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For this tasty honey garlic chicken drumsticks recipe, you will need: - 8 chicken drumsticks - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) These ingredients work together to create a sweet and savory dish that you will love. If you're missing any of these ingredients, don't worry! Here are some easy swaps: - Chicken Drumsticks: You can use thighs or wings instead. - Honey: Maple syrup makes a good substitute. - Soy Sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free version. - Garlic: Garlic powder can work in a pinch. - Ginger: Ground ginger is a fine alternative if fresh isn't available. - Apple Cider Vinegar: White vinegar or lemon juice can replace it. - Sesame Oil: Use olive oil for a different flavor. These swaps won’t change the essence of the dish. Choosing fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Here’s how to select the best: - Chicken: Look for drumsticks that are pink and firm. The skin should be intact. - Honey: Choose pure honey. Check the label for additives or fillers. - Garlic: Select bulbs that are firm and dry. Avoid any that feel soft or sprouted. - Ginger: Pick pieces that are smooth and firm. Fresh ginger has a strong scent. - Green Onions: Choose bright green stalks. They should be crisp, not wilted. Fresh ingredients bring out the best flavors in your honey garlic chicken drumsticks. Enjoy the cooking process! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by gathering your ingredients. In a big bowl, mix together: - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - A pinch of salt and pepper Whisk it all together. This mix will be the marinade. Next, add your 8 chicken drumsticks. Make sure each drumstick gets coated well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. If you can let it sit overnight, the flavor will be even better. When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. This makes cleanup easy. Place a wire cooling rack on top of the baking sheet. This helps air flow around the chicken, making it crispier. Take the drumsticks out of the marinade. Lay them on the cooling rack. Keep the leftover marinade; you will use it later. Bake the chicken for 25 minutes. After this time, take the drumsticks out. Brush them with the reserved marinade. Put them back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For a crispy finish, switch your oven to broil. Broil the drumsticks for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. Once done, remove the drumsticks from the oven. Let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve on a platter with a drizzle of remaining marinade. Enjoy your tasty honey garlic chicken drumsticks! To get that shiny glaze, use the reserved marinade. After baking, brush it on the drumsticks. This step adds flavor and a beautiful look. You can also mix a little honey with the marinade for extra shine. Just be sure to watch the drumsticks closely while they bake. The glaze can burn easily if you leave it in too long. For crispy skin, start with a wire rack. This keeps the chicken elevated, allowing air to flow all around. Make sure to pat the drumsticks dry before marinating. Removing moisture helps them crisp up better. Broiling at the end gives you that nice crunch. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn. To save time, marinate the chicken the night before. This lets the flavors soak in deeply. You can also prep the marinade in advance. Store it in the fridge until you're ready to use it. Line your baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. This way, you focus more on enjoying your meal and less on washing dishes. Pro Tips Marinating Time Matters: The longer you marinate the drumsticks, the more flavor they will absorb. Aim for at least 1 hour, but overnight is ideal for maximum taste. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This helps avoid overcooking and drying out the meat. Watch the Broiler: When broiling for extra crispiness, stay close to avoid burning. Keep an eye on the drumsticks as they can go from perfectly crispy to charred in seconds. Customize Your Glaze: Feel free to add your favorite spices or hot sauce to the marinade for a personalized kick. Experiment with flavors to make this dish your own! {{image_4}} If you want to switch things up, try chicken wings instead of drumsticks. Use the same marinade for that sweet, garlicky flavor. Just reduce the marinating time to about 30 minutes. Wings cook faster. Bake them at 425°F for 20-25 minutes. For extra crispiness, broil them for a few minutes. This option is great for parties or game days. Grilling adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with honey garlic. After marinating your drumsticks, preheat your grill to medium-high. Place the drumsticks on the grill and cook for about 15-20 minutes. Turn them often to get even cooking. Use the reserved marinade to baste the drumsticks during the last few minutes. This will give them a nice glaze and keep them juicy. If you like heat, add some spice to your honey garlic drumsticks. Mix in red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to your taste. The heat balances the sweetness of the honey. After cooking, sprinkle some chopped fresh chili on top for a vibrant touch. This version is perfect for those who enjoy a kick in their meal. To store leftover honey garlic chicken drumsticks, first let them cool down. Place them in an airtight container. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Leftover drumsticks can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheating is key. The best way to reheat drumsticks is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil. Heat them for about 15-20 minutes. This method keeps them crispy and tasty. You can also microwave them, but this may make the skin less crispy. Freezing drumsticks is a great option for meal prep. To freeze, place the cooled drumsticks in freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. This way, they will taste fresh and delicious! The best way to marinate chicken is to use a mix of flavors. I like to whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil. This mix makes the chicken taste great. You should coat the drumsticks well in the marinade. Cover the bowl and chill it in the fridge. Marinating for at least one hour works, but overnight brings the most flavor. Yes, you can use other types of chicken. Chicken thighs or wings also work well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. Chicken pieces like breasts can dry out quicker, so check them often. The marinade will still give great flavor no matter what cut you use. Bake the drumsticks for 25 minutes at 425°F (220°C). After that, brush them with the reserved marinade. Then, bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. Check if they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For a crispy finish, broil them for 3 to 5 minutes. This step makes the skin nice and crunchy. This blog post covered the key ingredients for delicious drumsticks, along with smart tips for selecting fresh ones. I shared step-by-step instructions for marinating, baking, and serving chicken, ensuring crispy skin and a perfect glaze. We explored tasty variations like honey garlic and spicy options, plus helpful storage tips for leftovers. In the end, you have everything needed to make drumsticks a favorite meal. Enjoy cooking simple and tasty chicken that everyone loves!

Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks

Deliciously marinated chicken drumsticks glazed with a honey garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
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
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 pieces green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • to taste sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
  • Add the chicken drumsticks to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire cooling rack on top for optimal air circulation.
  • After marinating, arrange the drumsticks on the cooling rack and set aside the leftover marinade. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the drumsticks from the oven and brush them with the reserved marinade. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until fully cooked and glazed.
  • Switch your oven to broil mode and broil the drumsticks for 3-5 minutes for extra crispiness, watching closely to prevent burning.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Marinating overnight enhances the flavor.
Keyword baked chicken, chicken, drumsticks, honey garlic