Honey garlic chicken drumsticks are a classic dish that balances sweetness with savory flavors for a mouth-watering meal. The sticky, caramelized glaze on each drumstick will keep everyone reaching for more. This recipe is simple and perfect for baking or grilling, offering a delicious, easy way to prepare chicken drumsticks for any occasion.
Equipment:
- Baking sheet or oven-safe skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Basting brush
- Aluminum foil (optional)
Ingredients:
For the Drumsticks:
- 2 pounds chicken drumsticks (about 8-10 drumsticks)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (optional)
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne (optional, for spice)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Drumsticks
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or lightly grease an oven-safe skillet. Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper. Rub the drumsticks with olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven. - Bake the Drumsticks
Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the drumsticks are golden brown and nearly cooked through. - Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce
While the drumsticks bake, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and ginger in a mixing bowl. For a touch of heat, add chili flakes or cayenne. - Glaze the Drumsticks
After 25-30 minutes of baking, remove the drumsticks from the oven. Brush them generously with the honey garlic sauce. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, basting with more sauce halfway through. The drumsticks are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and the glaze is caramelized. - Rest and Serve
Remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Transfer them to a serving platter and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the drumsticks on a large platter garnished with fresh cilantro, sesame seeds, and green onions.
- Pair with a side of steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
- For a fun family-style meal, serve alongside extra honey garlic sauce for dipping.
Tips:
- Use parchment paper or foil on the baking sheet to make cleanup easier.
- For extra flavor, marinate the drumsticks in the honey garlic sauce for 1-2 hours before baking.
- Baste the drumsticks often for a thicker, more caramelized glaze.
- Grill Option: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, grill the drumsticks for 20-25 minutes, and brush with sauce in the last 10 minutes of grilling.
These honey garlic chicken drumsticks are an easy and satisfying recipe that’s full of flavor. With their sticky, sweet, and savory glaze, they’re perfect for family dinners, parties, or any time you’re craving something deliciously simple. Enjoy with your favorite sides for a complete and tasty meal!
Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
These honey garlic chicken drumsticks are tender, juicy, and glazed with a delicious sweet and savory sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings!
Equipment
- Baking sheet or oven-safe skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Basting brush
- Aluminum foil (optional)
Ingredients
- For the Drumsticks:
- 2 pounds chicken drumsticks about 8-10 drumsticks
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce low-sodium recommended
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger optional
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne optional, for spice
Instructions
- Prepare the Drumsticks
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or lightly grease an oven-safe skillet. Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper. Rub the drumsticks with olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Bake the Drumsticks
- Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the drumsticks are golden brown and nearly cooked through.
- Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce
- While the drumsticks bake, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and ginger in a mixing bowl. For a touch of heat, add chili flakes or cayenne.
- Glaze the Drumsticks
- After 25-30 minutes of baking, remove the drumsticks from the oven. Brush them generously with the honey garlic sauce. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, basting with more sauce halfway through. The drumsticks are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and the glaze is caramelized.
- Rest and Serve
- Remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Transfer them to a serving platter and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
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