Honey Baked Chicken – Sweet, Savory, and Perfectly Tender

Craving a chicken dinner that’s both easy and full of flavor? This Honey Baked Chicken is the answer! Coated in a sticky, golden glaze made from honey, butter, and spices, this dish is a comforting classic that delivers juicy meat and a caramelized crust every time.

Whether you’re feeding a weeknight crowd or preparing a Sunday dinner, this oven-baked chicken recipe is guaranteed to be a hit!

What Is Honey Baked Chicken?

Honey Baked Chicken is an oven-roasted chicken dish glazed with a sweet and savory blend of honey, butter, soy sauce, and seasonings. As it bakes, the glaze caramelizes into a sticky coating that locks in moisture and flavor. It’s a simple recipe that turns everyday chicken into something extraordinary.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Minimal ingredients & prep
✅ Sweet and savory glaze with deep flavor
✅ Works with chicken thighs, breasts, or drumsticks
✅ Great for meal prep, weeknights, or potlucks

Ingredients

For 4–6 servings, you’ll need:

2 to 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken (thighs, legs, or breasts)
½ cup honey
¼ cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or thyme (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.

2. Make the Glaze

In a bowl, whisk together honey, melted butter, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Prepare the Chicken

Place chicken pieces in the baking dish, skin-side up. Pour the glaze over the chicken, coating each piece evenly.

4. Bake

Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Baste the chicken with the glaze once or twice during baking.

5. Serve

Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken and garnish with chopped parsley or thyme.

Tips for Success

Crispy skin tip: Broil the chicken for the last 3–5 minutes for a crispier finish.
No bone-in chicken? Boneless thighs or breasts work too—just reduce the cooking time to ~30–35 minutes.
Make ahead: Mix the glaze and marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.

️ What to Serve with Honey Baked Chicken

Pair this sweet and sticky chicken with:

Garlic mashed potatoes
Steamed green beans or broccoli
Buttery rice or quinoa
Roasted carrots or sweet potatoes

Its rich, sweet-savory glaze complements both hearty and light sides.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 325°F or microwave until warmed through.
Freeze baked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes! Just reduce the cooking time and keep an eye on doneness to avoid overcooking.

Q: Can I add other spices or herbs?
Absolutely! Try thyme, rosemary, mustard powder, or even a dash of cayenne for heat.

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, but it won’t caramelize the same. To finish, broil the cooked chicken for 5 minutes for a golden crust.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Baked Chicken is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a rich glaze that turns every bite into pure comfort. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights but tasty enough for guests.