Sticky Honey Soy Chicken is a delicious dish that brings together sweet and savory flavors in a simple baked recipe. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Sticky Honey Soy Chicken. First, it’s easy to prepare, with minimal hands-on time. Second, the ingredients are common and affordable, making it accessible for everyone. Lastly, this dish is incredibly tasty, with a sticky glaze that will have everyone coming back for more.
How to Make Sticky Honey Soy Chicken
Ingredients
- 1.2kg / 2.4lb bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks (5 – 6 pieces) (Note 1)
- 1 red onion, peeled and cut into wedges
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (Note 2)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or ordinary white vinegar)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh coriander/cilantro leaves (or other green things like green onion, parsley, chives)
Directions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 200°C/390°F (180°C fan).
- Line pan: Line a baking dish with foil, then with baking paper. Make sure the dish fits the chicken comfortably—not too spaced out and not too snug (Note 3).
- Make glaze: In a bowl, mix the glaze ingredients together.
- Prepare chicken: Place the onion and chicken in the baking dish skin side down, then pour the glaze over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 25 minutes, then turn the chicken and bake for another 25 to 35 minutes until browned and the glaze is sticky. If the glaze isn’t syrupy, take the chicken out and put the pan back in for a few more minutes.
- Coat chicken: Turn the chicken and coat it in the glaze, spooning more glaze over the top.
- Serve: Enjoy it with rice and steamed greens, topped with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro/coriander leaves.
How to Serve Sticky Honey Soy Chicken
Serve the Sticky Honey Soy Chicken hot, alongside a bed of fluffy rice and some steamed greens like broccoli or bok choy. You can sprinkle sesame seeds and fresh herbs on top for an extra pop of flavor.
How to Store Sticky Honey Soy Chicken
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or bake it in the oven until heated through.
Tips to Make Sticky Honey Soy Chicken
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the glaze for a few hours or overnight before baking.
- If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs or drumsticks, but be mindful that the cooking time may vary.
- To ensure the chicken is juicy, avoid over-baking it.
Variation
You can add vegetables to the baking dish, such as bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas, for a one-pan meal. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to make sure everything cooks evenly.
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but adjust the cooking time since boneless chicken cooks faster.
2. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Place the chicken and glaze in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for about 4 hours.
3. What can I substitute for honey?
If you need a substitute, you can use maple syrup or agave syrup for a similar sweetness.

Sticky Honey Soy Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.2 kg bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks 5 – 6 pieces
- 1 red onion, peeled and cut into wedges
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or ordinary white vinegar)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh coriander/cilantro leaves Or other green herbs like green onion, parsley, or chives.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 200°C/390°F (180°C fan).
- Line a baking dish with foil and then baking paper, ensuring the dish fits the chicken comfortably.
- In a bowl, mix the glaze ingredients together.
- Place the onion and chicken in the baking dish skin side down, then pour the glaze over the top.
Cooking
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Turn the chicken and bake for another 25 to 35 minutes until browned and the glaze is sticky.
- If the glaze isn’t syrupy, remove the chicken and put the pan back in for a few more minutes.
- Coat the chicken in the glaze, spooning more over the top as needed.
Serving
- Serve hot with rice and steamed greens, topped with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro/coriander leaves.







