Sticky Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks

$- 8 chicken drumsticks - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice) - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - 2 green onions, finely chopped for garnish Each ingredient plays an important role in making sticky honey soy chicken drumsticks tasty. - Chicken drumsticks are the star. They have a juicy flavor and tender meat. - Soy sauce adds a rich umami taste, making the dish savory. - Honey brings sweetness and helps create the sticky glaze. - Olive oil keeps the chicken moist and adds flavor. - Garlic and ginger give a fresh, aromatic kick. - Rice vinegar balances the sweet and salty flavors. - Sesame oil adds a nutty depth. - Black pepper adds a subtle warmth. - Crushed red pepper flakes give an optional spicy touch. For an extra punch, consider these ingredients: - Crushed red pepper flakes amplify the heat. If you enjoy spicy food, use them! - Sesame seeds add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. - Green onions make for a fresh, colorful garnish. They brighten up the dish visually and taste-wise. Using these ingredients will elevate your sticky honey soy chicken drumsticks to a new level of deliciousness! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering your ingredients. You need eight chicken drumsticks, soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. In a large bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Next, add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl. Make sure each drumstick is well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for stronger flavor. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while the chicken marinates. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the foil to help the chicken cook evenly. Arrange the marinated chicken drumsticks on the rack. Remember to save any extra marinade left in the bowl. Bake the drumsticks in the oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, take them out and brush the drumsticks with the reserved marinade. Return them to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) when fully cooked. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to settle. For serving, place the drumsticks on a large platter. Drizzle with any extra marinade if you like. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for a colorful finish. These drumsticks pair well with steamed rice or a fresh salad. Enjoy your delicious sticky honey soy chicken drumsticks! To get that nice, sticky glaze on your drumsticks, use a wire rack. Place the drumsticks on the rack over a lined baking sheet. This allows heat to circulate around the chicken. It helps the skin get crispy and sticky. Brush the drumsticks with the reserved marinade halfway through cooking. This adds extra flavor and shine. Marinating is key for great taste. Mix all the marinade ingredients well before adding the chicken. Make sure each drumstick is coated. For best results, marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you can, let them soak for two hours. This lets the flavors seep deep into the meat. You can also try adding some citrus juice for a bright twist. Oven cooking works best for even heating. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before putting in the chicken. It ensures the chicken starts cooking right away. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. Let the chicken rest for five minutes after cooking. This keeps the juices inside and makes each bite tender. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Deeper Flavor: If time allows, marinate the chicken drumsticks for up to 2 hours. This enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat. Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This guarantees safety and juiciness. Broil for Extra Crispiness: For an even crispier skin, switch to broil for the last few minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye to avoid burning! Customize Your Heat Level: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the marinade based on your spice preference. You can also omit it for a milder dish. {{image_2}} You can switch up the marinade for your sticky honey soy chicken drumsticks. Try adding orange juice instead of rice vinegar for a citrus twist. You can also use teriyaki sauce for a richer flavor. If you want a sweet kick, mix in some pineapple juice. For a tangy touch, add lime juice or apple cider vinegar. These small changes make a big difference! If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Honey can be replaced with maple syrup for a vegan version. For a low-sodium meal, choose low-sodium soy sauce. You can also skip the sesame oil if you have a nut allergy. These swaps still keep the dish tasty! These chicken drumsticks are perfect for many occasions. For a family dinner, pair them with steamed rice and a fresh salad. If you're hosting a barbecue, serve them with coleslaw and corn on the cob. For game day, set up a platter with drumsticks and dipping sauces. No matter the event, these drumsticks will impress your guests! After you enjoy your sticky honey soy chicken drumsticks, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge within two hours of cooking. They will stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. To reheat your drumsticks, the oven works best. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 15-20 minutes or until they are warm. You can also use a microwave, but the oven keeps them crispy. For long-term storage, freeze the drumsticks in an airtight container or freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They will last in the freezer for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They will taste great with this honey soy mix. Thighs have more fat, so they stay juicy and tender. Just adjust the cooking time. Thighs usually take a bit longer to cook. Aim for 30 to 35 minutes until they reach 165°F inside. To add heat, use crushed red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon in your marinade. If you love spice, add more to suit your taste. You can also use sriracha or chili sauce. Just mix it in with the other marinade ingredients. This will give the chicken a nice kick. Many sides go well with these drumsticks. Steamed rice is a classic choice. It absorbs the sticky sauce nicely. You can also serve a fresh salad for crunch. Roasted veggies add color and flavor, too. Try stir-fried bok choy for an Asian twist. Choose sides based on your mood and enjoy! In this blog post, we explored how to make Sticky Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks. We discussed the key ingredients and their roles, along with optional ones for extra flavor. You learned step-by-step cooking instructions, tips for a perfect glaze, and serving suggestions. We also looked at variations for different diets and how to store leftovers effectively. Cooking is fun and easy when you know what to do. I hope you try this recipe and enjoy it with family and friends. Happy cooking!$

Sticky Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks

Deliciously sticky chicken drumsticks marinated in a sweet and savory honey soy sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

8 pieces chicken drumsticks
0.25 cup soy sauce
0.25 cup honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 pieces green onions, finely chopped

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are well combined.
Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and ensure they are thoroughly coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top. This will help the chicken cook evenly and get that sticky glaze.
Arrange the marinated chicken drumsticks on the rack, reserving the excess marinade in the bowl.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, brush the drumsticks with the reserved marinade and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the skin is caramelized. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Once cooked, remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Keyword baked, chicken, drumsticks, honey soy, sticky