Honey Glazed Chicken

This quick and easy Honey Glazed Chicken is the perfect balance of sweet and savory! Juicy, tender chicken coated with a rich, sticky honey glaze creates a mouthwatering flavor that will leave you wanting more. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a special occasion.

Love honey and chicken? Here are more recipes to try with this mouthwatering combination: Honey Mustard Chicken, Honey Garlic Chicken, and Honey BBQ Chicken Strips.

Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe

Okay, foodies, I hope you’re ready to drool! Today, I’m sharing my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: Honey Glazed Chicken. This dish is a total crowd-pleaser, and it’s so easy to whip up too, even on the busiest of days. The secret to this recipe lies in the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Imagine juicy, tender chicken coated in a sticky, irresistible glaze that’s both tangy and sweet. It’s pure comfort food magic!

This easy chicken recipe has the perfect blend of flavors with the fewest possible ingredients. The result? Melt-in-your-mouth chicken that the whole family will love! This chicken definitely has teriyaki flavors with the blend of honey, pineapple and soy sauce and the garlic and ginger really add depth of flavor. But don’t worry—I’ll walk you through every step, from marinating to glazing. Trust me, once you try this honey-glazed chicken, it’s going to become a staple in your weekly dinner rotation.

I’m always coming up with new chicken drumstick recipes because my boys love drumsticks. That being said, this recipe is delicious with any cut of chicken – thighs are a great choice!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful: This honey glazed chicken drumsticks recipe is an absolute flavor explosion! The perfect blend of sweet, salty, and savory will tantalize your taste buds. The honey glaze creates a deliciously crispy exterior while keeping the chicken incredibly juicy on the inside. It’s a match made in flavor heaven!
• Quick and Easy: This recipe is a total time-saver. With minimal prep work and easy-to-find ingredients, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in no time. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner solution when you’re craving something special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen either.
• Versatile: Serve it with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. It’s also fantastic for meal prepping – just reheat leftovers for a quick and satisfying lunch the next day!

How to Make Honey Glazed Chicken

When it comes to making honey glazed chicken, we’ll bake the chicken first to lock in those yummy juices. Then, it’s time to transform it with a sticky, sweet, and savory glaze that’s literally pure magic! As always, you can find the full printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Prepare Marinade

1. Whisk together honey, soy sauce, pineapple juice, minced garlic and ground ginger.

Marinate Chicken

1. Place the chicken in a large bowl or ziploc bag.
2. Pour half of the marinade over the top and massage into the chicken. (Refrigerate the remaining half of the marinade for now.)
3. Cover the bowl or seal the bag, removing as much air as possible.
4. Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours (no longer), turning the chicken occasionally so that all pieces are being marinated well.

Bake Chicken

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
2. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. Transfer the remaining half of the marinade to a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Let simmer for about 10 minutes.
4. Whisk the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of the hot marinade.
5. Whisk the slurry into the marinade and simmer for one minute. Remove from heat.
6. Brush glaze on chicken and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until glaze is shiny and sticky.
7. Serve immediately. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you like.

I recommend marinating the chicken for 2-3 hours, but not much longer. After too long, the acid in the pineapple or orange juice will start to break down the chicken’s fibers, making it turn soft and mushy.

Storage Information

Refrigerator: Place cooled chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheat: To reheat, gently warm the chicken in the oven or microwave. Be careful not to overcook, as this can dry out the chicken.

Variations to Try

• Add a bit of heat with a dash of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper in the glaze.
• Drizzle sriracha or hot honey over the finished chicken.
• Honey can be substituted with maple syrup, agave or brown sugar. Keep in mind that this substitution will change the flavor of the chicken. 
• Use chicken thighs instead of chicken drumsticks. You can also use chicken breasts or chicken wings just be aware that cooking times will be different so ensure that all chicken reaches 165°F before serving. 

Trish’s Tips

• Allow the chicken to marinate in the honey glaze for 2-3 hours, but no longer, for maximum flavor infusion.
• Don’t over bake. Overbaking can dry out the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• For the best flavor and texture, enjoy the chicken immediately after baking while the glaze is still warm and sticky.

Alternate Cooking Methods

• Grill. The chicken can be grilled over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Baste with the glaze during the last few minutes of grilling.
• Air Fryer. Cook the chicken in a preheated air fryer at 380° for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Toss them in the glaze and either serve or return to the air fryer for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This delicious honey glazed chicken pairs perfectly with a variety of different sides. Here are a few of my favorites that you can serve with it:

• Mac and Cheese
• Mashed Potatoes
• Garlic Roasted Potatoes
• Baked Sweet Potato
• Baked French Fries
• Green veggies (broccoli, green beans, or asparagus)
• Green salad or Asian-inspired salad
• Rice, quinoa or couscous

More Easy Chicken Recipes

1. Chicken Piccata
2. Glazed Honey Balsamic Chicken
3. Cornflake Chicken
4. Bacon Wrapped Chicken
5. Chicken Stir Fry