Honey Chili Garlic Chicken (Sticky, Oven-Baked & Weeknight-Friendly)

Honey Chili Garlic Chicken is one of those dinners that feels special without requiring extra effort. Tender chicken bakes in a glossy honey-chili sauce infused with garlic and subtle heat, creating a sticky, caramelized finish that’s deeply satisfying but never overwhelming.

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Sticky honey chili garlic chicken baked in a rich glossy sauce

This version is inspired by a popular sweet-heat flavor profile that home cooks love because it balances bold taste with simplicity. Instead of a dry spice rub or fried coating, the chicken cooks gently in the oven, allowing the sauce to thicken naturally and cling to every bite. The result is juicy, flavorful chicken that feels restaurant-worthy yet completely approachable.

Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual family dinners, this recipe uses pantry staples and straightforward steps. It’s flexible enough to serve with rice, noodles, or vegetables, and it reheats beautifully the next day—making it a dependable option you’ll return to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sticky, glossy sauce with real depth of flavor
Balanced sweet heat that isn’t overpowering
Oven-baked and mostly hands-off
Family-friendly and easy to customize
Works with chicken breasts or thighs
Ideal for meal prep and leftovers
No frying or complicated techniques

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

Honey Chili Garlic Sauce

⅓ cup honey
3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon ketchup
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

How to Make Honey Chili Garlic Chicken

Before You Begin:
Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish so the chicken doesn’t stick.
Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper. Arrange the pieces in a single layer so they cook evenly.
Mix the sauce by whisking together honey, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, chili flakes, and the cornstarch slurry until smooth.
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken. Use a spoon or spatula to make sure all pieces are coated.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through so both sides are coated and cook evenly.
Check doneness: The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
Glaze the chicken by spooning extra sauce from the pan over the pieces during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Rest before serving: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes so the juices settle and the sauce thickens naturally.

Oven baked honey chili garlic chicken served with rice

How to Serve

Serve this chicken over jasmine rice, steamed white rice, or noodles to soak up the sauce. Roasted broccoli, green beans, snap peas, or a crisp cucumber salad help balance the sweetness. A sprinkle of green onions or sesame seeds adds a fresh finishing touch.

Storage, Make-Ahead & Reheating

Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Make-Ahead:
The sauce can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated.

Reheating:
Reheat gently in a skillet or oven at 350°F with a small splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the cornstarch (the sauce won’t thicken properly)
Overbaking, which can dry out the chicken
Using high heat at the end (honey can burn)
Adding too much chili at once
Serving immediately without resting

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes. Chicken breasts work well, but they cook faster than thighs. Check for doneness early and remove once the internal temperature reaches 165°F to avoid dryness.

Is this dish very spicy?
No. The heat level is mild and balanced by the honey. You can easily adjust the spice by increasing or reducing the chili flakes.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can this be cooked on the stovetop instead?
Yes. Sear the chicken first, then add the sauce and simmer gently until thickened and cooked through.

Why does this recipe use a glaze instead of a dry rub?
Sticky glazed chicken is currently more popular because it delivers deeper flavor and better texture, especially when oven-baked.

Does this recipe freeze well?
Yes. Freeze cooked chicken with sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a larger baking dish and make sure the chicken isn’t overcrowded so it bakes evenly.

What sides pair best with this dish?
Rice, noodles, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad work beautifully.

Conclusion

Honey Chili Garlic Chicken is proof that simple ingredients can create bold, memorable flavor. Sticky, comforting, and easy to prepare, this recipe fits seamlessly into busy routines while still feeling special. Whether you’re cooking for family or prepping meals ahead, it’s a reliable dinner you’ll be glad to have on hand.

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