Honey Soy Chicken Thighs | Easy Baked Dinner with a Sweet & Savory Glaze

If you’re craving a simple yet bold-flavored dinner that feels comforting and tastes homemade, honey soy chicken thighs are an excellent choice. This dish features juicy chicken baked in a savory-sweet glaze made from soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. It all comes together in one baking dish, making prep and cleanup minimal. Serve it over steamed rice or with your favorite vegetables for a satisfying meal any day of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is all about bold flavor with minimal effort. The ingredients are basic but powerful, and the prep work is quick. As the chicken roasts, the sauce thickens into a rich glaze that coats every bite. The garlic and ginger bring warmth, the soy sauce provides savory depth, and the honey adds a natural sweetness that caramelizes in the oven. It’s a balanced dish that feels both cozy and exciting. You’ll love how quickly it comes together—and how much everyone enjoys it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 1.5 lb chicken thighs – bone-in or boneless, skin-on gives the best flavor and texture
• 1 large onion – cut into wedges, adds sweetness and roasts beautifully
• 1 tsp black pepper – brings a bit of spice and sharpness
• 1 tbsp minced garlic – adds a bold aromatic base
• 1–2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated – optional but adds brightness and heat
• 1 tsp olive oil – helps blend the glaze and crisp the chicken
• 1 tsp sesame oil – adds a toasty, nutty undertone
• ¼ cup honey (60 ml) – sweetens the dish and creates a sticky finish
• ¼ cup soy sauce (60 ml) – gives the dish a deep, savory foundation

Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if you like a touch of color and crunch.

How to Make Honey Soy Chicken Thighs

This dish is as practical as it is delicious. You simply combine the ingredients, pour the glaze over the chicken, and let the oven do the rest. The chicken turns tender and flavorful as it bakes, and the sauce thickens naturally. No special equipment is needed—just a baking dish and your oven. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a reliable, flavorful main course without spending hours in the kitchen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven
Begin by heating your oven to 390°F (200°C) so it’s ready for baking once everything is prepared.

Step 2: Arrange chicken and onions
Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Scatter the onion wedges throughout the dish.

Step 3: Mix the glaze
In a bowl, stir together the black pepper, garlic, ginger, olive oil, sesame oil, honey, and soy sauce until well combined.

Step 4: Pour the glaze
Drizzle the sauce evenly over the chicken and onions, ensuring each piece is coated.

Step 5: Bake the first half
Bake for 25 minutes with the skin side down so the chicken starts to cook through and the sauce begins to thicken.

Step 6: Flip and finish baking
Turn the chicken pieces over and return to the oven for another 25 minutes. This allows the skin to brown and the glaze to become syrupy.

Step 7: Garnish and serve
Once done, spoon some of the thickened sauce over the chicken and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Helpful Tips

Remove excess skin from the chicken if you want to reduce the amount of fat in the dish. For deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the glaze for a few hours before baking. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. If you prefer some heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a bit of chili paste will spice things up. You can also increase the batch easily—just bump the chicken up to 3 pounds and increase the honey and soy sauce to about ⅓ cup each.

Details

Flavor: Savory with a touch of sweetness, rich in garlic and ginger
Texture: Juicy meat with a sticky, caramelized glaze
Occasion: Weeknight dinners, casual entertaining, or meal prep
Prep Time: 4 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 54 minutes

Notes (Optional Variations or Substitutions)

• Swap chicken thighs for drumsticks or wings
• Use tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian twist
• Add chopped carrots or bell peppers to the dish for a veggie boost

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	479 kcal
Fat	30 g
Saturated Fat	8 g
Unsaturated Fat	19 g
Trans Fat	0.1 g
Cholesterol	167 mg
Protein	30 g
Carbohydrates	22 g
Sugar	19 g
Sodium	943 mg
Fiber	1 g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do you balance the sweetness of honey with soy sauce in chicken thighs?
Soy sauce adds a salty, savory layer that contrasts the sweetness of honey. Garlic and ginger keep the glaze complex and not overly sweet.

Can honey soy chicken thighs be baked instead of pan-fried?
Absolutely. Baking helps the glaze thicken and keeps the chicken moist while giving the skin time to crisp without extra oil.

Should chicken thighs be marinated for honey soy flavor?
Marinating isn’t required, but it does deepen the flavor. Even 30 minutes of marinating time can make a difference if you plan ahead.

What are good side dishes for honey soy chicken thighs?
Steamed white or jasmine rice, roasted vegetables, or stir-fried greens all pair beautifully with the sticky, savory sauce.

Storage Instructions

Let the chicken cool completely before storing it. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. To freeze, store the chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

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Conclusion

Honey soy chicken thighs are a weeknight winner. With their juicy texture and sweet-savory glaze, they deliver restaurant-level flavor without the fuss. Whether you’re cooking for family or just want something satisfying after a long day, this recipe delivers comfort and taste in every bite. Try it once, and you’ll want to make it again and again.

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