Honey Soy Glazed Chicken with Stir-Fry Infusion
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Honey Soy Glazed Chicken, a dish that brings a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes to your dinner table. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a gathering with friends, this recipe features tender chicken pieces bathed in a rich glaze made from low-sodium soy sauce, honey, and brown sugar. The optional sesame oil adds a nutty depth, while the garlic and ginger pair beautifully to create a tantalizing aroma. Adjust the heat level to your liking with crushed red pepper flakes, making it as mild or spicy as you desire. Serve this easy-to-make dish over fluffy rice and enjoy a crowd-pleasing, comforting meal that's bound to satisfy any palate.
4-6
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole chicken, cut into pieces
1 (3-3.5 lb)
Black pepper
to taste (optional, for seasoning)
Vegetable oil
3-4 tablespoons (for sautéing and browning)
Onion, chopped
1 medium
Garlic cloves, chopped
4-6
Crushed red pepper flakes
1/4-1/2 teaspoon (adjust to heat level)
Low sodium soy sauce
3/4 cup (use only low-sodium)
Cornstarch
2 tablespoons (increase to 3 for a thicker glaze)
Ginger powder
1 teaspoon
Sesame oil
1/2-1 teaspoon (optional)
Honey
1/2 cup
Light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup
Ketchup
1/4 cup
Heinz Chili Sauce
1/4 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2
Using your hands, gently squeeze out any excess water from the chicken pieces, then pat them dry with paper towels.
3
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, cornstarch, ginger powder, and sesame oil (if using) until smooth. Next, stir in the honey, light brown sugar, ketchup, and Heinz chili sauce until well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust sweetness if desired by adding more honey or brown sugar.
4
In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, heat 3-4 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened, followed by the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
5
Pour the prepared soy sauce glaze into the saucepan and bring it to a simmer while stirring continuously. Let it cook until it thickens and becomes bubbly, then remove from heat and set aside.
6
In a skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. Optionally, season the chicken with black pepper before browning. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, cooking until browned on both sides, approximately 5-7 minutes. Once browned, transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish.
7
Pour the thickened glaze over the chicken pieces, using tongs or your hands to ensure they are well coated and arranged with skin-side facing up.
8
Bake the chicken uncovered in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, basting with the pan glaze halfway through the cooking process. Check that the chicken is thoroughly cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
9
Serve your Honey Soy Glazed Chicken hot over a bed of cooked rice for a fulfilling meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one whole chicken, weighing between 3 to 3.5 lbs, cut into pieces.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before baking the chicken.
How many servings does this honey soy chicken recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 4 to 6 servings.
What type of soy sauce should I use?
It is highly recommended to use only low-sodium soy sauce for this recipe.
How can I make the glaze thicker?
To achieve a thicker glaze, you can increase the amount of cornstarch from 2 tablespoons to 3 tablespoons.
Is sesame oil a required ingredient?
No, sesame oil is an optional ingredient, though it adds a nutty depth to the flavor profile.
How long should I bake the chicken?
Bake the chicken uncovered for about 45 minutes.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is thoroughly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?
Yes, you can adjust the heat level by varying the amount of crushed red pepper flakes between 1/4 and 1/2 teaspoon.
What size baking dish is needed?
A 13 x 9-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, you should grease the baking dish to prevent the chicken and glaze from sticking.
What are the primary ingredients in the glaze?
The glaze consists of low-sodium soy sauce, cornstarch, ginger powder, sesame oil, honey, light brown sugar, ketchup, and Heinz chili sauce.
How do I prepare the chicken before cooking?
Gently squeeze out excess water from the chicken pieces and pat them dry with paper towels.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped onion for about 3 minutes until softened.
When should I add the garlic to the pan?
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes after the onions have softened, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Should the chicken be browned before putting it in the oven?
Yes, brown the chicken pieces in a skillet for approximately 5-7 minutes before transferring them to the baking dish.
Do I bake the chicken covered or uncovered?
The chicken should be baked uncovered.
When should I baste the chicken?
Baste the chicken with the pan glaze halfway through the 45-minute cooking process.
How should the chicken be positioned in the baking dish?
Arrange the chicken pieces with the skin-side facing up in the dish.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve the Honey Soy Glazed Chicken hot over a bed of fluffy cooked rice.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
Yes, you can taste the sauce and add more honey or light brown sugar if a sweeter glaze is desired.
What type of ginger is required?
This recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ginger powder.
What kind of chili sauce is recommended?
The recipe specifically mentions Heinz Chili Sauce for the glaze.
How much honey is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of honey.
How much vegetable oil is needed?
You will need 3-4 tablespoons of vegetable oil for sautéing the aromatics and browning the chicken.
Is the light brown sugar packed or loose?
The 1/2 cup of light brown sugar should be packed.
Can I season the chicken before browning?
Yes, optionally you can season the chicken with black pepper to taste before browning it in the skillet.
What happens to the glaze in the saucepan?
The glaze should be brought to a simmer while stirring continuously until it thickens and becomes bubbly.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe suggests using between 4 to 6 chopped garlic cloves.
Is this a good recipe for weeknight meals?
Yes, it is described as an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for weeknights or gatherings.