The Ultimate Honey Roasted Chicken Recipe: Juicy, Flavorful, and Easy to Make
Prepare to impress your family and friends with this incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple Honey Roasted Chicken recipe! It requires only a handful of ingredients and delivers a show-stopping meal that tastes far more complex than it is. We’re talking about a perfectly stuffed, whole chicken, generously coated in a sweet, spicy, and irresistible honey glaze that roasts to absolute perfection.
Have you ever felt a bit intimidated by the idea of cooking a whole chicken or turkey? It’s a common feeling! I’ll be honest, the first couple of times I attempted it, I felt completely lost. Roasting a whole bird was new territory for me, but I knew that if I could master it, the effort would be incredibly rewarding. And boy, was I right! It took surprisingly little time to grasp the essential steps, as there are truly only a few key principles. Once I understood how to properly prepare the chicken, the rest became a breeze, and I’ve been confidently roasting ever since.
Fast forward, and now I’m making so many delicious whole chicken and turkey recipes, I feel unstoppable! Two of my absolute favorites, perfect for any occasion, are this Maple Glazed Turkey Breast and my classic Thanksgiving Roasted Turkey. Pair a beautifully roasted bird with some of my go-to side dishes like Creamy Mashed Potatoes, savory Creamed Corn, and decadent Loaded Mac & Cheese, and you’ve got a meal that will truly blow people away. Here’s a little secret: you don’t have to wait for the holidays to enjoy these incredible, comforting meals!
The Secret to Perfectly Roasted Honey Chicken
This Honey Roasted Chicken isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. The combination of succulent, tender meat, incredibly crispy skin, and that sweet-and-spicy honey glaze makes every bite a delight. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the foolproof method that guarantees a juicy result every single time. Say goodbye to dry, bland roasted chicken, and get ready for a flavorful centerpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.
How To Make Honey Roasted Chicken
Creating this magnificent honey-roasted chicken involves a few straightforward steps. Follow these instructions to achieve a perfectly cooked, flavorful bird:
- Prep Your Oven and Chicken – Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C). Carefully remove any giblets and excess fat from the chicken cavity. Pat the entire chicken thoroughly dry with paper towels; this step is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
- Stuff and Season – Loosely stuff the chicken cavity with aromatic ingredients like quartered onions and whole garlic cloves. In a small bowl, combine softened butter with dry rosemary, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Rub this herb-butter mixture generously all over the exterior of the chicken, ensuring every part is covered. Season the chicken liberally with additional salt and pepper.
- Truss the Bird – Use kitchen twine to tie the chicken’s legs together. This helps the chicken cook more evenly and retain its shape. Tuck the wing tips under the chicken to prevent them from burning.
- Initial Bake – Place the prepared chicken in a roasting pan. Cover the breast area loosely with aluminum foil. This prevents the breast from overcooking and drying out while the rest of the chicken catches up. Bake for 45 minutes.
- Apply the Honey Glaze – While the chicken is in its initial baking stage, prepare the delicious glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the chili flakes, soy sauce, and honey until well combined. After 45 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven, discard the foil, and generously brush the entire chicken with the honey-soy-chili mixture.
- Final Bake and Rest – Return the glazed chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh (without touching the bone) and the juices run clear. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven, transfer it to a platter, and allow it to rest, loosely covered with foil, for about 15 minutes before carving. This resting period is essential for the juices to redistribute, ensuring an incredibly moist and flavorful chicken. Then, serve and enjoy!
Top Tips for the Best Honey Roasted Chicken
Achieving a perfectly roasted chicken is all about attention to detail. Here are some expert tips to ensure your Honey Roasted Chicken turns out spectacular every time:
- Enhance Stuffing Flavors – Don’t limit your stuffing to just onions and garlic! Consider adding halved lemons or oranges to the cavity for a bright, citrusy aroma that permeates the meat. Apple wedges can provide a subtle sweetness that beautifully complements the honey glaze. You can also include chunks of celery, carrots, or even fresh herb sprigs like parsley and sage to further infuse flavor and moisture into your chicken as it roasts. These additions don’t just add flavor; they help keep the inside moist.
- Customize Your Seasonings – While the rosemary, oregano, and thyme create a classic, fragrant profile, feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices. Smoked paprika can add a beautiful color and smoky depth. A dash of onion powder or garlic powder can intensify savory notes. If you like a hint of heat in your rub, a pinch of cayenne pepper is a great addition. For convenience, many grocery stores offer excellent pre-mixed poultry seasoning blends that work wonderfully.
