Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly grilled chicken drumstick, glazed with a tantalizing teriyaki sauce that combines sweet, savory, and umami flavors in every single bite. This isn't just another chicken recipe - this is a culinary journey that transforms ordinary drumsticks into an extraordinary Asian-inspired feast that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a grilling novice or a backyard barbecue champion, these teriyaki drumsticks are about to become your new go-to recipe that promises restaurant-quality flavor right from your own grill!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the marinade for the teriyaki sauce. In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. Whisk the ingredients together until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
- Place the 8 chicken drumsticks in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each drumstick is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 400°F). If using a charcoal grill, prepare the coals until they are covered with white ash.
- Remove the chicken drumsticks from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade, as it has been in contact with raw chicken.
- Place the drumsticks on the grill and cook for about 30 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- During the last 5 minutes of grilling, you can brush the drumsticks with additional marinade (if desired) for extra flavor. Make sure this marinade is set aside before adding the raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken drumsticks from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains moist.
- Serve the teriyaki grilled chicken drumsticks hot, garnished with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy your delicious Asian-inspired meal!
Tips
- Marination is Key: Allow your chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if time permits, go up to 2 hours for maximum flavor absorption.
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F without overcooking.
- Grill Management: Maintain a medium-high heat (375°F-400°F) and turn drumsticks occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Resting Time: Always let your chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling to help retain those delicious juices.
- Safety First: Never reuse marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken without boiling it first.
- Optional Enhancement: For extra flavor and presentation, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg
