Honey Baked Chicken

When you crave comfort food with a perfect balance of sweet and savory, Honey Baked Chicken delivers every time. This timeless dish is effortlessly elegant, making it ideal for both cozy dinners and entertaining guests. Below is a detailed walkthrough to help you create irresistibly juicy and flavorful honey-baked chicken your family will ask for again and again.

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🥘 Honey Baked Chicken Ingredients (in Table Format)

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Chicken thighs/drumsticks	2.5 – 3 lbs	Bone-in, skin-on for maximum flavor
Honey	1/2 cup	Raw/local preferred for better taste
Dijon mustard	2 tablespoons	Adds depth and slight tang
Soy sauce	1/4 cup	Use low-sodium if preferred
Garlic, minced	4 cloves	Fresh gives the boldest flavor
Olive oil	2 tablespoons	Aids browning and moisture retention
Apple cider vinegar	1 tablespoon	Brightens and balances sweetness
Smoked paprika (optional)	1 teaspoon	Adds subtle smoky flavor
Black pepper	1/2 teaspoon	Freshly ground for best results
Salt	1 teaspoon	Adjust to personal taste
Fresh thyme (optional)	1 tablespoon	For garnish and aroma
Lemon slices (optional)	1 lemon, sliced	Adds citrus brightness during roasting

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🔥 How to Make Honey Baked Chicken

1. Get the Oven Ready
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking dish with foil or parchment for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

2. Whisk Together the Marinade
In a bowl, blend together the honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt. This marinade is sweet, savory, slightly tangy, and full of depth.

Tip: Slightly warming the honey can make it easier to combine with the other ingredients.

3. Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken pieces in a large bowl or resealable bag. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken and coat thoroughly. Save the remaining marinade for basting.

Let the chicken rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes—overnight if time allows for deeper flavor.

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🍗 Bake It to Juicy, Golden Perfection

4. Arrange in the Baking Dish
Transfer chicken to your prepared dish, skin-side up. Space pieces apart so they roast evenly. If using lemon slices, tuck them around the chicken for added aroma and brightness.

5. Bake and Baste
Roast the chicken uncovered for 35–45 minutes, depending on the cut size. Every 15–20 minutes, spoon or brush on the reserved marinade to lock in flavor and keep the chicken moist.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

6. Finish Under the Broiler
For that caramelized glaze and a slightly crispy skin, broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

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With its golden, sticky glaze and juicy interior, this honey baked chicken is guaranteed to satisfy. Serve it with rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad for a perfectly balanced meal. 🍯✨ Want tips for storing or making it ahead? Just ask!