If you are craving an irresistibly flavorful and comforting dinner, this Sticky Honey Soy Baked Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks Recipe is exactly what you need. The combination of sweet honey and salty soy sauce creates a gorgeous sticky glaze that perfectly coats tender, juicy chicken pieces baked to golden perfection. This dish is not only a feast for your taste buds but also incredibly easy to throw together, making it a reliable go-to for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation, bursting with savory, sweet, and umami notes in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Sticky Honey Soy Baked Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks Recipe lies in its simple but powerful ingredients. Each element plays a key role—honey provides natural sweetness and helps create that characteristic sticky coating, soy sauce delivers depth and saltiness, and fresh aromatics like garlic and onion build an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.
- Chicken thighs or drumsticks (1.2kg/2.4lb): Bone-in and skin-on pieces are best for juicy meat and crispy skin.
- Red onion: Adds subtle sweetness and caramelizes beautifully while baking.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for pungent, savory notes that enhance the glaze.
- Honey (3 tbsp): Sweetens and helps create that signature sticky finish.
- Soy sauce (3 tbsp): Adds salty, umami richness that balances the sweetness.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp): Introduces a mild tang to brighten the glaze.
- Sesame oil (1 tsp): Provides a toasty, nutty undertone.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds a mild kick to enhance all the flavors.
- Sesame seeds: Garnish that adds crunch and a nutty flavor burst.
- Fresh coriander/cilantro leaves: A fresh, herbaceous finish that lifts the dish.
How to Make Sticky Honey Soy Baked Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F) or 180°C if using a fan oven. This temperature ensures the chicken cooks through beautifully while giving the skin a chance to crisp just right.
Step 2: Line Your Baking Dish
Line a baking dish with foil first, then top with baking paper. This helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking. Arrange the chicken and onion wedges so that the pieces fit comfortably—not too spread out or tightly packed—to allow the glaze to do its magic without drying out or remaining runny.
Step 3: Mix the Glaze
In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and black pepper. Stir well to blend all these wonderful flavors into a smooth, sticky glaze.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken and Onion
Place the chicken skin side down in the baking dish along with the red onion wedges. Pour the glaze evenly over the chicken and onions, making sure each piece gets a delicious coating that will caramelize as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake Until Sticky and Golden
Bake the chicken for 25 minutes, then carefully flip each piece over. Continue baking for another 25 to 35 minutes until the skin is a beautiful golden brown and the glaze has thickened into a sticky, syrupy finish. If the glaze seems too runny when the chicken is done, remove the chicken pieces and pop the pan back in the oven for a few minutes to reduce the sauce further.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Turn the chicken pieces in the thickened glaze to coat thoroughly. Spoon any extra glaze over the top to make every bite burst with sticky, flavorful goodness. Now your Sticky Honey Soy Baked Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Sticky Honey Soy Baked Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh coriander or cilantro leaves adds a lovely crunch and fresh aroma that cuts through the richness of the glaze. These simple garnishes really elevate the dish and make it feel special every time.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside fluffy steamed rice to soak up the luscious glaze and some simple steamed greens like bok choy, broccoli, or green beans for balance. The mildness of these sides complements the bold flavors of the chicken perfectly without overpowering.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner, simply plate the chicken with sides and garnish. To impress guests, try serving the chicken pieces in a rustic wooden board with bowls of jasmine rice, pickled vegetables, or a refreshing cucumber salad on the side. A drizzle of extra glaze on the plate adds a professional touch and makes the dish feel extra indulgent.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftover chicken to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, maintaining much of its sticky glaze and juicy texture.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for busy days, you can freeze the cooked chicken in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Reheating in the oven keeps the skin crispy and the glaze sticky—far better than the microwave, which can soften the texture.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bone-in, skin-on chicken gives the best flavor and texture, boneless pieces can work well too. Just reduce the baking time slightly since boneless chicken cooks faster and be careful not to dry it out.
Is there a substitute for honey in the glaze?
You can swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer. Both will provide sweetness and help create that sticky glaze, although the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken in the glaze for a few hours or overnight in the fridge before baking to deepen the flavors. Just be sure to bake it fresh for the best texture and stickiness.
What can I use instead of soy sauce if I am gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, tamari or coconut aminos are excellent substitutes that keep the umami sweetness intact without gluten.
How sticky should the glaze be when finished?
The glaze should be thick and syrupy, clinging to each piece of chicken nicely. If it’s too runny, you can return the pan to the oven for a few minutes without the chicken until it reduces to the perfect consistency.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Sticky Honey Soy Baked Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks Recipe, you’ll see why it’s such a beloved classic in so many kitchens. It’s effortlessly flavorful, fun to make, and hits all the right notes of sweet, salty, and umami with that incredible sticky finish. Perfect for casual dinners or sharing with friends, this dish will keep you coming back for more with every bite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious!
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Sticky Honey Soy Baked Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 5 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Sticky Honey Soy Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs or drumsticks baked to perfection with a sweet and savory glaze made from honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of vinegar. The chicken is baked until perfectly browned and sticky, then garnished with sesame seeds and fresh coriander for a deliciously flavorful meal that’s perfect served with rice and steamed greens.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1.2kg / 2.4lb bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs OR drumsticks (5 – 6 pieces)
- 1 red onion, peeled, cut into wedges
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Glaze
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or ordinary white vinegar)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh coriander/cilantro leaves (or other green herbs like green onion, parsley, chives)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) or 180°C fan-forced to prepare for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Line a baking dish with foil followed by baking paper to prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken and onion in the dish so the pieces are comfortably spaced—not too far apart so the glaze doesn’t dry out, nor too close to avoid insufficient glaze thickening.
- Make Glaze: In a bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix well to create the sticky glaze.
- Apply Glaze: Place the chicken pieces skin-side down on the onions in the prepared dish. Pour the glaze evenly over the chicken and onions.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake for 25 minutes initially. Then flip the chicken pieces over and continue baking for another 25 to 35 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and the glaze has thickened to a sticky syrup consistency. If needed, remove the chicken and return the baking dish with glaze to the oven briefly to reduce further.
- Coat Chicken: Turn the chicken pieces again and spoon the sticky glaze over them to thoroughly coat and enhance flavor and shine.
- Serve: Serve the sticky honey soy chicken hot, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh coriander or your choice of green herbs. It pairs excellently with steamed rice and greens for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks for best flavor and tenderness.
- Soy sauce adds saltiness, so adjust seasoning accordingly if using low-sodium varieties.
- Lining the baking dish properly ensures easy cleanup and helps the glaze stick to the chicken.
- If glaze is not thick enough after baking, continue reducing it alone in the oven to get the perfect sticky consistency.
- Fresh coriander or cilantro adds a bright herbaceous finish, but green onions or parsley work well too.
