Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks

Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks: Finger-Licking Goodness! 🍗🍯✨

1. Introduction

Looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly flavorful? Look no further than these Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks! This recipe combines the savory goodness of chicken with a sticky, sweet, and garlicky glaze that will have everyone reaching for seconds. It’s the perfect main course for any dinner, and you can discover even more dinner ideas on our site. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, these drumsticks are sure to be a hit. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – a handful of ingredients and minimal effort yield maximum flavor. Get ready to experience the magic of sweet and savory with these irresistible honey garlic chicken drumsticks.

These garlic glazed drumsticks are perfect for any occasion. The combination of honey garlic chicken drumsticks is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, the sticky glaze making them irresistible. This method for honey garlic chicken drumsticks works so well that it’s almost effortless, making it ideal for busy weeknights. For more easy-to-make recipes, check out our chicken recipes section. Let’s dive into creating these mouthwatering honey garlic chicken drumsticks!

2. Why This Recipe Works

This honey garlic chicken drumsticks recipe is a winner for several reasons. First, the marinade is a powerhouse of flavor, infusing the chicken with both sweetness and savory depth. Honey provides a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, while garlic adds a pungent, aromatic kick. Soy sauce balances the sweetness with umami and saltiness, ensuring a well-rounded taste profile. The drumsticks are baked to perfection resulting in tender, juicy meat coated in a luscious glaze. The high heat ensures that the sticky honey chicken becomes perfectly caramelized without drying out the chicken.

The secret is in the marinade! Letting the chicken sit allows the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat. This results in a more flavorful and juicy final product that everyone will love. We’ve tested this recipe extensively to ensure that the cooking time and temperature are perfect for achieving that ideal balance of crispy skin and tender meat.

3. Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create these delectable honey garlic chicken drumsticks. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples!

• 12 Chicken Drumsticks: The star of the show! Make sure they’re fresh for the best flavor.
• 1/2 cup Honey: Adds sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze.
• 1/4 cup Soy Sauce: Provides umami and saltiness. Consider using low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt level.
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced: Essential for that classic garlic flavor. Freshly minced garlic is recommended for the best aroma.
• 1 tbsp Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty aroma and enhances the glaze.
• 1/2 tsp Ginger, ground: Lends a subtle warmth and spice. Freshly grated ginger can also be used for a more intense flavor.
• 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a touch of heat. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
• Sesame Seeds and Green Onions, for garnish (optional): Adds visual appeal and flavor. These are especially nice for serving.

If you’re looking to explore other flavor profiles, feel free to experiment with different spices and seasonings. You may also find inspiration for other dinner recipes using similar ingredients.

4. Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the most amazing honey garlic chicken drumsticks you’ve ever tasted!

Step 1: Marinating the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and toss to ensure they are evenly coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will become. For the best results, marinate the honey garlic chicken drumsticks in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. You can even prepare this the night before for an even more intense flavor boost!

Step 2: Preparing to Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange the marinated chicken drumsticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded. This ensures even cooking and caramelization. Using parchment paper not only makes cleanup easier but also helps prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan.

Step 3: Baking the Chicken

Bake the chicken drumsticks for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven and brush the chicken with the remaining marinade from the bowl. This will intensify the sticky honey chicken glaze and add even more flavor. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is sticky and caramelized. Chicken is considered cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is highly recommended to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 4: Glazing and Finishing

During the last 5-10 minutes of baking, keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent the glaze from burning. If the glaze is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the baking sheet with foil. Once the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is beautifully caramelized and sticky, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the honey garlic chicken drumsticks rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more tender and flavorful. For an alternative method, you can explore baked chicken drumsticks recipes for more variation.

5. Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks

Follow these simple tips to ensure your honey garlic chicken drumsticks are a guaranteed success!

• Marinate for Flavor: Don’t skimp on the marinating time! The longer the chicken sits in the honey garlic mixture, the more flavorful it becomes.
• Even Cooking: Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure they cook evenly and the glaze caramelizes properly.
• Basting is Key: Basting the chicken with the remaining marinade during baking maximizes the sticky, flavorful glaze.
• Avoid Burning: Keep a close eye on the glaze during the last few minutes of baking to prevent it from burning. Tent with foil if needed.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful sticky honey chicken.

For more cooking tips and tricks, visit our about page to learn more about our culinary experts.

6. Serving Suggestions

These honey garlic chicken drumsticks are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Consider pairing them with:

• Steamed rice or quinoa
• Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers
• A fresh salad for a light and refreshing contrast. You can also browse our delicious collection of salads.
• Mashed potatoes or sweet potato fries for a comforting meal
• Noodles, stir-fried with vegetables for an asian-inspired experience

Garnish the garlic glazed drumsticks with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.

7. Variations and Substitutions

Want to customize your honey garlic chicken drumsticks? Here are a few ideas!

• Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the marinade for extra heat..
• Herby: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the marinade for a more aromatic flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
• Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of honey to suit your preference. For a less sweet version, reduce the honey by a tablespoon or two.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and create your own unique twist on this classic recipe! If you’re in the mood for something different, check out our other recipe categories such as beef recipes, soups, salads, desserts, breakfast & brunch and baking!

8. Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover honey garlic chicken drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the oven, microwave, or air fryer.

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave: Microwave the drumsticks on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the chicken tough.
• Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

9. Conclusion

These honey garlic chicken drumsticks are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and sticky. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply looking for a delicious weeknight meal, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy some finger-licking good sweet savory chicken legs!

Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks

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• Author: Serena Miller
• Total Time: 1 hr
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free (with tamari), Dairy-Free

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Description

This Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks recipe delivers a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors with a sticky, caramelized glaze. A simple and easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 Chicken Drumsticks
• 1/2 cup Honey
• 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Sesame Oil
• 1/2 tsp Ginger, ground
• 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
• Sesame Seeds and Green Onions, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and toss to ensure they are evenly coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Arrange marinated chicken drumsticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and brush with remaining marinade.
6. Return to oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (165°F or 74°C) and glaze is sticky and caramelized.
7. Let rest for a few minutes before serving, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions (optional).

Notes

• Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
• Arrange drumsticks in a single layer for even cooking and caramelization.
• Baste with remaining marinade to maximize the sticky, flavorful glaze.
• Watch the glaze carefully during the last few minutes of baking to avoid burning.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 drumsticks
• Calories: 350 Kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg

Keywords: honey garlic chicken drumsticks, chicken drumsticks recipe, baked chicken, sticky honey chicken, garlic glazed drumsticks, easy chicken recipe, asian chicken recipe, sweet and savory chicken