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.