The Best Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Golden-brown chicken pieces glazed with honey garlic sauce spark irresistible dinner cravings every single time.

This mouthwatering honey garlic chicken recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort.

Tender chicken breasts absorb a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes.

The simple marinade combines pantry staples for maximum deliciousness.

Each bite promises a delectable combination of caramelized honey and aromatic garlic.

Weeknight dinners never looked so good with this quick and easy recipe.

You’ll want to keep this crowd-pleasing dish in your regular meal rotation.

Baked Honey Garlic Chicken: Batch Favorites

• Whip Up Quickly: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe takes minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor with simple ingredients you likely have in your kitchen.
• Customize Your Kick: Easily adjust spice levels by adding or reducing red pepper flakes, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and family members.
• Create Restaurant-Quality Meal: Transform ordinary chicken into a succulent dish with a glossy, sweet-savory sauce that looks and tastes like a professional chef prepared it.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Packed with familiar flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, this chicken recipe guarantees clean plates and happy smiles around the dinner table.

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean meat that serves as the primary protein in this delicious dish.

• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a glossy, caramelized coating.
• Chicken Broth, Soy Sauce: Provide depth of flavor and savory undertones to the sauce.
• Garlic: Brings bold, aromatic flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a subtle tangy note to balance the sweetness of the honey.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth, glossy texture.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient that adds a gentle heat to the dish.

Instructions for Baking Sweet Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Chicken

Crank up the oven to a toasty 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grab your chicken breasts and gently pound them between plastic wrap until they’re evenly thick, ensuring perfect cooking throughout.

Step 2: First Baking Round

Nestle the chicken into a 9×13 baking dish.

Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper to awaken the flavors.

Slide the dish into the hot oven and bake for a crisp 10 minutes.

Step 3: Craft Magical Sauce

• Honey
• Chicken broth
• Soy sauce
• Minced garlic
• Vinegar
• Salt
• Cornstarch
• Red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)

Blend until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Final Baking Transformation

Pour the tantalizing sauce over the partially cooked chicken, coating each piece generously.

Return to the oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes.

Listen for the sizzle and watch for the golden glow.

Ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 5: Let the Flavors Settle

Remove from the oven and cover the dish.

Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes.

This magical pause lets the juices redistribute, creating a supremely tender and succulent meal.

Tips for Sticky, Tender Baked Chicken

• Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to create uniform chicken thickness, ensuring consistent cooking and preventing dry edges.
• Whisk cornstarch thoroughly to avoid lumps, creating a smooth, glossy sauce that perfectly coats the chicken.
• Mince garlic finely for stronger flavor or use larger chunks for milder taste, adjusting to personal preference.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 165F, guaranteeing safe and juicy results every time.
• Swap regular soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.

Fun Variations for Honey Garlic Lovers

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe gluten-free and suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce salt content, swap regular soy sauce for a low-sodium alternative to decrease overall sodium levels.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Increase red pepper flakes or add sriracha sauce to the honey garlic mixture for those who enjoy more heat in their chicken dish.
• Herb-Infused Alternative: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the sauce for an aromatic and elevated flavor profile that complements the honey and garlic.

Serving Suggestions for Honey Garlic Chicken

• Flavor Pairing Paradise: Serve this sweet-savory chicken alongside fluffy white rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious honey garlic sauce.
• Veggie Companions: Roast broccoli, asparagus, or green beans with light olive oil and salt to complement the chicken's rich flavors.
• Fresh Finish: Sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top for a bright, crisp garnish that adds color and subtle herbal notes.
• Wine & Dine: Pair with a crisp Riesling or light Pinot Grigio to balance the sweet and tangy sauce perfectly.

Storing Chicken for Meal Prep

• Store any remaining chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chicken whole or sliced to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Wrap cooled chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for a quick future meal.
• Warm chicken in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to prevent drying out. Add a splash of chicken broth to help retain moisture if needed.
• Keep leftover sauce separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Use as a delicious marinade or dipping sauce for other dishes.

FAQs

• Is cornstarch necessary for the sauce?

Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy, smooth texture. Without it, the sauce might be thinner and less clingy to the chicken.

• Can I use different types of honey?

Yes, any honey works – clover, wildflower, or raw honey. Each will slightly alter the sauce’s flavor profile, but all will taste delicious.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy.

• What if my chicken breasts are different sizes?

Flatten them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.

Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent honey garlic chicken brings Mediterranean comfort right to your dinner table. Golden-brown chicken pieces glazed with sweet and savory sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 grams) black pepper

Honey Garlic Sauce:

• 2/3 cup (160 milliliters) clear honey
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) low sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 grams) salt
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) corn starch

Optional Seasoning:

• Red pepper flakes to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and gently pound chicken breasts between plastic wrap to ensure uniform thickness for even cooking.
2. Arrange seasoned chicken in a 9×13 baking dish, sprinkling with salt and pepper. Roast for 10 minutes to initiate the cooking process.
3. Craft the flavor-packed sauce by whisking honey, chicken broth, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, salt, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes until smooth and well-integrated.
4. Generously drench chicken with the prepared sauce, returning the dish to the oven. Continue baking for 10-12 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
5. Remove from oven and tent with foil, allowing the chicken to rest and absorb additional sauce for 10 minutes before serving, which helps maintain moisture and enhances overall flavor profile.

Notes

• Ensure chicken breasts are evenly pounded to guarantee uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Flattening helps chicken cook quickly and absorb more delicious honey garlic sauce.
• Use a meat mallet or rolling pin between plastic wrap for gentle, even pounding.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve golden-brown exterior and better sauce adherence.
• Check internal temperature with meat thermometer for perfect doneness without overcooking.
• Swap honey with maple syrup for alternative sweetness or agave for vegan option.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free alternative.
• Add red pepper flakes sparingly to control heat level and customize spiciness.
• Let chicken rest after baking to redistribute juices and maintain maximum tenderness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 59g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 75mg