Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Drumsticks

$- 8 chicken drumsticks - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick) - Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish - Sesame seeds, for garnish When cooking, precise measurements matter. For this recipe, I recommend using a liquid measuring cup for the honey and soy sauce. A standard tablespoon works well for the vinegar and sesame oil. For the garlic and ginger, use a fine grater to get a smooth paste. This technique helps release their potent flavors. Remember, fresh ingredients yield the best taste. Garnishes make dishes pop! For Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Drumsticks, fresh cilantro or parsley adds a bright touch. A sprinkle of sesame seeds gives a nice crunch. If you like spice, add extra red pepper flakes on top. These small touches elevate your dish and make it look more appealing on the plate. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by grabbing a mixing bowl. In this bowl, add the honey, low sodium soy sauce, and minced garlic. Next, add the grated ginger, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth. This marinade adds sweet and savory flavors to the chicken. The ginger gives it a nice warmth, while the garlic enhances the aroma. Take your chicken drumsticks and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the honey garlic marinade over the drumsticks. Make sure each drumstick gets coated well. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate them for at least 1 hour. If you have time, marinate overnight. This lets the flavors meld together, making your chicken taste even better. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures your chicken cooks evenly. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. If you have a wire rack, place it on top of the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the chicken, which helps it cook well. Once the drumsticks are marinated, take them out of the marinade. Place them on the wire rack. Reserve the leftover marinade for basting later. Bake the chicken for 30 minutes. After 15 minutes, brush the drumsticks with the reserved marinade. This adds more flavor and gives them a shiny glaze. Continue baking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin gets crispy. For an extra crunch, switch on the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close watch to avoid burning. After cooking, let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices inside. Finally, garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. This adds color and extra texture. To get the best glaze, use a mix of honey and soy sauce. Honey gives a sweet touch, while soy adds depth. When you brush the drumsticks with the reserved marinade, do it halfway through cooking. This step boosts the flavor and helps create that lovely shine. Also, baking at a high temperature caramelizes the sugars in the honey. This makes a sticky, delicious coating that clings to the chicken. Cooking time is key for juicy drumsticks. Bake them at 400°F for about 30 minutes. After 15 minutes, brush them with the marinade. This step keeps them moist and flavorful. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F. If you want extra crispiness, broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the end. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn. A few tools can make this recipe easier. Use a large resealable bag for marinating. It ensures every piece gets coated well. A wire rack on a baking sheet helps air circulate around the chicken. This leads to even cooking and crisp skin. Finally, a meat thermometer is essential for checking the chicken’s doneness. It takes the guesswork out of cooking. Pro Tips Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken drumsticks overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply, ensuring a more intense taste. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This guarantees safety and juiciness. Crispy Skin: If you prefer extra crispy skin, finish the drumsticks under the broiler for a couple of minutes after baking. Just keep a close eye to prevent burning. Garnishing Tips: Enhance presentation by garnishing with fresh herbs and sesame seeds just before serving. A sprinkle of lime juice can also elevate the flavors. {{image_4}} If you want to change the heat level, you can add more red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. If you love spicy food, try adding sriracha or hot sauce in the marinade. You can also use fresh jalapeños for a milder heat. Adjusting the spice level lets you tailor the dish to your taste. You can cook honey garlic glazed chicken drumsticks in different ways. Besides baking, try grilling them for a smoky flavor. Preheat your grill and cook each side for about 10 minutes, basting with the marinade. You can also use an air fryer; set it to 380°F (193°C) and cook for about 25 minutes. Each method gives a unique taste without losing that sweet, garlicky goodness. Feel free to swap some ingredients for what you have on hand. If you don’t have honey, use maple syrup for a different sweetness. You can replace soy sauce with coconut aminos for a gluten-free option. For garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch. These changes keep the dish fresh and exciting while still bringing out the main flavors. Store any leftover honey garlic glazed chicken drumsticks in an airtight container. Make sure the drumsticks cool down first. They can stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat the drumsticks, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until they are hot all the way through. You can also warm them in the microwave, but this may make them less crispy. For best results, reheating in the oven is my top choice. If you want to freeze the drumsticks, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This will help keep them from getting freezer burn. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use other cuts of chicken. Chicken thighs are a great choice. They stay juicy and tender. You may also try chicken breasts, but they cook faster. Adjust the cook time to avoid dryness. To check if the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the meat. The juices should run clear, not pink. These drumsticks pair well with many sides. Consider serving them with rice or quinoa. A fresh salad or steamed veggies adds color and balance. For a fun touch, serve with lime wedges for extra zing. This post covered key steps to make tasty Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Drumsticks. You learned about ingredients, tips for marinating, and baking options. I shared tricks for the perfect glaze and how to store leftovers. Don't forget to try different spices or cooking methods for fun flavors. Cooking can be fun and creative, so enjoy each step. Your kitchen can be a place of joy with practice and exploration. Happy cooking!$

Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Drumsticks

Deliciously marinated chicken drumsticks glazed with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1 10

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

8 pieces chicken drumsticks
0.5 cup honey
0.25 cup low sodium soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, low sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
Place the chicken drumsticks inside a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the honey garlic marinade over the drumsticks, making sure to coat each one thoroughly. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour; for best results, allow them to marinate overnight to enhance the flavor.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for the chicken.
Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. If you have a wire rack, place it on top of the baking sheet to create space for air circulation around the chicken.
Once marinated, remove the drumsticks from the marinade and lay them on the wire rack. Set aside the remaining marinade for basting later.
Bake the chicken drumsticks in your preheated oven for 30 minutes. After the first 15 minutes, take the drumsticks out and brush them generously with the reserved marinade to infuse additional flavor and create a glossy glaze.
Continue to bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is beautifully caramelized and slightly crispy.
If you’d like an extra crunchy texture, switch on the broiler and broil the drumsticks for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to ensure they don’t burn.
Once cooked, remove the drumsticks from the oven, and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Before serving, garnish your glazed drumsticks with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley, and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added crunch and visual appeal.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate overnight.

Keyword chicken, drumsticks, glazed, honey garlic