Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe

This Baked Honey Glazed Chicken recipe is a quick and easy way to make juicy, flavorful drumsticks with a sweet and savory glaze. Perfect for family dinners, this dish features chicken marinated in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, orange juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, and ginger. The chicken is baked to perfection and then glazed with a thickened sauce for a caramelized finish. This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing meal or a tasty weeknight dinner, this honey glazed chicken will become a favorite in your kitchen. Serve with rice, vegetables, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 5 lbs chicken drumsticks
• 3/4 cup honey
• 1/2 cup soy sauce*
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 4 large garlic cloves, minced or finely grated
• 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
• Sesame seeds and chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Marinade:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, orange juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Reserve 2/3 cup of the marinade for later use, then refrigerate it.
2. Place the chicken drumsticks in a large Ziploc or food saver bag. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag, pressing out as much air as possible, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. For best flavor, turn the bag a few times while marinating.

Bake the Chicken:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the rack in the center.
2. Line a rimmed baking sheet or large roasting pan with parchment paper. Arrange the marinated chicken drumsticks skin-side up, ensuring they are not touching each other. Add just enough marinade to coat the bottom of the baking pan (discard any remaining marinade in the bag).
3. Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, flip the chicken to skin-side down and continue baking for another 20 minutes.
4. For crispy, caramelized skin, remove the chicken from the oven, flip it back to skin-side up, and broil on high for 3-4 minutes or until the skin is browned and crispy.

Make the Glaze:

1. While the chicken is baking, pour the reserved 2/3 cup marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 7 minutes or until it thickens into a syrupy consistency.
2. Once the chicken is done, brush the thickened glaze over the drumsticks.
3. Garnish with sesame seeds and freshly chopped chives, if desired.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Sweet: The combination of honey, soy sauce, and orange juice creates a mouthwatering glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the chicken.
• Simple to Make: This recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
• Crispy and Tender: The baking and broiling method ensures juicy chicken with crispy skin, enhanced by a sweet and savory glaze.

Tips

• Marinating Time: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. If you’re short on time, aim for at least 6 hours.
• Broiling for Extra Crispiness: Broiling the chicken for a few minutes at the end will give it a golden, crispy finish. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
• Garnishes: Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh chives for a little extra flavor and a pop of color.

Variations and Substitutions

• Soy Sauce Substitute: For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Honey Substitution: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey or swap it out for maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Add More Heat: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks? A: Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for drumsticks. Adjust cooking time as needed since thighs may take slightly longer to cook.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. However, it’s best to bake and glaze the chicken right before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is done? A: The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You can also check if the juices run clear when pierced with a fork.

Serving and Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Serve the chicken with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
• Rice: Pair it with jasmine rice or cilantro-lime rice for a flavorful side.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep; the chicken stays juicy and flavorful even when reheated.

Enjoy this delicious honey glazed chicken recipe at your next dinner or gathering!