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
Scale
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.
