Honey Soy Chicken

There’s something deeply satisfying about the aroma of Honey Soy Chicken wafting through the kitchen. My journey with this dish began years ago, during a rainy Sunday afternoon when I craved something comforting yet flavorful. I rummaged through my pantry and discovered a few humble ingredients that promised to bring life to any dreary day. The sweet notes of honey combined with the savory depth of soy sauce instantly piqued my interest, and I knew I was onto something special. As the chicken marinates, it absorbs those delicious flavors, transforming into a succulent meal that delights the senses. Whenever I serve Honey Soy Chicken, it feels like I’m sharing a piece of my culinary heart, inviting everyone to gather around the table and enjoy a wonderful feast together.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Honey Soy Chicken

The beauty of Honey Soy Chicken lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a deliciously savory dish that’s perfect for any occasion. You’ll find that the combination of sweet and salty flavors, along with aromatic spices, makes this dish irresistible.

• 3 pounds chicken drumsticks (bone-in, with skin) – The star of the dish, these drumsticks become incredibly tender and juicy when cooked, soaking up the marinade perfectly.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Adds richness and moisture, helping to keep the chicken succulent during cooking.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil – Offers a nutty flavor that enhances the overall dish, bringing depth to the marinade.
• 5 tablespoons honey – Provides sweetness, balancing the saltiness of the soy sauce and helping to create a beautiful glaze.
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium) – This key ingredient gives the chicken a savory flavor while keeping it moist during cooking.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced) – Infuses the chicken with aromatic flavor, making each bite more enjoyable.
• 1 teaspoon ginger (freshly grated, ginger powder works as well, about ½ tsp) – Adds warmth and a bit of spice, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
• ¼ teaspoon pepper (freshly ground) – A touch of spice that rounds out the flavors in the marinade.
• 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped, for garnish) – Freshens up the dish and adds a pop of color when serving.

The Method for Honey Soy Chicken

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the method for making Honey Soy Chicken. Trust me, it’s a straightforward process that results in an incredibly flavorful meal.

1. Prepare the chicken: In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, whisk together all the ingredients, excluding the chicken. This will create a rich marinade that enhances the flavor of the chicken. Once well mixed, add the chicken drumsticks into the bowl, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated in the marinade. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the fridge for at least two hours, or even better, overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.

2. Preheat the oven: When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375°F. Getting the oven hot beforehand ensures that the chicken will start cooking immediately when placed inside, helping to lock in those delicious juices.

3. Bake the chicken: Remove the plastic wrap from the marinade bowl and transfer the dish to the oven. Bake the drumsticks for about 45 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 175°F. Remember to turn the chicken over halfway through cooking. This not only helps achieve an even golden color but also ensures that both sides are equally flavorful.

4. Garnish and serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Just before serving, garnish the Honey Soy Chicken with freshly chopped parsley and drizzle some of the leftover marinade over the top for extra flavor. Serve hot and watch everyone enjoy this delightful dish!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Honey Soy Chicken turns out perfectly, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

• Storage: How to store leftovers? Make sure to cool completely and place them in an airtight container. They can stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days.
• Freezing: You can freeze raw chicken drumsticks with their marinade in a Ziploc bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible and freeze for up to three months. Thaw completely in the fridge before cooking.
• Flavor Enhancement: If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding some chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.
• Serving Temperature: For the best experience, serve the Honey Soy Chicken hot from the oven to enjoy its juicy texture and flavors.
• Cooking Method: Besides baking, you can also grill the chicken for a smoky flavor. Just make sure to baste it with the marinade to keep it moist.
• Marinade Variations: Feel free to adjust the marinade by adding ingredients like chili flakes for a spicy kick or replacing honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness.

What to Serve With Honey Soy Chicken

Pairing the right sides with Honey Soy Chicken can elevate your meal to new heights. Here are some delicious ideas on what to serve:

• Steamed rice: A classic pairing, fluffy white or brown rice soaks up the savory sauce perfectly.
• Stir-fried vegetables: Enjoy a colorful medley of bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots for a nutritious side.
• Garlic bread: For a comforting twist, serve some warm garlic bread to mop up the flavorful sauce.
• Salad: A light cucumber and carrot salad drizzled with sesame dressing balances the richness of the chicken.
• Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw adds texture and freshness, making it a perfect complement to the grilled chicken.
• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes can also be a great side, adding a comforting element to your meal.
• Occasions: This dish is fantastic for dinner parties, family gatherings, and even casual weeknight dinners.

FAQ

Conclusion

What makes Honey Soy Chicken so special is its versatile flavor and ease of preparation. It’s a dish that can turn an ordinary meal into something memorable with just a few ingredients. I encourage you to give it a try tonight, whether for a family dinner or to impress your friends. Once you taste that sweet and savory goodness, you’ll be coming back for seconds!

Honey Soy Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Honey Soy Chicken is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish will entice your taste buds and leave you craving more. Make it tonight for a meal that everyone will love!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 3 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 3 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 300

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 pounds chicken drumsticks bone in, with skin
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 5 tablespoons honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce low sodium
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger freshly grated, ginger powder works as well, about 1/2 tsp
• ¼ teaspoon pepper freshly ground
• 1 tablespoon parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• 9×13 inch Casserole Dish
• Instant Read Meat Thermometer

Method

 

1. In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, whisk together all the ingredients, excluding the chicken. Add the chicken drumsticks into the bowl, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated in the marinade. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the fridge for at least two hours, or even better, overnight.
2. When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375°F.
3. Remove the plastic wrap from the marinade bowl and transfer the dish to the oven. Bake the drumsticks for about 45 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 175°F. Remember to turn the chicken over halfway through cooking.
4. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Just before serving, garnish the Honey Soy Chicken with freshly chopped parsley and drizzle some of the leftover marinade over the top for extra flavor.

Notes

• Tip 1: To reduce fat and calories you can use skinless chicken drumsticks.
• Tip 2: Allow the drumsticks to marinate for at least 2 hours to overnight, for better flavor.
• Tip 3: For best results, flip the chicken drumsticks halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly and are more flavorful.
• Tip 4: Stored in an airtight container properly cooled, these honey soy chicken drumsticks will keep for five days in the fridge.
• Tip 5: You can freeze these raw chicken drumsticks with their marinade in a Ziploc bag for up to three months.

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