Name: Honey Soy Glazed Chicken in Foil Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 1 h 40 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 4 chicken leg quarters; 4 teaspoons salt; 2 teaspoons sugar; 2 teaspoons ginger powder; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons chili flakes (or cayenne for spicier, or paprika for non-spicy); 8 slices fresh ginger; 1/2 cup honey; 6 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 teaspoons chili flakes (or cayenne/paprika as preferred); 2 teaspoons lemon juice; A handful of vegetables such as green beans, onion, peppers, and/or tomato; Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil

If you’re looking for a weeknight winner, this Honey Soy Glazed Chicken in Foil Recipe is absolutely one to pin and make ASAP. I love this recipe because the chicken turns out so tender and juicy inside the foil, while the honey-soy glaze crisps up to perfection under the broiler—sweet, savory, and finger-licking good. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, you’ll find that this method makes dinner feel special without a ton of fuss. Stick around—I’m going to share everything you need to nail this recipe every single time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Juicy, Foolproof Results: Wrapping the chicken in foil locks in moisture, making each bite incredibly tender.
Sweet & Savory Flavor Balance: The honey-soy glaze brings just the right amount of sticky sweetness and umami.
Easy Cleanup: Cooking in foil means less mess in the kitchen—hallelujah!
Versatile & Customizable: Use whatever veggies you like or adjust the heat level with simple spice swaps.

The image shows three pieces of dark brown cooked chicken with a shiny glaze, arranged close together on a white marbled surface. Each piece is topped with light green, thinly sliced curled spring onions and sprinkled with small white sesame seeds. Surrounding the chicken are bright green long beans, small yellow pearl onions, and a few red cherry tomatoes, adding color contrast. The chicken skin looks crispy with a slightly charred texture on some parts, creating a rich, savory appearance. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Honey Soy Glazed Chicken in Foil, honey soy chicken, foil baked chicken, easy chicken dinner, juicy baked chicken

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together so well—I’ve learned that simple pantry staples, paired with fresh ginger, give this dish its signature warmth and zing. And if you haven’t tried Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil for recipes like this, you’re in for a treat: it holds up beautifully to long oven times without tearing.

Flat lay of four raw chicken leg quarters with smooth skin, fresh whole ginger root and eight thin slices of bright yellow ginger, small white ceramic bowls containing golden honey, dark brown soy sauce, vibrant red chili flakes, pale yellow lemon juice, and separate piles of coarse white salt, light brown sugar, ground ginger powder, and garlic powder, a small heap of fresh mixed vegetables including green beans, a sliced red bell pepper, a halved small red onion, and a ripe red tomato wedge, all ingredients arranged symmetrically in perfect proportions on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Honey Soy Glazed Chicken in Foil, honey soy chicken, foil baked chicken, easy chicken dinner, juicy baked chicken

Chicken leg quarters: They have skin and dark meat that stay juicy and flavorful—perfect for this slow cook method.
Salt: Essential for balancing flavors and seasoning the chicken evenly.
Sugar: A little sweetness to enhance caramelization and balance the soy sauce’s saltiness.
Ginger powder: Gives a subtle earthiness and depth; fresh ginger slices boost that brightness.
Garlic powder: For that irresistible savory foundation.
Chili flakes (or cayenne/paprika): You can control the heat—paprika if you want it mild, cayenne if you’re craving a kick.
Honey: This glaze’s star player, bringing luscious sweetness and that sticky gloss.
Soy sauce: Provides savory umami and saltiness, balancing the honey beautifully.
Fresh ginger slices: Added to the glaze, they infuse it with warm spice and aroma.
Lemon juice: Adds a splash of brightness and lifts the glaze flavors.
Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil: Strong, durable foil keeps your pockets strong and juicy.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this honey soy glazed chicken in foil recipe can be; you can easily switch it up to match your mood or what’s in your fridge. I’ve played around with different spice levels and veggies, and honestly, it’s a great base recipe to experiment with.

Spice Level: I often swap chili flakes for paprika when cooking for little ones, but on game days, I love turning up the heat with cayenne. You’ll find the recipe adapts well to either.
Veggie Add-ins: Tossing in green beans and bell peppers into the foil packet is a one-pan win I’ve grown to rely on—it cooks them right alongside the chicken, soaking up all those juices.
Protein Swap: While this recipe was designed for leg quarters, I’ve tried using bone-in chicken thighs with great success—just adjust baking time slightly if needed.
Gluten-Free: Make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari if you have dietary restrictions—otherwise, this recipe is naturally gluten-friendly.

How to Make Honey Soy Glazed Chicken in Foil Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Spice Rub & Foil Packets

Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C) so it’s ready when you are. Mix together your dry rub—salt, sugar, ginger powder, garlic powder, and chili flakes—in a bowl. This blend sets the flavor foundation, so take a moment to whisk it really well. Then, tear off four 16-inch sheets of Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil (I learned the hard way to avoid thinner foil here—it tears easily and the juices leak!). Place each chicken leg quarter in the center of a sheet.

Step 2: Rub & Seal Your Chicken

Sprinkle the spice mix evenly over the chicken legs, then rub it in thoroughly to coat all sides. Fold up the foil by bringing the long edges up and together over the chicken; double fold the ends to seal your packet but leave a little air space inside for heat circulation. That little pocket of steam is what turns the chicken tender and juicy. Place the sealed packets on a foil-lined baking sheet so any drips are caught (and clean-up is even easier!).

