Description
Honey Soy Chicken brings a quick, flavor-packed dinner to your table with minimal effort. Glazed chicken thighs caramelized in a sweet and savory sauce will have your family asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts
Liquid Seasonings:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Aromatics and Thickeners:
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions
Instructions
- Craft a zesty marinade by whisking ¼ cup soy sauce, 3 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a mixing bowl until smooth.
- Submerge 1.5 lbs of chicken thighs or breasts in the marinade, ensuring each piece gets thoroughly coated. Refrigerate for a minimum of 15 minutes or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor absorption.
- Select your cooking method: For stovetop, heat a skillet to medium-high with 1 tablespoon oil. Sear chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Alternatively, for oven preparation, preheat to 400°F. Transfer marinated chicken to a baking dish and roast for 20-25 minutes, brushing with extra marinade halfway through cooking.
- Create an optional sauce by pouring remaining marinade into a small saucepan. Combine 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, then whisk into simmering liquid until sauce thickens to desired consistency.
- Plate your chicken and drizzle with thickened sauce. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for a fresh, vibrant garnish.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for maximum flavor by letting it sit in the refrigerator overnight, which allows the soy and honey to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked protein without drying out the meat.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular soy sauce with tamari and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- When thickening the sauce, whisk the cornstarch slurry carefully to prevent lumps and create a smooth, glossy finish.
- Prep Time: 15-30 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes (pan method) or 20-25 minutes (baking method)
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg