Sizzling Honey Soy Chicken Recipe: Sweet & Savory Magic

Succulent honey soy chicken dances with irresistible flavors that spark instant hunger.

Marinades bring magic to ordinary proteins, creating culinary symphonies on your plate.

Tender meat absorbs sweet and savory notes from a classic Asian-inspired blend.

Our simple recipe guarantees restaurant-quality results without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Quick preparation meets intense flavor in this crowd-pleasing dish everyone will adore.

Minimal effort leads to maximum satisfaction when you master these delectable chicken bites.

Prepare to wow dinner companions with this foolproof, mouthwatering meal that promises pure deliciousness.

Ingredients for Honey Soy Chicken Recipe

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken Thighs, Chicken Breasts: These are the star of the dish, providing a tender and flavorful base for the honey soy marinade.

• Honey: Adds a natural sweetness and helps create a glossy caramelized exterior on the chicken.
• Soy Sauce: Provides a rich, salty depth of flavor that complements the honey perfectly.

• Cornflour, Water: These work together to create a smooth, syrupy sauce consistency that clings beautifully to the chicken.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onion: These add a nutty crunch and fresh, mild onion flavor as a finishing touch to the dish.

• Garlic, Ginger, Oil: These ingredients help to build a complex flavor profile and tenderize the chicken during marination.

How to Make Honey Soy Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Magical Marinade

• 1/4 cup for basting
• Remaining for soaking the chicken

Refrigerate both portions.

Step 2: Bathe the Chicken in Flavor

Pour the larger portion of marinade over chicken in a container. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated, massaging the sauce into every nook and cranny. Cover and let the chicken chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours (or up to 48 hours for maximum flavor).

Step 3: Craft the Silky Serving Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine the reserved basting marinade. Mix cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry. Pour this into the saucepan and simmer over medium heat. Stir constantly for about 5 minutes until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, syrupy consistency. Keep warm and add water if it becomes too thick.

Step 4: Sizzle and Grill

• Cook first side for 2 minutes
• Flip and baste
• Repeat flipping and basting every minute
• Total cooking time around 10 minutes
• Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F

• Cook first side for 2 minutes
• Flip and baste
• Flip and baste every 45 seconds
• Total cooking time around 8 minutes
• Ensure internal temperature reaches 151°F

Step 5: Let the Chicken Rest

Transfer chicken to a serving plate. Loosely cover with foil and let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the chicken. Serve with the warm sauce on the side, inviting everyone to drizzle as they please. Bon appétit!

Pro Tips for Honey Soy Chicken Recipe

• Marinate Longer for Deeper Flavor: Let chicken sit in marinade for at least 3 hours, but up to 48 hours for maximum taste absorption and tenderness.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Use medium-high heat to prevent burning while ensuring chicken cooks evenly and develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior.
• Baste Frequently for Moisture: Regularly brush chicken with reserved marinade during cooking to keep meat juicy and enhance caramelization.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe cooking temperatures – 75°C for thighs and 66°C for breasts.
• Customize Serving Options: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve with extra sauce on the side for personalized flavor preferences.

Variation Ideas for Honey Soy Chicken Recipe

• Gluten-Free Honey Soy Chicken: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe gluten-free and safe for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Korean-Style Chicken: Add gochujang or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a fiery kick and Korean-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and cut back on added salt to create a heart-healthy alternative for those watching sodium intake.
• Oven-Baked Option: Instead of grilling or pan-frying, roast the marinated chicken in a preheated 400°F oven for 25-30 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking for even browning.

Pairing Suggestions for Honey Soy Chicken Recipe

• Pair with Jasmine Rice Delight: Fluffy jasmine rice perfectly complements the sweet and savory honey soy flavors, absorbing the delicious sauce and providing a soft, fragrant base for the chicken.
• Recommend Asian Slaw Side: Crisp cabbage, carrots, and green onions with a tangy rice vinegar dressing create a refreshing contrast to the rich, glazed chicken, balancing the meal's overall taste profile.
• Match with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: This light, zesty white wine cuts through the chicken's sweetness, with its citrusy notes enhancing the honey soy marinade's complexity and cleansing the palate.
• Serve with Cucumber Kimchi: Spicy, cool cucumber kimchi adds a punchy, fermented kick that brightens the chicken's rich flavors and provides a traditional Korean-inspired accompaniment.

