Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Drumsticks

$- Chicken Drumsticks - Honey - Soy Sauce - Garlic - Ginger - Apple Cider Vinegar - Sesame Oil - Black Pepper - Salt - Green Onions - Sesame Seeds - For low-sodium soy sauce, use coconut aminos. - Instead of honey, try maple syrup for a vegan option. - Use agave syrup as another honey substitute. - To measure sticky ingredients like honey, use a spray oil. This helps it slide out easily. - For grating ginger, use a microplane for fine shreds. This adds more flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps cook the chicken evenly. 2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. This makes cleanup easy. 3. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This allows hot air to flow around the chicken. 4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, and salt. Mix until smooth. 5. Take your chicken drumsticks and place them in a large zip-lock bag or bowl. 6. Pour half of the honey garlic marinade over the chicken. Make sure all pieces are coated well. 7. Seal the bag or cover the bowl. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. You can also leave it overnight for more flavor. 1. Remove the chicken from the marinade. Let excess marinade drip off. 2. Arrange the drumsticks on the wire rack. This helps them cook better. 3. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and the skin crispy. 4. Halfway through cooking, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade. This adds flavor. 5. For a sticky finish, switch the oven to broil for the last 3-5 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning. 1. Once cooked, remove the drumsticks from the oven. Let them rest for 5 minutes. This keeps them juicy. 2. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you want. This makes the dish look great! - To get crispy skin, start by patting the drumsticks dry with a paper towel. - Bake them on a wire rack. This allows air to circulate, helping the skin crisp up. - Baste the chicken with the marinade halfway through cooking for extra flavor. - For a final touch, broil the chicken for 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. - Want some heat? Add red chili flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick. - For a fresh twist, squeeze some lime or lemon juice into the sauce. Citrus brightens the dish. - Pair your honey garlic chicken with steamed rice or roasted vegetables. - A light salad with a tangy dressing complements the sweetness of the chicken well. - Serve with iced tea or a light beer for a refreshing drink option. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Maximum Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the drumsticks overnight. This allows the marinade to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Broil for Extra Crispiness: Broiling the chicken in the last few minutes of cooking gives a nice crispy finish to the skin. Just keep a close eye to prevent burning. Experiment with Additional Herbs: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the marinade, such as thyme or chili flakes, to customize the flavor profile to your liking. {{image_2}} You can change up the honey garlic glaze with different spices. Try adding chili powder for heat or smoked paprika for a smoky touch. Mixing in herbs like thyme or rosemary can also add depth to the flavor. Fruity variations can elevate your dish even more. For a bright twist, mix in orange juice or zest. Pineapple juice can add a tropical flair. Just remember to balance sweetness and acidity for the best taste. You can grill or bake these drumsticks. Grilling gives a nice char and smoky flavor. Just cook over medium heat and watch for flare-ups. Baking is easier and yields crispy skin. If you prefer slow cooking, that works too! Just place the drumsticks in a slow cooker with the marinade. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. This method makes the chicken super tender and flavorful. You can swap drumsticks for thighs or wings. Thighs are juicier, while wings are perfect for parties. Cook thighs for about 40-45 minutes at 400°F. Wings will need about 30-35 minutes. Adjust cooking time based on the size of the pieces. To store leftovers, place the chicken in an airtight container. Let it cool first. Keep it in the fridge for up to four days. When you want to reheat it, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. To freeze marinated drumsticks, put them in a zip-lock bag before marinating. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to use them, thaw the drumsticks in the fridge overnight. This keeps them juicy and tender. Cooked drumsticks stay fresh in the fridge for four days. If they smell off or have a slimy texture, they may be spoiled. Always check for any discoloration as well. If you notice any changes, it's best to toss them out to stay safe. You should marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes. This helps the meat soak up the flavors. For best results, marinate it overnight. The longer it sits, the more tasty it becomes. Yes, you can use other vinegars. White vinegar or rice vinegar works well too. Each type gives a slightly different taste, but they all add a nice tang. The best way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, and the meat should not be pink. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce. There are many brands that offer gluten-free options. Check the label to be sure. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Marinate the chicken and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you're ready to eat. This saves time on busy days! You learned how to make delicious honey garlic chicken. We covered key ingredients, steps, and useful tips. Remember to experiment with flavors and cooking methods to find your favorite twist. Don't forget the importance of measuring and marinating. Proper storage ensures you enjoy leftovers at their best. I hope you feel inspired to try this recipe today. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Drumsticks

Delicious chicken drumsticks coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

10 pieces chicken drumsticks
0.5 cup honey
0.25 cup soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 teaspoon salt
2 pieces green onions, chopped
optional sesame seeds

Instructions

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.
In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
Place the chicken drumsticks in a large zip-lock bag or bowl. Pour half of the honey garlic marinade over the chicken, making sure all pieces are evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for more flavor).
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off, and arrange the drumsticks on the wire rack. Reserve the remaining marinade for basting.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy, basting with the reserved marinade halfway through cooking.
For a sticky finish, switch the oven to broil for the last 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
Once cooked, remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired before serving.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.

Keyword chicken, drumsticks, glazed, honey garlic