Honeyed chicken drumsticks are a perfect weeknight meal. They are sweet, savory, sticky, and absolutely delicious. This recipe creates a beautiful caramelized glaze that kids and adults alike will love.
Sweet & Sticky Honey Garlic Drumsticks
This recipe is simple to prepare but delivers a big flavor payoff. The secret is a two-step roasting process that ensures the chicken is cooked through and the glaze gets perfectly caramelized without burning.
Yields: 4 servings (6-8 drumsticks)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35-45 minutes
Ingredients
- 6-8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 lbs / 900g)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Honey Glaze:
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (or a neutral oil)
- ½ tsp ground ginger (optional)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water (optional, for a thicker glaze)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions or fresh parsley
Instructions
Prep and Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken drumsticks completely dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss them with the olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure not to crowd the pan.
Initial Roast: Bake the drumsticks for 20 minutes. This initial cook time helps render some of the fat and gets the chicken started without the sugar in the glaze burning.
Make the Glaze: While the chicken is in the oven, whisk together all the glaze ingredients (honey, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and optional ginger) in a small bowl. If you want a thicker glaze, add the cornstarch slurry to the mixture.
Glaze and Finish Roasting: Remove the drumsticks from the oven. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the honey glaze all over the drumsticks. Return them to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is deep golden brown and sticky.
Pro Tip: For an extra-thick glaze, brush the drumsticks with more glaze once more during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Rest and Garnish: Remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat is moist. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired, and serve warm.
Tips for Success & Variations
Spice It Up: Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a sweet and spicy kick.
Add Citrus: A tablespoon of fresh orange juice or the zest of one lemon in the glaze adds a wonderful brightness.
Don't Have Rice Vinegar? Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar are great substitutes.
Meal Prep: These drumsticks are fantastic for meal prep. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They are delicious cold or reheated in the oven or air fryer to recrisp the skin.
Different Cuts: This glaze works wonderfully on chicken thighs, wings, or even a whole spatchcocked chicken. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the size and cut of the meat.
Thicker Glaze on the Stovetop: If you prefer a very thick glaze, you can make it separately. Simmer the glaze ingredients (without the cornstarch) in a small saucepan for 5-7 minutes until it has reduced and thickened. Then, toss the cooked drumsticks in the glaze before serving.
Enjoy your incredibly flavorful and sticky honeyed chicken
Honeyed Chicken Drumstick Video :
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