Step 3: Bake Low and Slow

Bake the foil packets for 1 hour and 30 minutes. This gentle oven time lets the chicken fall off the bone while the spices really infuse. I always set a timer so I don’t forget—the aroma filling the kitchen is a great reminder, trust me.

Step 4: Whip Up the Glaze While it Bakes

While the chicken is in the oven, combine honey, soy sauce, fresh ginger slices, and chili flakes in a small pot. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then lower to a simmer. Stir it regularly for about 20 minutes until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon — this step is crucial for that sticky glaze finale. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. The sauce thickens even more as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems slightly runny.

Step 5: Broil to Caramelized Perfection

Once your chicken finishes baking, carefully open the foil packets (watch out for steam!) and remove the legs, placing them on the foil-lined baking sheet. Discard the foil packets and juices to avoid sogginess. Now, turn your oven broiler on high, and brush a generous layer of the glaze onto each chicken leg. Broil for 3–5 minutes, until the glaze bubbles and thickens. Pull the tray out, brush on another layer, and broil again for 3–5 minutes to get that irresistible sticky, blistered skin finish.

Serve immediately while hot—you’ll be amazed how that sweet-savory dance of flavors comes alive on your plate.

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Pro Tips for Making Honey Soy Glazed Chicken in Foil Recipe

Use Heavy Duty Foil: I learned that regular foil can tear during baking and cause leaks—Heavy Duty or double layering keeps everything sealed perfectly.
Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: Adding lemon juice after simmering really brightens the glaze and cuts through the richness beautifully.
Watch the Broiler Closely: It only takes a few minutes to caramelize the glaze under the broiler, so stay close to avoid burning the sugar.
Let the Glaze Cool Before Applying: Applying warm glaze can slide off; waiting until it cools slightly helps it stick and form a nice crust.

How to Serve Honey Soy Glazed Chicken in Foil Recipe

A white bowl is filled with a base layer of white rice, topped by a large grilled chicken leg coated in shiny reddish-brown sauce and sprinkled with white sesame seeds. Around the chicken leg on the rice are thin, light green onion curls. On the right side of the bowl, there are some green beans, two small light yellow potatoes, and a yellow pepper slice. At the bottom right, under the chicken, are sautéed purple onion rings. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a fork and dark cloth to the right, and a small white bowl of sliced green onions below. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Honey Soy Glazed Chicken in Foil, honey soy chicken, foil baked chicken, easy chicken dinner, juicy baked chicken

Garnishes

For garnishes, I like a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions—they add crunch and a fresh pop of color. Sometimes I throw on a few fresh cilantro leaves if I’m feeling fancy. These simple touches take the dish from everyday to restaurant-worthy without much effort.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are steamed jasmine rice and sautéed garlic green beans—the rice helps soak up all that luscious glaze, and the green beans add a bright, crunchy contrast. Roasted or stir-fried veggies like peppers and snap peas also pair wonderfully, especially when cooked alongside the chicken in the foil packet.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday meals or when entertaining, I like to plate the chicken on a bed of sticky rice topped with crispy fried shallots and a drizzle of extra glaze. You can also serve it family-style with the foil packets opened right at the table—guests love the dramatic reveal and the juicy aromas escaping!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you remember to keep the glaze separate and brush it on again before reheating, the flavors stay fresher and the chicken doesn’t dry out.

Freezing

This honey soy glazed chicken freezes well—just wrap the cooled cooked chicken tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. When thawed, I reheat gently in the oven and freshen it with another glaze brush to revive the sticky topping.

Reheating

To keep the skin as crispy as possible when reheating, I use the oven or broiler rather than the microwave. Reheat at 300°F for about 15 minutes, then pop under the broiler for a couple minutes with some glaze brush-on to refresh that caramelized finish.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken for this Honey Soy Glazed Chicken in Foil Recipe?

You absolutely can! Just keep in mind boneless cuts may cook faster and can dry out if overbaked. Reduce the baking time slightly and keep a close eye, or consider using chicken thighs for moister results.
How spicy is this Honey Soy Glazed Chicken in Foil Recipe?

The heat level depends on the type and amount of chili flakes you use. I recommend starting with 2 teaspoons of chili flakes or paprika for mild flavor. Swap in cayenne for a noticeable kick. You can always adjust the spice to your taste.
Why do I need to broil the chicken after baking it in foil?

Broiling creates that irresistible caramelized glaze and crispy skin that baking alone won’t achieve. It adds texture and deep flavor, making the chicken both juicy inside and beautifully sticky on the outside.
Can I prepare this Honey Soy Glazed Chicken in Foil Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can season and seal the chicken packets a few hours in advance or refrigerate them overnight. Just bake and broil when you’re ready to serve for fresh, delicious results.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Soy Glazed Chicken in Foil Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for busy nights when I want something delicious but fuss-free. The combination of tender chicken cooked low and slow with that sticky, luscious glaze always wins over my family and guests. Give it a try—you might find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, just like I do. Trust me, once you taste how effortlessly it turns out juicy and flavorful, it’ll be a staple in your kitchen too!