness and tenderizes the chicken.
• Dijon mustard (2 Tbsp): Offers subtle tang and complexity, making the glaze extra addictive.
• Garlic, minced (4 large cloves): Infuses the marinade with savory, aromatic depth.
• Fresh ginger, grated (1 Tbsp): Adds gentle heat and freshness, rounding out the flavors.
• Sesame seeds and chives (for garnish): Optional, but they add a final pop of color and crunch that makes the plate even more enticing.

How to Make Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade

Pour the honey, soy sauce, orange juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and grated ginger into a mixing bowl. Give it all a vigorous whisk until fully combined and glossy. You’ll instantly notice the aroma—sweet, citrusy, and savory all at once. Don’t skip this part: a silky, well-emulsified marinade ensures every drumstick gets evenly coated.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

This Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe is all about letting the flavors soak in. Pour the marinade over your drumsticks, either in a large zipper bag or a lidded container. Seal it tightly and refrigerate for at least 6 hours (overnight if you can). Give the bag a gentle turn every so often to make sure every piece is swimming in flavor—this step makes the chicken unbelievably succulent.

Step 3: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and move a rack to the center slot. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange the marinated chicken skin-side up on the sheet, without crowding (you want them to roast, not steam). Drizzle just enough leftover marinade to coat the bottom, then discard the rest in the bag.

Step 4: Bake to Tender Perfection

Slide the pan into your hot oven and bake for 25 minutes. Flip the drumsticks over so they’re skin-side down, then bake another 20 minutes—this step helps render the fat and keeps the meat juicy. For that irresistible crispy skin, flip them back to skin-side up and broil for another 3-4 minutes. Keep a close eye so they don’t burn; the honey caramelizes quickly!

Step 5: Make and Brush on the Glaze

While the chicken is baking, it’s glaze time. Take the 2/3 cup reserved marinade and bring it to a boil in a small saucepan. Lower the heat and let it bubble away for about 7 minutes, whisking occasionally, until it thickens into a syrup. When the drumsticks are done and smelling amazing, brush the hot glaze generously over each one, letting the flavors soak into every nook and cranny.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

For that final flourish, toss on a sprinkle of sesame seeds and finely chopped chives. Not only do they lend color and crunch, but they also add fresh contrast to the rich, sticky glaze—a finishing touch that’ll make your Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe truly photo-worthy.

How to Serve Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A generous shower of toasted sesame seeds gives extra crunch and nutty flavor, while a touch of fresh chives or scallions adds bright color and a pop of oniony freshness. If you love a little heat, a few pinches of red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chilies make a great garnish as well.

Side Dishes

The sticky-sweet glaze and juicy chicken beg to be paired with mellow, starchy sides like steamed jasmine rice or buttery mashed potatoes, which soak up extra sauce. For a colorful plate, serve with roasted vegetables (carrots, broccoli, or green beans are perfect), or a crunchy slaw tossed with sesame oil and citrus.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile the glazed drumsticks onto a wooden platter or rustic board for a casual, communal vibe. For a party, stand them upright in a shallow bowl so guests can grab and go. Or, slice the meat off the bone and mound it over a salad or noodles, drizzling with extra glaze—this Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe is as versatile as your imagination!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep any extra glaze separately, and brush it on just before reheating for a fresh, sticky finish. The flavors seem to deepen overnight, so don’t be surprised if the drumsticks taste even better the next day!

Freezing

This Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe freezes beautifully. Place the cooled drumsticks in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, squeezing out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat and brush with reserved or fresh glaze.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the chicken in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, covered loosely with foil to keep it moist, then uncover for a few final minutes to crisp up the skin. Microwaving works in a pinch, but nothing beats the flavor and texture you get from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken instead of drumsticks?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs are a fantastic substitute—they have enough fat to stay juicy in the oven. Just reduce the baking time to avoid overcooking, since boneless cuts cook faster than drumsticks.

Is it okay to marinate the chicken for less than 6 hours?

You’ll get the best results from a long marinade, but if you’re short on time, even an hour or two will begin to infuse flavor. The longer you wait, the more tender and tasty your Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe will be!

Can I make this recipe less sweet?

Definitely! Feel free to cut back on the honey a little or add an extra splash of soy sauce or a squeeze of lemon to boost savory flavors. Just taste as you go to hit your perfect balance.

What’s the best way to cook for a crowd?

Simply double the marinade and use two rimmed baking sheets if needed, making sure the chicken isn’t crowded so it roasts beautifully. This Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe scales up with ease for parties or potlucks.

Can I use this glaze for other proteins?

Absolutely! The honey-soy glaze works wonders on salmon, pork, or even roasted vegetables. Just adjust baking times depending on what you’re cooking.

Final Thoughts

If you try just one new chicken dinner this week, let it be the Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe—your taste buds will thank you! It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for company, and once you taste that sweet-savory glaze, you’ll come back to this recipe again and again.

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