Name: Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup honey; 1/2 cup soy sauce*; 1/4 cup orange juice; 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard; 4 large garlic cloves, minced or finely grated; 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated; 5 lbs chicken drumsticks; Sesame seeds and chives for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you love the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and just a hint of zing, this Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe will absolutely win you over! These drumsticks come out gloriously golden with a sticky, caramelized glaze that clings to every succulent bite. Imagine the aroma of freshly baked chicken wafting through your kitchen, mingled with honeyed citrus and a touch of fragrant ginger. It’s the kind of meal that feels both comforting and special, perfect for a casual weeknight or when you want to impress friends without breaking a sweat. Let’s dive into one of my all-time favorite chicken dishes and bring some sticky-fingered joy to your table!

Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just a few essential ingredients is all it takes to create this memorable Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe. Each item brings something unique, building layers of flavor and texture you’ll crave again and again.

Chicken drumsticks: Juicy, tender, and perfectly suited to soak up every drop of that gorgeous marinade.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps caramelize the skin to irresistible golden perfection.
Soy sauce: Lends a deep, savory richness that balances the honey and brightens the flavor.
Orange juice: Brings a bright, citrusy note that keeps everything fresh and lively.
Dijon mustard: The secret ingredient for tangy depth—you’ll taste the difference!
Garlic: Four cloves, finely minced, means every bite bursts with bold flavor.
Fresh ginger: Adds zip and warmth, perfectly contrasted by the sticky sweetness.
Sesame seeds and chives (optional): The finishing touch for both flavor and a pop of color on your platter.

How to Make Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Whisk up the Marinade

The magic starts with a quick, fragrant marinade. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, orange juice, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, and ginger. Don’t forget to set aside about 2/3 cup—this will become your ultra-luxe glaze later! Stash the reserved portion in the fridge until you need it.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Drumsticks

Place all the chicken drumsticks in a large Ziploc or food saver bag. Pour the rest of that marinade over them, then seal the bag tightly (try to press out as much air as possible). Pop it into the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or—trust me on this—overnight. Every so often, turn the bag so all the drumsticks get a turn in the flavor bath!

Step 3: Prep Your Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and move the rack to the center position. Line a rimmed baking sheet or a big roasting pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange your marinated drumsticks skin-side up, spacing them so they’re not crowded. Pour just enough marinade to coat the bottom—if you have any leftover in the bag, now’s the time to toss it.

Step 4: Bake and Flip

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25 minutes. At this point, flip those drumsticks over so they’re skin-side down and bake for another 20 minutes. This double-bake guarantees the juiciest, most evenly cooked meat.

Step 5: Broil for Crispy Perfection

If you want that coveted crispy, caramelized finish, remove the chicken from the oven, flip them back to skin-side up, and set them under the broiler on high. A quick 3-4 minutes and you’ll see that sticky, burnished skin start to bubble up—chicken bliss!

Step 6: Simmer the Glaze

While your chicken is in the oven, pour your reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a shiny, syrupy glaze. This is where the flavor gets extra concentrated.

Step 7: Brush and Garnish

When the chicken is hot out of the oven, brush each drumstick generously with the thickened glaze. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and freshly chopped chives if you like—they make the Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe look as irresistible as it tastes!

How to Serve Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle the finished dish with toasted sesame seeds and a shower of fresh chives. The seeds add a nutty crunch, while the chives pop with color and a subtle oniony note that balances the rich glaze. If you feel adventurous, a little grated orange zest takes things up a notch!

Side Dishes

This Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with a wide range of sides. Fluffy steamed jasmine rice, garlicky sautéed green beans, or even a fresh cucumber salad make perfect companions. If you want to soak up every drop of that delicious glaze, a crusty loaf of bread never disappoints.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the drumsticks family-style on a big platter, stacked high for a fun, casual vibe. For parties, place each glazed drumstick in a cupcake liner so guests can grab and go. And if you want to get fancy, arrange the chicken atop a bed of lightly dressed greens and garnish with edible flowers for a show-stopping centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, pop leftover drumsticks into an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days, making them perfect for meal prep or late-night snacking (no shame!).

Freezing

This Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe freezes beautifully! Arrange cooled drumsticks on a baking sheet in a single layer until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen, they’ll last for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For the juiciest results, reheat drumsticks in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered loosely with foil, for about 15 minutes or until they’re warmed through. For extra crisp skin, uncover for the last 5 minutes. A quick brush with leftover glaze refreshes their shine and stickiness!

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! While drumsticks are classic, boneless thighs or even chicken breasts work well—just keep an eye on cooking times, as they may cook faster and can dry out more easily.

Is there a substitute for orange juice?

If you’re out of orange juice, try pineapple juice or apple juice for a fruity twist. Even a splash of lemon juice (mixed with a spoonful of sugar) can brighten the marinade in a pinch!

Can I grill the chicken instead of baking?

Yes, you can fire up the grill for that irresistible smoky flavor! Just cook over medium heat, basting with glaze and turning often, until the chicken is cooked through and deeply caramelized.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh ginger?

While fresh ginger is best for that signature zing, ground ginger works in a pinch—use about 1 teaspoon. The flavor will be softer but still lovely, especially in this Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe.

How spicy is this dish?

This chicken isn’t spicy at all—it’s all about sweet, savory, and citrusy notes. If you crave a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade or glaze!

Final Thoughts

This Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe is one of those gems you’ll come back to again and again—comforting, crowd-pleasing, and packed with bold, sticky-sweet flavors. Give it a try and let your kitchen fill with that irresistible aroma. I promise, you’ll want to lick every finger clean!

Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 28 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 5 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Baked Honey Glazed Chicken recipe is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Tender chicken drumsticks marinated in a delicious blend of honey, soy sauce, orange juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, and ginger, then baked to perfection and glazed with a sticky, flavorful sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade:

3/4 cup honey
1/2 cup soy sauce*
1/4 cup orange juice
2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
4 large garlic cloves, minced or finely grated
1 Tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated

Chicken:

5 lbs chicken drumsticks

Garnish:

Sesame seeds and chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, orange juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, and ginger. Reserve 2/3 cup of the marinade, refrigerate.
Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken drumsticks in a bag, pour marinade, refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight, turning occasionally.
Bake the Chicken: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet, arrange chicken skin-side up, bake for 25 minutes, flip, bake for another 20 minutes.
Make the Glaze: Boil reserved marinade, simmer until thickened. Brush over baked chicken.
Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chives.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add a touch of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade for some heat.
Make sure to pat the chicken dry before marinating to help the skin crisp up better.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American