Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly glazed chicken drumstick that's crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with a sweet and savory flavor that'll have everyone at the dinner table begging for seconds. Our Sweet n Sticky Baked Chicken Drumsticks are not just a meal—they're a culinary experience that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish you can easily create in your own kitchen. Get ready to become the star chef of your household with this mouthwatering recipe that combines the magic of honey, soy sauce, and perfectly caramelized chicken!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and develop a nice glaze.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well blended and the honey is fully dissolved.
- Place the chicken drumsticks in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the honey-soy sauce mixture over the drumsticks, ensuring that they are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- After marinating, remove the drumsticks from the bag or dish and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Reserve the marinade for later use.
- Bake the drumsticks in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This initial bake will help the chicken cook through before adding the glaze.
- While the chicken is baking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. This will create a delicious glaze to brush over the chicken.
- After 25 minutes of baking, remove the drumsticks from the oven. Brush the thickened marinade generously over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Return the drumsticks to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is caramelized and sticky. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes the chicken more tender.
- Serve the Sweet n Sticky Baked Chicken Drumsticks warm, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Marination is Key: Don't rush the marinating process. While 15 minutes works, letting the drumsticks sit in the marinade for up to 2 hours will dramatically enhance the flavor.
- Temperature Matters: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees juicy, fully cooked meat.
- Glaze Technique: When brushing the marinade in the final baking stage, do it generously and evenly. This creates that irresistible sticky, caramelized exterior.
- Baking Sheet Hack: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup and to prevent the sticky glaze from burning onto the pan.
- Resting Time: Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
- Optional Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top for an extra layer of flavor and a professional presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 110mg
