Honey Glazed Chicken (Sweet, Sticky & Savory)
Honey Glazed Chicken is a timeless favorite that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. Tender chicken coated in a glossy honey glaze, lightly caramelized and full of flavor, makes this dish irresistible. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough to serve to guests.
Whether baked, pan-seared, or grilled, honey glazed chicken delivers comfort and bold taste in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Simple ingredients, big flavor
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Sweet, sticky glaze with a savory finish
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Juicy, tender chicken every time
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Ready in under 40 minutes
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Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing
Ingredients (Serves 4)
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4 chicken thighs or chicken breasts (boneless or bone-in)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Honey Glaze
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⅓ cup honey
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
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½ tsp paprika
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¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Make the Honey Glaze
Lower heat to medium. In the same pan, add honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, paprika, and chili flakes.
Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Glaze the Chicken
Return chicken to the pan. Spoon the glaze over the chicken and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and coated in a sticky, caramelized sauce.
5. Serve
Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes. Spoon extra glaze over the chicken before serving.
Tips for Perfect Honey Glazed Chicken
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Don’t overcook—honey can burn if heat is too high
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Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness
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Add garlic at medium heat to avoid bitterness
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Let the glaze thicken naturally—no cornstarch needed
Cooking Methods
Oven-Baked
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Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 25–30 minutes, basting halfway
Grilled
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Grill over medium heat, brushing glaze during the last 5 minutes
Air Fryer
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Cook at 180°C (360°F) for 14–16 minutes, glazing halfway
Flavor Variations
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Honey Garlic Chicken: Add extra garlic
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Honey Lemon Chicken: Increase lemon juice and add zest
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Spicy Honey Chicken: Add sriracha or cayenne
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Honey Mustard Chicken: Stir in 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Serving Suggestions
Honey Glazed Chicken pairs beautifully with:
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Steamed rice or jasmine rice
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Roasted vegetables
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Mashed potatoes
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Fresh green salad
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Garlic noodles
Storage & Reheating
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Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
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Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave
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Glaze thickens more as it cools
Why Honey Glaze Works So Well
Honey caramelizes beautifully when heated, creating a glossy coating that enhances both texture and flavor. When balanced with salt, acid, and garlic, it transforms simple chicken into a rich, satisfying dish.
Final Thoughts
Honey Glazed Chicken is the perfect blend of comfort and elegance. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Sweet, sticky, savory, and deeply satisfying—this dish earns a permanent place in your kitchen.