Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe

I always come back to a good honey glazed chicken recipe when I need a guaranteed hit for weeknight dinner. This version isn’t just sweet; it features a smoky paprika and garlic glaze that creates a deeply caramelized, sticky exterior. We use a two-stage baking process to get crispy skin and let the glaze cook down into a beautiful, glossy coating. It’s a quick-prep, low-effort meal that delivers on big comfort food flavors using simple pantry staples. This particular honey glazed chicken recipe will quickly become your new family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Thighs
  Using bone-in, skin-on thighs is key here for maximum flavor and juiciness. Patting the skin thoroughly dry with paper towels ensures a crispier texture after baking.
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Olive Oil, 1 tsp (5 g) Sea Salt, ½ tsp (2.5 g) Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  These simple seasonings form the base layer of flavor before adding the glaze. Adjust salt based on the type of soy sauce you use (low sodium requires slightly more).
• 120 ml (½ cup) Honey
  Any standard runny honey works well here to provide the classic sweetness. A local, raw honey adds complexity, but a conventional clover or wildflower honey is perfectly fine.
• 60 ml (¼ cup) Naturally Brewed Soy Sauce
  Naturally brewed soy sauce adds a deep savory, umami flavor that complements the honey. For a gluten-free option, substitute with tamari or coconut aminos in equal measure.
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) Apple Cider Vinegar
  The acidity from the vinegar is essential to balance the sweetness of the honey and richness of the soy sauce. This brightens up the flavor profile and prevents the glaze from feeling heavy.
• 2 tsp (10 g) Smoked Paprika, 4 Cloves Garlic (finely minced)
  Smoked paprika provides the unique, savory, almost barbecue-like twist in this specific recipe. Minced fresh garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic heat; use fresh for best results.
• 1 tsp (5 g) Cornstarch and 1 tbsp (15 ml) Water (for slurry)
  The cornstarch slurry is the thickening agent for the glaze, creating a glossy, syrupy consistency. Ensure you whisk the cornstarch thoroughly with water before adding it to prevent lumps.
• 2 tbsp (6 g) Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
  Use fresh parsley to add a bright, herbaceous note and a pop of color for presentation.

Optional (plan-ahead): If you’re shopping for the week, I put this into a 4-Week Meal Plan + Grocery Lists so dinner’s already decided before your day gets busy.

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken and Begin Baking
   Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior. Pat the chicken thighs thoroughly dry with paper towels; this is the key step to prevent steaming and achieve crispy skin. In a large bowl, toss the chicken thighs with olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
2. First Bake and Glaze Preparation
   Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs, skin-side up, in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece for crisping. Bake for 25 minutes to render the fat and begin the cooking process. While the chicken bakes, combine the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and finely minced garlic in a small saucepan and whisk well.
3. Thicken the Glaze
   Bring the glaze mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry. Pour the slurry into the simmering glaze, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes until the glaze thickens to a syrupy consistency, then remove from heat.
   If the glaze is too thick or lumpy, remove it from heat and whisk in 1 Tbsp of warm water until smooth.
4. First Glaze Application and Second Bake
   After 25 minutes of baking, remove the chicken from the oven and brush half of the prepared smoky paprika and garlic glaze generously over the thighs. The first application of glaze is key to building the rich flavor of this honey glazed chicken recipe. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes at the initial temperature.
5. Final Glaze and Caramelization
   Remove the chicken again and apply remaining glaze. Increase the oven temperature to 220°C (425°F) for the final high-heat bake. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) and the glaze is beautifully sticky and deeply browned.
6. Rest and Garnish
   Let the chicken rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and for the glaze to set further for the ultimate honey glazed chicken recipe experience. Drizzle any remaining glaze from the baking sheet over the chicken and sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately over your preferred side dish, such as rice or mashed potatoes.

The Best Side Dishes to Pair with Smoky Honey Glazed Chicken

Choosing side dishes for this smoky honey glazed chicken recipe is all about balancing the rich, savory flavors and creating a complete family meal. The sticky glaze on this honey glazed chicken recipe pairs beautifully with both light and hearty sides.

• Mashed Potatoes or Creamy Polenta: The rich, savory, and sticky glaze needs a starchy base to soak into for maximum comfort food satisfaction.
• Roasted Green Beans with Toasted Almonds: A simple green vegetable adds freshness to cut through the richness of the chicken and glaze.
• Simple White Rice or Brown Rice: The classic pairing; a neutral base that soaks up all the delicious sauce and balances the complex flavors.
• Quick Cabbage Slaw or Coleslaw: The acidity and crunch from a vinegar-based slaw provide a perfect textural contrast to the soft, sticky chicken.

Make-Ahead Tips and Variations

This recipe is already designed for quick meals, but a few variations can customize it to suit different high-protein diets or ingredient availability.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead? Yes, but reduce the first baking time to prevent them from drying out; chicken breasts cook faster than thighs for this honey glazed chicken recipe.
• How to prep ahead? Prepare the glaze completely in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This significantly speeds up weeknight cooking.
• For a spicier kick: Add a small pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp) to the glaze mixture before simmering.
• For a healthier twist: Serve over quinoa or cauliflower rice, and use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier eating option.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this honey glazed chicken recipe for the best possible results.

Why is my glaze too thin?

Ensure you fully whisk the cornstarch slurry before adding it to the simmering glaze. If it’s still thin, bring it back to a gentle simmer and add another small amount of cornstarch mixed with water. Whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until it thickens sufficiently.

How do I get crispy skin on my chicken?

The most important steps are to pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning and to ensure there is space between each piece on the baking sheet to allow airflow. This ensures the best results for this honey glazed chicken recipe, preventing the skin from steaming.

Can I use regular paprika instead of smoked paprika?

Yes, but the flavor profile will be different; the smoky element adds depth. If using regular paprika, consider adding a tiny amount of liquid smoke for a similar effect to replicate the complexity of this recipe.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover glazed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven (180°C/350°F) for 10-15 minutes; I often make a double batch of this honey glazed chicken recipe to store for quick lunches.

What internal temperature should the chicken reach?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). Using a meat thermometer ensures both safety and proper cooking of this honey glazed chicken recipe and prevents over-drying the meat.

Why increase the heat at the end?

Increasing the heat to 220°C (425°F) for the final 10-15 minutes helps to quickly caramelize the sugars in the honey glaze without overcooking the meat. This rapid caramelization creates a sticky, glossy coating that really improves the texture.

Conclusion

This smoky honey glazed chicken recipe offers a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors for a satisfying weeknight meal, transforming simple chicken thighs into a sticky, caramelized, family-friendly dish. I find it perfect for Sunday meal prep, so don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest to reference later in the week.

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