Chicken Marinade with Honey and Soy Sauce
This simple yet flavorful marinade combines the sweet richness of honey with the savory depth of soy sauce, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Ideal for grilling, baking, or stir-frying, it’s a versatile marinade that can elevate any chicken dish.

The History of Ingredients

Soy Sauce: Originating in China over 2,000 years ago, soy sauce has become a staple in Asian cuisine. It’s made by fermenting soybeans with wheat and salt, resulting in a savory, umami-rich liquid that’s used in countless dishes across various cultures, from Chinese to Japanese to Korean.
Honey: Honey is one of the oldest sweeteners known to humanity, dating back to ancient civilizations. It has been used not only as food but also for medicinal purposes. The natural sweetness of honey balances the saltiness of soy sauce in this marinade, creating harmony between sweet and savory.
Chicken: Chicken has been consumed by humans for thousands of years, often prized for its versatility, mild flavor, and relatively low cost compared to other meats. It’s a blank canvas for flavors, making it perfect for marinades that infuse deep taste.

Breakdown of Ingredients

Chicken: The protein of choice, often preferred for its light, neutral taste that absorbs flavors well. Skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs are commonly used in this recipe.
Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness, enhancing the flavor of the chicken. Low-sodium soy sauce is an option for a healthier marinade.
Honey: Provides natural sweetness, balancing the saltiness of the soy sauce and adding caramelization when cooked.
Garlic: Adds depth and a savory kick, essential for rounding out the flavor profile.
Ginger: Offers a subtle spice and aromatic freshness, complementing the sweetness of honey and the saltiness of soy sauce.
Lemon or Lime Juice: The acidity helps tenderize the chicken, adding a refreshing zesty contrast to the marinade.
Olive Oil: Helps to keep the chicken moist and ensures the marinade sticks to the chicken better.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients:

1 lb chicken (boneless, skinless breasts or thighs)
1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium is optional)
2 tbsp honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
1 tbsp lemon or lime juice
2 tbsp olive oil
Optional: 1 tbsp sesame oil (for extra depth of flavor)

Instructions:

Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, lemon or lime juice, olive oil, and optional sesame oil. Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity by adding more honey or lemon if desired.
Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. For more intense flavor, marinate overnight.
Cook the chicken:
- Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Pan-fry: Heat a pan over medium heat with a little oil. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
Serve and enjoy: Serve your honey and soy marinated chicken with steamed rice, vegetables, or a salad. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, or cilantro for extra flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Marinade

Don’t over-marinate: Chicken can become too salty if marinated for too long, especially with soy sauce. Marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours, or up to 8 hours for more flavor.
Adjust sweetness and acidity: If you prefer a sweeter marinade, add more honey. If you like it more tangy, increase the amount of lemon or lime juice.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger add the best flavor. If using powdered ginger, start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
Let the chicken come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes, sriracha, or a finely chopped jalapeño for a spicy version of the marinade.
Citrusy Twist: For an extra fresh burst, use orange juice or lime zest in place of lemon juice.
Herbal Addition: Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can be added to the marinade for a fragrant, green note. You can also garnish the chicken with these herbs after cooking.
Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, simply use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

Chicken: A lean source of protein, chicken provides essential nutrients like B vitamins, phosphorus, and selenium. Opting for skinless chicken breasts keeps the fat content lower.
Honey: Though a natural sweetener, honey is still a sugar and should be consumed in moderation. It has antioxidants and is less processed than refined sugar.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce contains a significant amount of sodium, so using low-sodium soy sauce is a good option if you’re monitoring your salt intake. It also provides beneficial isoflavones, which have been linked to various health benefits.
Ginger and Garlic: Both garlic and ginger have been praised for their anti-inflammatory properties, with ginger also known to aid in digestion.
Olive Oil: Contains healthy monounsaturated fats, which support heart health and reduce inflammation.

FAQ

1. Can I use this marinade on other proteins?
Yes! This marinade works well with pork, beef, or even fish like salmon. Adjust the marinating time depending on the protein, as fish will require a shorter marinating time.

2. How can I store leftover marinade?
If you have leftover marinade that hasn’t touched raw chicken, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If the marinade was used for raw chicken, discard it for food safety.

3. Can I freeze marinated chicken?
Yes, you can freeze marinated chicken. Place the chicken and marinade in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.

4. Can I use this marinade as a glaze during cooking?
Absolutely! If you want to use the marinade as a glaze, bring it to a boil in a saucepan and cook for 5-7 minutes to reduce it and kill any bacteria from the raw chicken. Then, brush it on the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking for extra flavor.

5. Can I use brown sugar instead of honey?
Yes, brown sugar can be substituted for honey, but the flavor will be less floral. Brown sugar will also create a more caramelized crust on the chicken when cooked.

Chicken Marinade with Honey and Soy Sauce

Chicken Marinade with Honey and Soy SauceThis simple yet flavorful marinade combines the sweet richness of honey with the savory depth of soy sauce, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Ideal for grilling, baking, or stir-frying, it’s a versatile marinade that can elevate any chicken dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1 10

Servings 4

Calories 198 kcal

Ingredients

chicken drumsticks
sea salt and black pepper to taste
For the Marinade:
1 tablespoon sesame oil or olive oil
¼ cup honey
⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 onion sliced
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger optional
1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional
Optional Garnish:
green onions

Instructions

Wash and pat dry the drumsticks with a kitchen towel. Place in a 10.6×7-inch baking dish and season with salt and pepper. Preheat oven to 375°F.
8 chicken drumsticks,sea salt and black pepper
In a medium bowl, combine all marinade ingredients. Pour over chicken and massage for 5 minutes. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and leave 30 minutes to marinate.
1 tablespoon sesame oil,¼ cup honey,⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce,1 onion,2 tablespoons chopped garlic,2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger,1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Remove aluminum foil and place the baking dish in the middle of the oven. Cook for 40 minutes until drumsticks are nicely brown.
Remove from the oven and garnish with green onions. Serve with the pan juices and your favorite side dish.
green onions

Notes

Wash and pat dry the drumsticks with a kitchen towel. Place in a 10.6×7-inch baking dish and season with salt and pepper. Preheat oven to 375°F.
In a medium bowl, combine all marinade ingredients. Pour over chicken and massage for 5 minutes. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and leave 30 minutes to marinate.
Remove aluminum foil and place the baking dish in the middle of the oven. Cook for 40 minutes until drumsticks are nicely brown.
Remove from the oven and garnish with green onions. Serve with the pan juices and your favorite side dish.

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