Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks

$To make honey garlic chicken drumsticks, you need the following main ingredients: - 8 chicken drumsticks - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium is best) - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients work together to create a tasty marinade. The honey adds sweetness, while the soy sauce gives it a nice salty flavor. Garlic and ginger add depth and warmth. You can elevate your dish with these optional garnishes: - 2 green onions, sliced - Sesame seeds Using green onions adds a fresh crunch. The sesame seeds give a nice touch and flavor. You can easily swap ingredients if needed. Here are some ideas: - Use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks for more meat. - Maple syrup can replace honey for a different sweetness. - Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option. - Any vinegar can stand in for apple cider vinegar, like rice vinegar. These substitutions let you customize the recipe while keeping it delicious. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large bowl for the marinade. Mix together: - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 4 minced garlic cloves - 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - Salt and pepper to taste Stir these well until everything blends. Now, take your 8 chicken drumsticks and add them to the bowl. Make sure they are coated fully with the marinade. Cover the bowl and put it in the fridge. For best flavor, let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is key for a crispy finish. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. On top, place a cooling rack. This helps air flow around the chicken, giving it that perfect crunch. Next, take the drumsticks out of the marinade and place them on the rack. Don’t throw away the marinade yet; you will use it later. Bake the chicken for 25 minutes. After that time, remove them from the oven. Brush the drumsticks with the reserved marinade to add flavor. Put them back in the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. Check the internal temperature. It should read 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are cooked through. If you want extra crispiness, switch your oven to broil. Broil the drumsticks for 3 to 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn. Once done, take them out and let them rest for a few minutes. For a nice finish, garnish the chicken with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This not only adds flavor but also makes it look great on your plate. Enjoy your delicious honey garlic chicken drumsticks! To get that nice, shiny glaze on your honey garlic chicken drumsticks, you need to baste them. After baking for 25 minutes, take the drumsticks out. Use the reserved marinade to coat them well. Put them back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes. This step helps the glaze stick and caramelize, making it sweet and sticky. For extra crispiness, broil the drumsticks for 3-5 minutes at the end. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn! Baking is my go-to method for cooking drumsticks. It cooks them evenly and keeps them juicy. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for the best results. Use a cooling rack on your baking sheet. This allows heat to circulate all around the chicken, giving you a crispy skin. You can also grill them for a smoky flavor. Just make sure the grill is hot, and cook them until they reach 165°F (74°C) inside. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. They can last up to 3 days in the fridge. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and then in foil. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This keeps the skin crispy and the meat juicy. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken drumsticks overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will enhance the overall taste of the dish. Avoid pre-minced options for a more vibrant flavor. Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safely cooked. Experiment with Accompaniments: Serve the drumsticks with a side of steamed vegetables or rice to balance the sweetness of the honey glaze. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken drumsticks for other proteins. Try chicken thighs for a juicier bite. If you prefer, use chicken breasts for a leaner option. You can even use pork or beef. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein. Always check the internal temp; it should be 165°F for chicken. Feel free to switch up the sauce. Add some chili paste for heat. Or use teriyaki sauce for a sweeter twist. You can create a citrus version by adding orange juice. Mix in herbs like rosemary or thyme for fresh flavor. Experimenting keeps your meals exciting and fun! Grilling gives your chicken a smoky flavor. It adds nice char marks, too. If grilling, marinate as usual. Preheat the grill to medium heat. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, turning frequently. The oven method is easy and hands-off. Both ways yield tasty results, so choose what you love! To store leftover chicken drumsticks, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can also use a zip-top bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the chicken fresh and tasty. You can freeze honey garlic chicken for later use. First, let the drumsticks cool completely. Wrap each one in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. This method helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat the chicken drumsticks, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until they reach 165°F (74°C). You can also reheat them in the microwave. Just place them on a safe plate and heat for 2-3 minutes, checking for warmth. Enjoy your delicious leftovers! Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They have more fat and flavor. They will cook well with the same marinade. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. Thighs may need a bit longer than drumsticks. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F or 74°C. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The safe temp is 165°F or 74°C. Another way is to pierce the drumstick. If the juices run clear, it is done. Look for no pink meat near the bone. These signs ensure your chicken is safe and tasty. Honey garlic chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed rice - Roasted vegetables - Mashed potatoes - A fresh salad - Noodles These sides balance the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken. This post walked you through the key ingredients for honey garlic chicken drumsticks and the steps to make them. We covered tips for a great glaze and how to store leftovers. You learned about variations and cooking methods that suit your taste. Remember, experimenting with proteins and sauces can lead to even tastier meals. Enjoy the flavors and make this dish your own! Your kitchen adventure awaits.$

Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks

Deliciously marinated chicken drumsticks with a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1 10

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

8 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 teaspoon sesame oil
to taste salt and pepper
2 pieces green onions, sliced
to taste sesame seeds

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
Place the chicken drumsticks into the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a cooling rack on top.
Remove the drumsticks from the marinade and place them on the cooling rack. Reserve the marinade for later use. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, remove the drumsticks and baste them with the reserved marinade. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice glaze.
For extra crispiness, switch the oven to broil mode and broil the drumsticks for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

For best results, marinate overnight.

Keyword baked chicken, chicken, drumsticks, honey garlic