This Honey-Soy Glazed Chicken is sticky, savory, sweet, and full of umami flavor. The chicken is marinated in soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and chili paste — then the same marinade is simmered into a glossy glaze that coats the chicken beautifully. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend meals.
🛒 Ingredients
(Serves 4–6)
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup raw honey
- 3 tbsp dark brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 1 tbsp garlic paste (or minced garlic)
- 2 tsp red chili paste (e.g., Sambal Oelek)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt & black pepper — to taste
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Sliced scallions (optional, for garnish)
🔪 Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl or ziplock bag, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, chili paste, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken thighs and massage the marinade all over and under the skin.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for best flavor.
2. Prep the Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top for airflow.
3. First Roast
- Shake off excess marinade (do NOT discard it).
- Arrange chicken on the rack with space between pieces.
- Roast for 30 minutes.
4. Make the Glaze
- Pour the leftover marinade into a small saucepan.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
- Once simmering, reduce heat to low and keep warm.
5. Glaze & Roast Again
- After 30 minutes, brush the warm marinade over the chicken.
- Flip, brush again, and roast for another 30 minutes.
- Flip back, brush a final layer, and bake for 5–10 minutes or until:
- the chicken is tender
- internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
6. Serve
- Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions.
- Serve hot with rice, noodles, veggies, or green beans.
⭐ Recipe Notes
- Bone-in chicken thighs give the best flavor, but you can use any bone-in chicken pieces (6 pieces recommended).
- Marinating overnight gives deeper, richer flavor.
- The wire rack helps crisp the skin and cook evenly.
🍚 Perfect Serving Pairings
- Steamed rice or garlic rice
- Green beans
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Noodles
- Mashed potatoes