- Adjust the Spice Level – The red chili flakes in the glaze provide a delightful kick that balances the sweetness of the honey. However, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can easily omit the chili flakes entirely. The honey and soy sauce alone create a perfectly balanced sweet and savory glaze that’s universally appealing, especially for those sensitive to spice.
- Prevent Dry Chicken – Nothing is worse than dry roasted chicken. To guarantee a juicy bird, one excellent trick is to inject the breast meat with melted butter or chicken broth before cooking. This adds an extra layer of moisture directly into the meat. Most importantly, avoid overcooking! Use a reliable meat thermometer to check for doneness. The thickest part of the thigh (without touching the bone) should register 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the oven as soon as it reaches this temperature.
- What About Giblets? – Whole chickens typically come with a small packet containing the giblets (heart, liver, gizzard) and sometimes the neck, tucked inside the main cavity or the neck cavity. Always remember to remove these before you start preparing the chicken for roasting. If you open your chicken and don’t find them, don’t worry – it simply means they were already removed by the butcher, so you can proceed with the recipe!
- Adjust Cooking Time for Chicken Size – The weight of whole chickens can vary significantly, from smaller 3-pound birds to larger 7-pound ones. This means your cooking time will need to be adjusted accordingly. A good general guideline is to roast for approximately 20 minutes per pound at 375°F (190°C), plus an additional 15-20 minutes for browning. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, and the juices should run clear when pierced.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which isn’t always a given with this delicious recipe!), proper storage and reheating are key to maintaining flavor and moisture.
- Fridge Storage – For the best storage and to prevent the chicken from drying out, it’s highly recommended to carve the roasted chicken into individual pieces once it has cooled. Place the sliced chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Stored this way, it will remain fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Freezer Storage – While freezing a whole cooked chicken is not advisable as it can compromise texture, individual carved pieces freeze beautifully. Once the chicken has cooled completely, transfer the pieces to an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, the chicken can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating Leftovers – To reheat, place the carved chicken pieces in an oven-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to the bottom of the dish to help create steam and keep the chicken moist. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and reheat in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, usually about 15-20 minutes depending on the amount. Alternatively, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave on medium power, checking frequently to prevent overcooking.
What To Serve This Honey Roasted Chicken With…
A perfectly roasted chicken deserves equally delicious side dishes. While I mentioned a few excellent options above, there are many more fantastic pairings for this Honey Roasted Chicken to create a truly memorable meal:
Let’s start with salads – they are always a perfect, fresh counterpart to rich roasted meats. Some of my personal go-tos include a crisp Vegetable Salad with Homemade Italian Dressing, the unique and flavorful Paneer Salad, or a vibrant and refreshing Tomato Avocado Salad. These offer a delightful lightness and crunch that balance the savory chicken.
You can never go wrong with a potato side dish, either! My comforting Sweet Potato Casserole provides a lovely sweet and savory contrast. For a more rustic choice, Roasted Garlic Potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser, delivering tender potatoes bursting with garlicky flavor. And for the ultimate comfort food, my Cheddar Garlic Mashed Potatoes are always a huge hit!
When in doubt, a warm bread side is the perfect accompaniment. It’s fantastic for soaking up any extra delicious pan juices or simply complementing a hearty meal. Some tasty ideas include my indulgent Spinach Artichoke Dip Bread, a unique and flavorful Honey Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread, or my fun and savory Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread. You truly can’t go wrong with any of these delicious choices to complete your meal!
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Honey Roasted Chicken
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Ingredients
- 5-6 lb Chicken
- 4 tbsp softened butter
- 1 tsp dry thyme
- 2 tsp dry oregano
- 2 tsp dry rosemary
- 1 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp red chili flakes
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
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Remove the chicken giblets and excess fat.
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Pat the outside of the chicken dry and set aside.
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In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, dry thyme, dry rosemary, oregano, salt and pepper.
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Stuff the cavity with onions and garlic.
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Smear the prepared butter all over the chicken and then season generously with salt and pepper.
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Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the chicken.
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Cover the breast with aluminum foil and place in the oven for 45 minutes
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While the chicken cooks, combine the honey, soy sauce, and red chili flakes in a small bowl.
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Brush the honey soy all over the chicken and cook for an additional 30 minutes or until the juices run clear.
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Remove the chicken from the oven to a platter and let it rest covered for 15 minutes.
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Serve with vegetables and mashed potatoes for maximum delight.
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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