This Combo Baked Chicken is a family favorite! The soy sauce, honey and garlic come together in a deep, sticky glaze that thoroughly coats the chicken legs or wings. It’s simple to make and foolproof for weeknight dinners or easy get-togethers. Serve with rice or roasted veggies to soak up the delicious caramelised sauce!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Prep: This recipe takes just a few shelf-stable essentials and no time at all, making it an easy weeknight option.

Versatile: Perfect for chicken wings, pork ribs, or even drumsticks, making it a universal accompaniment to your favorite protein.

Bold Flavor: A luscious, sticky glaze made of soy sauce, honey, and garlic creates a rich taste that caramelizes in the oven.

Kid-Friendly: The sweet-and-savory flavors will woo even the pickiest eaters.

Make-Ahead Note: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce ahead of time.

Key Ingredients

Chicken Legs or Wings: Chicken legs are juicy and flavorful, which is why they’re great for soaking up the sticky glaze. Those who are more fond of crispy, bite-size pieces WINGS(They are an excellent substitute).

Soy Sauce – Provides a savory, umami counterpoint to the sweetness of the honey. For a less salty dish, use low-sodium soy sauce.

Honey: The ultimate star of the sauce, honey provides natural sweetness and creates a sticky glossy finish when the sauce caramelizes.

Ketchup: Adds tang and deep flavor to the glaze, helping balance the salty and sweet.

Garlic: Minced garlic, fresh garlic minced, delivers aromatic, savory notes and deepens the flavor of the dish.

For the complete list of ingredients with amounts and instructions, see the recipe card below

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Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Then preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F. This temperature allows you to cook it evenly while doing well with the sauce caramelization.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken legs in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange them in a single layer so that the sauce can evenly coat each piece.

If you’re doing wings or ribs of pork, change the cooking time:

Wings may take less time to cook (40–45 minutes).

Pork rib pieces can take longer (around 90 minutes or more, depending on thickness).

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

To a medium bowl, add and whisk:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup ketchup

1/4 cup honey

2 cloves minced garlic

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Give a good stir until the sauce has mixed through.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Drizzle the sauce all around over the chicken legs in the baking dish.

Use a spoon or basting brush to make sure each piece is well-coated. Leave the sauce so it pools a bit around the chicken, so you can baste while baking.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

Oven rack position: middle Preheat the oven to 375Fº: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 1 hour.

Optional: Halfway through cooking, use a spoon to lift sauce over the chicken for added flavor, and caramelization.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

After about 30 minutes, check on the chicken:

If the sauce is getting too thick or starting to burn, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil.

Cover with the foil for the final 10–15 minutes of baking so the sauce caramelizes.

Using a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

After taking the chicken out from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the sauce to set.

We like to serve with your choice of sides, e.g.

Steamed rice

Roasted vegetables

A fresh salad

Bathe the chicken in its rich, caramelized glaze—it’s great for dipping and drizzling over your sides!

Serving Suggestions

classic pairing Serve with steamed white or jasmine rice to soak up the sticky sauce.

Vegetable Sides: Goes well with roasted broccoli, glazed carrots or a simple side salad for a balanced meal.

A Game-Day Feast: Add these chicken legs or wings to a party platter with sliders, fries and a creamy dipping sauce.

Bread Option: A crusty side of bread or dinner rolls is great for mopping up the extra glaze.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration

Refrigerate leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze cooked chicken (with sauce) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight then reheat.

Reheating

To reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 min, or until warmed through. Tent with foil so it doesn’t dry out, and spoon on extra sauce over the chicken to keep it moistened.

Variations

Spicy Twist: For a kick of heat, add 1–2 teaspoons of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Ginger Infusion: Grate some fresh ginger into the sauce for an extra layer of heat and flavor.

Citrus Touch: Add fresh lime or orange juice to the sauce for a zesty, tangy contrast.

BBQ Fusion: Substitute half the ketchup with barbecue sauce for a smoky twist.

Herbaceous Finish: Top your stew with chopped cilantro or green onions for an aromatic, fresh touch.

Conclusion

Make for the Caramelized Baked Chicken Legs or Wings. The sticky, sweet, and savory glaze creates a deliciously crave-worthy caramelization that takes the humble chicken leg (or wing) from merely fine to restaurant playbook-level. Whether you’re making it for casual supper or a festive gathering, with this recipe, you’re sure to score raves.

So preheat that oven, assemble your ingredients and savor the irresistible aroma of caramelized goodness filling your kitchen. You’re about to make an unforgettable dish that’s dead simple. Enjoy!