Spicy Honey Garlic Drumsticks

$- 10 chicken drumsticks - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger - 1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust based on spice preference) - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - Salt and pepper to taste - Chopped green onions for garnish Measuring each ingredient correctly makes a big difference. Here’s a quick breakdown: - Chicken Drumsticks: Use about ten for a meal that feeds 4-5. - Honey and Soy Sauce: Each is a quarter cup. They add sweetness and saltiness. - Garlic: Four cloves minced gives a strong flavor. - Ginger: One teaspoon freshly grated adds a nice zing. - Chili Paste: One tablespoon gives heat. Adjust if you want it spicier. - Sesame Oil: Just one teaspoon adds depth. - Rice Vinegar: Two tablespoons brighten the dish. - Salt and Pepper: Use to taste for balance. - Green Onions: Chopped for garnish, they add freshness. You can swap some ingredients if needed. Here are some ideas: - Chicken Drumsticks: Use thighs or wings for a different texture. - Honey: Maple syrup or agave can work as a sweetener. - Soy Sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free option. - Garlic: Garlic powder can replace fresh garlic in a pinch. - Ginger: Ground ginger works, but use less—about 1/4 teaspoon. - Chili Paste: Sriracha can be a good substitute for some heat. - Sesame Oil: Olive oil can replace it if you don’t have any. - Rice Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is a decent alternative. These substitutions keep the flavor close while using what you have on hand. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to create the marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine: - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger - 1 tablespoon chili paste - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - Salt and pepper to taste Whisk these ingredients together until they blend well. This mix is what gives the chicken its bold flavor. Next, place the drumsticks in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over them, making sure they are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Put it in the fridge for at least one hour, or overnight for a stronger taste. When you're ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). 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 will help the heat circulate around the drumsticks. Take the drumsticks out of the marinade. Shake off the extra liquid and arrange them on the rack or directly on the pan. Bake the drumsticks for 30 to 35 minutes. Make sure to turn them halfway through. They should look golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when done. While the drumsticks bake, use the leftover marinade. Pour it into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly during this time. After baking, remove the drumsticks from the oven. Brush the thickened glaze over each drumstick for added flavor. Return them to the oven for another 5 to 7 minutes. This will caramelize the glaze, making the chicken even tastier. Once done, let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish them with chopped green onions for a fresh finish. Enjoy your delicious spicy honey garlic drumsticks! To get the best flavor from your drumsticks, marinating is key. Start by mixing honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, chili paste, sesame oil, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper. Whisk well to blend the flavors. Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over them and seal tightly. Let it sit in the fridge for at least one hour. For even more flavor, try marinating overnight. Cooking your drumsticks at the right temperature is crucial. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake them for about 30-35 minutes. Halfway through, turn them for even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check if they reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures they cook through and stay juicy. If you want a crispy finish, brush on the thickened glaze before baking for an extra 5-7 minutes. When serving your spicy honey garlic drumsticks, think about color and crunch. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh look. They pair well with rice or a simple salad. If you want a complete meal, serve them with roasted vegetables or coleslaw. These sides complement the sweet and spicy flavors of the drumsticks perfectly. Enjoy sharing this tasty dish with family and friends! Pro Tips Marinate Longer: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat. Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure your drumsticks are perfectly cooked by using a meat thermometer. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Glaze Variations: Experiment with different types of chili paste or add a dash of lime juice for a tangy twist to the glaze. Serving Suggestions: Pair these drumsticks with a side of steamed rice and sautéed vegetables for a complete meal. {{image_2}} You can easily change the spice in your drumsticks. If you like it mild, cut the chili paste to half a tablespoon. If you want it hotter, use more chili paste. You can also add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat. Mix in different hot sauces like sriracha or Tabasco for unique flavors. If chicken drumsticks aren’t your thing, try these other proteins: - Chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful. - Pork ribs: Add a nice twist. - Tofu: A great option for a veggie meal. - Shrimp: Cook for a shorter time, and they taste great. Each protein absorbs the spicy honey garlic flavor well, making them delicious. You can switch up the flavors to make your dish special. For a sweet touch, add more honey. For tanginess, increase the rice vinegar. You can also use different herbs and spices like cilantro or lime juice for a fresh twist. Try adding sesame seeds for crunch. Mix it up and find your favorite flavor! After cooking your spicy honey garlic drumsticks, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to four days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. To freeze drumsticks, ensure they are fully cooled. Wrap each drumstick in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat, use your oven for the best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are warm. You can also microwave them, but this may make them less crispy. You should marinate the drumsticks for at least one hour. For the best flavor, I suggest marinating them overnight. This allows the chicken to soak up all the sweet and spicy flavors from the marinade. The longer you marinate, the better the taste! Yes, you can use boneless chicken. Adjust the cooking time if you do. Boneless pieces cook faster. Check for doneness at 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer. This ensures your chicken is safe to eat and juicy. These drumsticks pair well with many sides. You can serve them with steamed rice or quinoa. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch. Roasted vegetables or coleslaw also make great choices. For a fun twist, try serving them with garlic bread! This blog covered how to make delicious Spicy Honey Garlic Drumsticks. We explored key ingredients, marinating, baking, and glazing. I shared tips for flavor and offered serving ideas. You learned about spice adjustments and storage options. The drumsticks are easy to make and great for any meal. With the right techniques, you can enjoy tasty results. Happy cooking!$

Spicy Honey Garlic Drumsticks

Deliciously marinated chicken drumsticks with a sweet and spicy glaze.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Ingredients

10 pieces chicken drumsticks
0.25 cup honey
0.25 cup soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 tablespoon chili paste
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish chopped green onions

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, chili paste, sesame oil, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Place the chicken drumsticks in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the drumsticks, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (preferably overnight for deeper flavor).
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top, if available.
Remove the drumsticks from the marinade and shake off excess liquid. Arrange them on the wire rack or directly on the baking pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, turning halfway through, until the drumsticks are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
While the chicken is baking, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan, bringing it to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Once the drumsticks are cooked, remove them from the oven and brush the thickened glaze over the top of each drumstick. Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
Remove from the oven and let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Notes

For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili paste.

Keyword chicken, drumsticks, garlic, honey, spicy