Craving a restaurant-worthy dinner without the fuss?
Get ready to transform ordinary chicken into a flavor explosion with this sticky honey soy baked chicken recipe.
It's so simple, even beginner cooks can master it, and the results are unbelievably delicious.
Ingredients
Oh, my friend, we can't start our sticky date pudding adventure without gathering all the goodies first! You're gonna need 280g of roughly chopped, pitted dates—get the best ones you can find!
Next up, grab 1 tsp of baking soda, cause you can't go without it, and 1 cup of boiling water. This is where the date magic begins!
Don't forget the sugar, my friend! 1/4 cup of brown sugar, loosely packed, will do. You're gonna need 80g (that's about 6 tbsp) of softened, unsalted butter.
And finally, the rest of the ingredients that will make your pudding a delight! Get your hands on 2 room-temperature eggs, 1 1/4 cups of plain flour, and 1 1/2 tsp of baking powder!
Preparation
Now that we've got our ingredients ready, it's time for preparation! First, give the chicken a good rinse under cold water – pat it dry with paper towels because no one likes soggy chicken! Next, let's get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C), that way it's ready and waiting when we are. For a quicker option on another night, you could even prepare a freeform chicken pot pie.
Then, grab a baking dish — I usually go for a 9×13 inch one. Don't forget to grease it — we don't want the chicken sticking, trust me!
Here's a little checklist to keep you on track:
- Make sure your chicken pieces are evenly sized — helps with even cooking!
- Double check your oven rack is in the middle position!
- Prepare any side dishes *before* starting to cook the chicken!
Finally, mix all the wet ingredients together in a big bowl — it's like a honey soy party in there! Make sure to mix it thoroughly. We're almost ready to cook, easy peasy!
Cooking Instructions
Once you've preheated the oven and prepped the chicken, it's time to get cooking! Place the chicken pieces in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet.
Now, brush each piece generously with that glorious honey-soy mixture we made earlier. Don't be shy – we want 'em sticky!
I pop the baking sheet into the oven and let the chicken bake for about 35-40 minutes. The timing depends on the size of your chicken pieces, so keep an eye on it! Be sure to test with a food thermometer to reach the right temperature!
You'll know it's done when the juices run clear when you poke a fork in it. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before you plunge in – trust me, it needs a breather! It's gonna be so yummy!
Serving Suggestions
I think the best part is finally getting to enjoy what you've made, right? This sticky honey soy baked chicken is super versatile, so you've got options, okay!
I usually serve it hot right from the oven, but it is also good at room temperature, so don't fret.
Here are a few of my favorite ways to plate this delicious chicken, because who can resist a perfectly paired side?!
- Rice: Fluffy white, brown, or even fried rice soaks up that amazing sauce well.
- Veggies: Steamed broccoli or sauteed green beans add a pop of color and crunch. You know, stay healthy-ish!
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness—a nice counterpoint, trust me.
Don't overthink it, though! Serve it however you like – maybe even over noodles! The most important thing is that you enjoy every sticky, savory bite.
Short Recipe Version
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Serving Size: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Place chicken thighs in a baking dish.
- Pour sauce over chicken, ensuring each piece is coated.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened.
Nutrition (per serving, estimated):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 8g