Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe

If you’re in the mood for irresistible flavor, succulent meat, and that perfect sticky-sweet finish, you’ll fall in love with this Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe. Each drumstick is steeped in a vibrant marinade, kissed with honey and ginger, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a glossy glaze you’ll want to mop up with every bite. This is my ultimate go-to for gatherings or weeknight dinners when I want to guarantee happy faces around the table. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll crave that magical blend of savory, sweet, and a hint of zest on repeat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe truly shines because it uses just a handful of kitchen staples, each one chosen to add depth, color, and that crave-worthy texture. Every ingredient plays its part—from tender chicken to a bright pop of ginger—coming together to create a dish that’s truly unforgettable.

• Chicken drumsticks (5 lbs): Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for absorbing all those delicious layers of marinade.
• Honey (3/4 cup): Brings essential sweetness and a caramelized glaze that clings beautifully to the chicken.
• Soy sauce (1/2 cup): Adds a rich, salty note that helps balance the sweetness and tenderizes the meat.
• Orange juice (1/4 cup): Lends a subtle citrus tang and keeps the flavors fresh and bright.
• Dijon mustard (2 Tbsp): Offers a gentle kick and rounds out the glaze with a bit of savory complexity.
• Garlic (4 large cloves, minced or grated): Gives the marinade a satisfying depth and unmistakable allure.
• Fresh ginger (1 Tbsp, peeled and finely grated): Adds a warming, slightly spicy background that elevates every bite.
• Sesame seeds and chives (optional, for garnish): Provide a lovely crunch and a pop of color to finish the dish with flair.

How to Make Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Let’s get started with a quick mix of flavors! In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, orange juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and that gorgeous zingy ginger. This luscious mixture is your one-way ticket to flavor town. Once blended, reserve 2/3 cup of the marinade in the fridge—this will become your sticky, finger-licking glaze later.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Plop those chicken drumsticks into a large Ziploc or food saver bag. Pour your just-made marinade (minus the reserved portion) over the chicken, then seal the bag up tightly, squeezing out as much air as you can. Now let the magic happen—refrigerate for at least 6 hours (overnight is best), turning the bag a few times so every piece gets rich and deeply flavored.

Step 3: Arrange and Bake the Chicken

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 400°F and move the rack to the center position—this helps everything cook evenly. Line a large rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan with parchment paper (super important for easy cleanup!). Arrange the marinated drumsticks skin-side up so they’re not touching, then drizzle just enough of the marinade from the bag to lightly coat the bottom of the pan. Discard any leftover marinade from the bag for safety.

Step 4: Bake and Flip

Slide your pan into the oven and bake at 400°F for 25 minutes—your kitchen will start to smell amazing! After 25 minutes, flip each drumstick so they’re skin-side down, then pop the pan back in for another 20 minutes. This ensures even cooking and a juicy interior.

Step 5: Broil for Crispy Skin

For the grand finale: take the chicken out, flip each drumstick back to skin-side up, and broil on high for 3-4 minutes. Keep a close eye here—you want deeply caramelized, crackly skin, not burned! This step is what makes Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe totally irresistible.

Step 6: Make the Honey Glaze

While your chicken bakes, take that reserved marinade from the fridge and pour it into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then simmer for several minutes until it thickens into a glossy, syrupy glaze—it should coat the back of your spoon. This glaze will give the chicken its final, glorious finish.

Step 7: Glaze and Garnish

As soon as your drumsticks are caramelized and crackling, brush them all over with your rich, thickened glaze. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and freshly chopped chives for extra crunch and color, and prepare for a round of applause at the table!

How to Serve Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A shower of toasted sesame seeds and a handful of freshly snipped chives make each piece pop with color and add a delightful contrast of texture. If you want to take it up a notch, try a squeeze of fresh orange juice right before serving to brighten everything up.

Side Dishes

This Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe loves the company of fluffy steamed rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or a big bowl of stir-fried veggies. Even a crunchy slaw or zesty cucumber salad will beautifully cut through the sweet, sticky glaze and keep things light and lively.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile the glazed drumsticks high on a rustic wooden platter, scatter with garnishes, and let everyone dig in family-style. Or for a fun twist, serve the drumsticks over mini rice bowls with extra glaze drizzled over top, making a showstopper for picnics or party platters.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure you keep some extra glaze on the side to drizzle over when reheating for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.

Freezing

This dish is freezer-friendly! Let the Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe cool completely, then wrap each drumstick individually or place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best flavor and texture.

Reheating

To recapture that just-cooked taste, reheat the drumsticks in a 350°F oven, uncovered, until heated through and the skin has crisped up again (about 15-20 minutes). If you’re in a rush, a quick zap in the microwave works, too—just know the skin won’t be as crisp.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs or wings instead of drumsticks?

Absolutely! Thighs and wings both soak up the marinade beautifully and take on that sticky glaze. Just adjust the bake time as needed; smaller pieces may cook a bit faster than drumsticks.

Is it okay to marinate the chicken for less than 6 hours?

You’ll get the juiciest, most flavorful results with a long marinade, but even 2–3 hours can make a big difference in taste and tenderness if you’re short on time.

What can I substitute for orange juice?

If you don’t have orange juice, try pineapple juice or even a splash of apple cider for a different but equally delicious zing. Lemon juice will work in a pinch, just go easy to avoid making it too tart.

How do I ensure my chicken skin gets crispy?

Broiling at the end is the secret! Make sure the drumsticks are skin-side up, and watch closely while broiling. Drying them lightly with a paper towel before marinating can also help render crispy skin during baking.

Can I double the Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe for a crowd?

Yes, and it’s a fantastic party dish! Just split the drumsticks between two pans and rotate them halfway through baking so everything cooks evenly. Double the marinade and glaze, too—you’ll be glad you did!

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to invite friends or family over and let this Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe steal the show. It’s the kind of simple, big-hearted dish you’ll want to share again and again. Give it a try, and get ready to make some happy memories (and maybe a new tradition) with every sticky, savory bite!

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