Celia's Honey Baked Chicken
This chicken has a marinade with the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The recipe works equally well with chicken thighs.
Ingredients
- 12 chicken drumsticks, thighs, or any combination with or without skin
- 1/2 cup honey or pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce or use any variety, use wheat/gluten-free, if needed
- 1/4 tsp. ground ginger, Chinese Five Spice Powder, and/or crushed red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Place the chicken in a medium-size baking dish with sides.
- Put the honey or maple syrup in a large glass measuring cup and warm it for 20 seconds in the microwave (or 1 - 2 minutes in a small saucepan on the stovetop) to thin it. Add the soy sauce and any optional spices and stir thoroughly to combine.
- Pour the honey-soy mixture over the chicken and flip the chicken to coat it. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours (the longer the better), flipping the chicken once or twice.
- Bake the chicken at 375 degrees, turning and basting it occasionally, until it is cooked through and golden brown, 40 - 45 minutes. (Alternatively, grill it over medium-low heat for about 30 minutes, flipping it occasionally.) Serve it immediately or refrigerate it for up to 48 hours.
Slow Cooker Directions
- There's no need to marinate in advance. Turn the slow cooker to high, then add honey or maple syrup, soy sauce, and spices in the slow cooker and stir for a couple of minutes until thinned and well combined. Add the chicken, flipping it several times until it is well coated with the sauce. Adjust the slow cooker to low and cook it for 4 - 6 hours, or leave it on high and cook it for 2 - 3 hours. (Slow cooker cooking times may vary—Get to know your slow cooker and, if necessary, adjust cooking times accordingly.)
Notes
Do Ahead or Delegate: Make the marinade and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator, or fully prepare and refrigerate the dish.
Scramble Flavor Booster: Double the amount of ground ginger, Chinese Five Spice Powder, and/or crushed red pepper flakes.
Tip: Avoid buying the mega containers of spices. Try to buy only what you think you may use within a year as that's when the potency of most spices is strongest.
Like this recipe? Check out The Scramble's family-friendly meal plans to see just how simple getting dinner on the table can be!
Nutrition
Calories: 339kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 29gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 139mgSodium: 924mgPotassium: 430mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 70IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 1mg
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