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Looking for an easy dinner that’s packed with flavor? Honey Soy Glazed Chicken is the answer! This dish combines sweet and savory elements for a meal that will impress everyone. In this guide, I’ll walk you through simple steps to create a perfect glaze, tips for cooking it just right, and fun variations to keep things fresh. Let’s dive in and make dinner delightful!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Sweet and Savory Balance: This recipe perfectly combines the sweetness of honey with the umami of soy sauce, creating a delightful flavor that pleases everyone.
- Quick and Easy: With a simple marinade and quick cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights without compromising on taste.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you grill, pan-sear, or bake, this chicken can be cooked in various ways, making it adaptable to your kitchen setup.
- Garnish for Extra Flair: The addition of green onions and sesame seeds not only adds flavor but also makes the dish visually appealing, perfect for serving guests.
Ingredients
Chicken
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Marinade Components
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnishes
– 2 green onions, chopped
– Sesame seeds

Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinade Preparation
To start, grab a mixing bowl. In it, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. This mix makes a sweet and savory marinade that clings to the chicken.
Cooking the Chicken
Now, place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, covering it well. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it sit for up to 2 hours. This gives the chicken more flavor.
When you are ready to cook, preheat your grill or a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade. Set aside the marinade for later use. Grill or sear the chicken thighs for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The chicken should look caramelized and delicious.
Finishing Touches
While the chicken cooks, take the reserved marinade and pour it into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens a bit. Once the chicken is done, brush this thickened glaze over the chicken thighs. Cook for one more minute to let the glaze stick.
Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. You can slice it or serve it whole. For a pretty finish, garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy your tasty Honey Soy Glazed Chicken!
Tips & Tricks
Marinating Time Suggestions
Marinating chicken adds flavor and makes it tender. I recommend at least 30 minutes for good taste. If you have more time, chill it for up to 2 hours. Longer marinating makes the chicken even better. Just remember, don’t go over two hours. The meat can get too salty if left too long.
Cooking Methods (Grilling vs. Searing)
You can choose to grill or sear your chicken. Grilling gives a nice smoky flavor. It adds grill marks that look great on the plate. Searing in a skillet also works well. Use medium-high heat to get a lovely crust. Both methods cook the chicken evenly. Just ensure the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C).
Achieving Optimal Glaze
To achieve the best glaze, save some marinade before cooking. After the chicken is done, boil the reserved marinade. This step thickens it, making it rich and sticky. Brush it over the chicken right before serving. The glaze adds a shiny finish and extra flavor. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a nice touch.
Pro Tips
- Marinate Longer for More Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Grill Marks for Presentation: For beautiful grill marks, avoid moving the chicken too soon. Let it sear for a few minutes before flipping it to achieve those appealing grill lines.
- Thicken Marinade for a Glaze: After cooking, simmer the reserved marinade to create a thicker glaze. This enhances the dish’s presentation and adds an extra layer of flavor.

Variations
Honey Soy Glazed Chicken with Vegetables
You can add colorful veggies to your honey soy glazed chicken. This makes your dish more balanced and fun. Try bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the marinade with the chicken. When you cook the chicken, grill or sauté the veggies until they are tender. This adds great flavor and texture to your meal.
Spicy Honey Soy Glazed Chicken
Want some heat? Add more flavor with spices! Mix in red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade. Adjust the amount based on your taste. This spicy twist enhances the sweet and savory notes. You can also add chopped fresh chilies for a fresh kick. Serve with rice or noodles to balance the spice.
Alternative Proteins (Tofu or Salmon)
You can swap chicken for tofu or salmon. For tofu, use firm or extra-firm types. Cut it into cubes and marinate as you would the chicken. Cook the tofu until golden brown. If using salmon, choose fillets. The cooking time will be shorter. Salmon cooks quickly, so watch it closely. Both options keep the delicious honey soy flavor while offering new textures.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
After cooking honey soy glazed chicken, let it cool down. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Keeping it sealed helps maintain flavor and moisture. When you’re ready to eat, simply take it out and enjoy.
Freezing Honey Soy Glazed Chicken
You can freeze honey soy glazed chicken for later! First, let the chicken cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Tips
To reheat the chicken, use the oven for best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, until it’s warm throughout. You can also use a microwave if you’re in a hurry. Just heat in short bursts, checking to prevent overcooking. Enjoy your tasty chicken again!
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts. They are leaner than thighs. The cooking time may be shorter. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F. This way, you ensure they are safe to eat.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
You can use tamari, coconut aminos, or liquid aminos. These options are great for gluten-free diets. Each will give a slightly different flavor but will still work well in this recipe.
How long does the marinade last in the fridge?
The marinade can last up to 2 days in the fridge. Store it in a sealed container. If you want to use it longer, freeze it for later use. Just remember to defrost it before using.
We covered how to make honey soy glazed chicken in this post. I shared key ingredients like chicken, marinades, and garnishes. The step-by-step guide helps you prepare, cook, and add finishing touches.
Remember the tips for marinating and cooking methods for best results. You can also try variations with different ingredients or proteins.
With proper storage, this dish stays fresh and tasty. Feel free to refer to the FAQs for common questions. Enjoy your cooking adventur
Honey Soy Glazed Chicken
A deliciously sweet and savory chicken dish with a honey soy glaze.
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal
- 4 thighs boneless, skinless chicken
- 0.25 cup soy sauce
- 0.25 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes to create the marinade.
Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well-coated. Seal the bag (or cover the dish) and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
Preheat your grill or a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later use.
Grill or sear chicken thighs for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and are nicely caramelized.
In a small saucepan, bring the reserved marinade to a boil over medium heat. Allow it to simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Once the chicken is cooked, brush the thickened glaze over the chicken thighs and cook for an additional minute.
Remove the chicken from the heat and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Slice or serve whole.
Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.
Marinating the chicken for longer enhances the flavor.
Keyword chicken, glazed, grilled, honey soy
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