Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks

$- Chicken Drumsticks: 10 pieces - Marinade Components: - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - Optional Garnishes: - 2 tablespoons chopped green onions - Sesame seeds To make honey garlic chicken drumsticks, you need a few simple ingredients. First, gather your chicken drumsticks. Ten pieces work well for a family meal. Next, prepare the marinade. Honey brings sweetness, while soy sauce adds saltiness. Garlic gives it a nice kick, and ginger gives depth. Rice vinegar adds tang, and sesame oil gives a nutty flavor. Finally, black pepper adds a bit of heat. For garnishing, chopped green onions and sesame seeds add a fresh touch. These flavors blend together to create a delicious dish. You will love how easy it is to make this tasty meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps the chicken cook evenly. While the oven heats, grab a baking sheet. Cover it with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the foil. This allows hot air to circulate around the drumsticks. In a medium bowl, combine the following ingredients to make the marinade: - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Whisk these ingredients together. The mixture should be smooth and well combined. The sweet and savory flavors will make the chicken shine. Take the 10 chicken drumsticks and place them in a large, resealable plastic bag or a bowl. Pour the marinade over the drumsticks. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, aim for 4 hours. Once marinated, take the drumsticks out. Let any excess marinade drip off. Place the drumsticks on the wire rack, ensuring they have space between them. This helps them cook evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Halfway through, flip the drumsticks for even browning. They are done when the skin is crispy and caramelized. For even more flavor, you can baste the drumsticks. In the last 5 minutes of baking, brush them with the remaining marinade. This adds a rich glaze, but make sure the chicken reaches a safe cooking temperature. When the drumsticks are ready, take them out of the oven. Let them rest for a few minutes. This keeps them juicy. Before serving, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if you like. Serve them on a large plate with steamed rice or a fresh salad. Drizzle any leftover glaze from the baking sheet over the chicken for added flavor. To ensure even cooking and crispiness, use a wire rack. It keeps the drumsticks elevated, allowing hot air to circulate. This helps the skin get nice and crispy. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for best results. For marinating, I suggest at least 30 minutes. However, for deeper flavor, marinate for up to 4 hours. This allows the honey and garlic to soak into the chicken, making each bite delicious. If your chicken is undercooked, check the thickest part of a drumstick. It should reach 165°F (75°C). If it’s not done, return it to the oven for a few more minutes. If your chicken burns, it may cook too close to the heating element. Try moving the baking sheet down a rack or covering the drumsticks with foil. To add more flavor, consider using spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. These can give your dish a nice kick. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also work well. Simply add them to the marinade for an extra layer of taste. You can experiment with these ideas to suit your taste buds! Pro Tips Marinade Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. Temperature Check: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Drain Excess Marinade: Before baking, let the drumsticks sit for a few minutes to drain excess marinade to avoid sogginess. Resting Period: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking to retain its juices and enhance flavor. {{image_4}} You can switch out chicken drumsticks for other proteins. Here are some tasty options: - Chicken Thighs: These have more flavor and stay juicy. - Chicken Breasts: These are leaner but can dry out. - Tofu: Great for a plant-based option. It absorbs flavors well. Each choice brings a new taste to your meal. Adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose. You can change the flavor of your dish by using different marinades. Here are a few ideas: - Spicy Honey Garlic: Add chili flakes for heat. - Citrus Twist: Use orange or lime juice for a fresh zing. - Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for depth. Experiment with these flavors to find your favorite! You can cook Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks in several ways. Each method gives a different taste and texture: - Grilling: This adds a smoky flavor. Grill over medium heat for best results. - Slow Cooking: Cook on low for 6-8 hours. The chicken will become very tender. - Air Frying: This method makes the skin crispy with less oil. Cook at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes. Choose the method that fits your schedule and taste preference. Each one offers a unique twist on this classic dish! To keep your honey garlic chicken drumsticks fresh, refrigerate them right away. Place the drumsticks in an airtight container. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This helps prevent air from drying them out. If you want to store them longer, freeze the drumsticks. Use freezer bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. Reheat the drumsticks to bring back their tasty flavor and texture. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also use a microwave, but it may make the skin less crispy. If you choose the microwave, heat them in short bursts of 1 minute. Check often to avoid overcooking. In the fridge, your honey garlic chicken drumsticks will stay good for 3 to 4 days. If you freeze them, they can last 2 to 6 months. Always label your containers with the date. This helps you know when to use them. Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming. You can pair these drumsticks with many tasty sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed rice - Mashed potatoes - Roasted vegetables - A fresh garden salad - Garlic bread These sides will balance the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken. For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, aim for 4 hours. This allows the chicken to soak up all those yummy flavors. Yes! You can use chicken thighs or breasts. If you prefer pork, try bone-in chops. Adjust the cooking time as follows: - Chicken thighs: cook for 35-40 minutes. - Chicken breasts: cook for 25-30 minutes. - Pork chops: cook for 30-35 minutes. Always check that your meat is fully cooked. The USDA says chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check. This ensures your chicken is safe to eat. Absolutely! These drumsticks are perfect for meal prep. Here are some tips: - Cook a batch and store them in the fridge. - Keep portions in airtight containers. - Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to eat. They stay tasty for up to four days in the fridge. Enjoy your meals throughout the week! In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks. I shared the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfect cooking. You learned about marinating, baking, and garnishing your dish. We also discussed variations and storage tips to keep things interesting. Embrace these simple methods to create tasty meals. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, these drumsticks are sure to impress! Enjoy your cooking adventure and keep experimenting with flavors.$

Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks

Delicious chicken drumsticks marinated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, baked to perfection.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

10 pieces chicken drumsticks
0.5 cup honey
0.25 cup low sodium soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
optional sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top for even cooking.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients: honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper until well combined.
Place the chicken drumsticks in a large resealable plastic bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the drumsticks, ensuring they are evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to 4 hours for more flavor.
Remove the marinated drumsticks from the marinade and let excess marinade drip off. Arrange the drumsticks on the wire rack over the baking sheet, ensuring they have enough space for even cooking.
Bake the drumsticks in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy and caramelized. Turn the drumsticks halfway through cooking for even browning.
In the last 5 minutes of cooking, you can brush the drumsticks with any remaining marinade for added flavor, but ensure they reach a safe internal temperature.
Once cooked, remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and optional sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice or a fresh salad. Drizzle remaining glaze over the drumsticks for extra flavor.

Keyword baked chicken, chicken, drumsticks, honey garlic