Storage Advice for Honey Soy Chicken Recipe

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken is completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Chicken can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without losing quality.
• Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking. Add a splash of water to maintain moisture.

FAQs for Honey Soy Chicken Recipe

• Why should I marinate the chicken for at least 3 hours?

Marinating allows the honey soy mixture to penetrate the meat, tenderizing it and infusing deep, rich flavors into every bite of the chicken.

• Can I use different cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, the recipe works perfectly with chicken thighs or breasts. Just adjust cooking times accordingly – thighs take about 10 minutes, while breasts need around 8 minutes.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer. Chicken thighs should reach 75°C/165°F, and chicken breasts should reach 66°C/151°F to ensure they’re safe to eat.

Why Honey Soy Chicken Recipe Is So Flavorful

• Customize Your Marinade: Adapt the honey soy marinade to suit personal taste preferences by adjusting sweetness or saltiness levels, making it a versatile recipe for different palates.
• Meal Prep Champion: Perfect for preparing ahead of time, as chicken can marinate up to 48 hours, allowing busy cooks to plan meals in advance with minimal last-minute effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Profile: Delivers a delicious balance of sweet and savory notes that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal dish for family dinners or gatherings.
• Flexible Cooking Methods: Offers multiple cooking options like BBQ or skillet, giving home chefs the freedom to choose their preferred cooking technique based on available equipment or weather conditions.

Honey Soy Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: Minimum 3 hours 30 minutes to maximum 48 hours 30 minutes (including marinating, cooking, and resting)
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory honey soy chicken delivers a perfect balance of sweet and umami flavors from Asian cuisine. Home cooks can easily create this mouthwatering dish with simple ingredients, promising a delightful meal that satisfies comfort food cravings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1.5 kilograms (or 3 pounds) skinless boneless chicken thighs or breast

Marinade Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 2/3 cup honey
• 1/3 cup cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Thickening and Garnish:

• 1/3 cup water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
• Green onion, finely sliced
• Sesame seeds

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by thoroughly blending all sauce ingredients until honey completely dissolves, creating a uniform mixture.
2. Strategically divide the marinade: set aside 1/4 cup for basting and 2/3 cup for serving sauce, then refrigerate both portions.
3. Submerge chicken pieces completely in remaining marinade, ensuring thorough coating in a sealed container.
4. Allow chicken to marinate in refrigerator for minimum 3 hours, ideally up to 48 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
5. Prepare serving sauce by transferring reserved sauce into a small saucepan, combining cornflour with water, and whisking thoroughly.
6. Simmer sauce over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes, stirring consistently until it transforms into a glossy, syrupy consistency. Adjust thickness by adding water if needed.
7. Preheat grill or skillet to medium-high temperature, lightly brushing cooking surface with oil to prevent sticking.
8. For chicken thighs, cook first side for 2 minutes, then flip and generously baste with reserved sauce. Continue cooking, alternating flipping and basting every minute until internal temperature reaches 75°C/165°F, approximately 10 minutes total.
9. For chicken breast, follow similar technique: cook first side 2 minutes, flip, baste, and continue cooking, flipping and basting every 45 seconds until internal temperature hits 66°C/151°F, roughly 8 minutes.
10. Transfer cooked chicken to serving plate, loosely tent with foil, and allow to rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
11. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, serving additional sauce on side for personalized enjoyment.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for at least 3 hours to maximize flavor absorption and tenderize the meat effectively.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise cooking temperatures, preventing dry or undercooked chicken.
• Customize the sweetness by adjusting honey levels – less for a tangier taste, more for increased caramelization.
• Gluten-free option: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for celiac-friendly preparation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (excluding marinade time)
• Cook Time: 20–23 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 346 kcal
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 1310 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg