Have you ever marinated a whole chicken (or large pieces) and roasted it so the exterior caramelizes into this beautifully sticky glaze while the inside stays juicy? Or are you looking for a hearty dinner that’s effortless but still feels elevated?
If yes — this Honey Garlic Roasted Chicken is exactly what you need! It’s sweet, garlicky, a little spicy (if you opt for the chili flakes), and bakes up into something that feels both rustic and restaurant-ready
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (or approx. 1 kg / about 2.2 lb of chicken pieces)
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for a mild heat)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions (Step-by-step & Detailed)
1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, and the optional chili flakes if you like a bit of warmth.
Make sure the honey is well-dissolved and the mixture is fluid.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Then coat it evenly with the marinade: if you’re using a whole chicken, you can loosen the skin slightly and massage some marinade underneath for extra flavor. If using pieces, stir them in a bowl or zip-lock bag with the marinade until well coated.
Let the chicken rest / marinate for about 30 minutes at room temperature (or up to 1 hour in the fridge if you plan ahead).
2️⃣ Preheat the Oven & Prepare for Roasting
Preheat your oven to 200 °C (400 °F). This is a strong, reliable roasting temperature that helps crisp the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
Line a roasting pan or baking dish with foil or parchment for easy cleanup and place the chicken (whole or pieces) in a single layer, skin-side up if applicable.
3️⃣ Roast the Chicken
Place the chicken in the preheated oven. For a whole chicken, roast for approximately 35-45 minutes, depending on size (for pieces it may be slightly less).
About halfway through the cooking time (≈20-25 minutes in), remove the chicken briefly and baste it with any remaining marinade or pan juices. This helps build that beautiful glaze and ensures good flavor.
Continue roasting until the chicken is golden, caramelized on top and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165 °F / 74 °C in the thickest part).
4️⃣ Glaze & Finish
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes (resting helps the juices redistribute so the meat stays moist).
Drizzle or spoon any remaining sauce or pan-juices over the chicken. This is your finishing glaze — sticky, shiny and flavourful.
5️⃣ Serve
Serve the Honey Garlic Roasted Chicken hot. It goes beautifully with:
- Steamed vegetables (e.g., broccoli, carrots)
- Mashed potatoes or roasted potato wedges
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette to balance sweetness
- Rice or garlic-buttered bread to soak up the glaze
Serving Tips
- If using a whole chicken, carve it into parts for serving ease.
- For extra crisp skin, you may switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes (watch closely to avoid burning).
- Want more heat? Increase the chili flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the marinade.
- For added herbiness, you might tuck fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs around the chicken in the roasting pan.
Storage & Reheating
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place in a pre-heated oven at lower heat (~175-180 °C / 350 °F) until warmed through, to avoid drying out.
- You can also shred leftover meat and toss in warmed glaze for sandwiches or wraps.
Trusted Cooking References
- Several sources recommend baking chicken at around 400 °F / 200 °C for best results.
- Guidelines show that enlisting a glaze of honey + soy sauce + garlic is a well-established method for sweet-savory baked chicken.
- Reminder: Always confirm the internal temperature of the chicken reaches the safe threshold (165 °F / 74 °C) before serving.
ENJOY