Description
A simple and delicious baked chicken drumsticks recipe with a sticky honey garlic glaze that is perfect for weeknights and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken drumsticks (about 900g), skin on
- ½ cup honey (170g)
- ¼ cup soy sauce (60ml), low-sodium recommended
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30ml)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to help skin crisp.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Toss the drumsticks in the glaze until fully coated.
- Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and arrange drumsticks evenly, skin side up. If no rack, use foil-lined baking sheet.
- Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 25 minutes.
- Carefully flip each drumstick using tongs and brush with extra glaze reserved before baking.
- Return to oven and bake for another 10 minutes.
- Switch oven to broil and broil drumsticks for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to caramelize glaze and crisp skin without burning.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle sliced green onions over the drumsticks and serve.
Notes
Dry the chicken skin thoroughly for crispiness. Use a wire rack to allow air circulation and prevent sogginess. Reserve extra glaze before baking to brush on during flipping and before broiling for maximum stickiness. Watch the broil step carefully to avoid burning. You can marinate the drumsticks overnight for deeper flavor. Variations include adding cayenne pepper for spice, sesame seeds and oil for a nutty twist, or bourbon for a smoky glaze. Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 38 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drumstick
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Protein: 28
Keywords: baked chicken drumsticks, honey garlic chicken, easy chicken recipe, sticky chicken glaze, family dinner, weeknight meal