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You need 10 chicken drumsticks for this recipe. Drumsticks are juicy and full of flavor. They cook well and absorb the marinade nicely. The marinade gives the drumsticks their sweet and savory taste. Here’s what you need: - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup honey - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Mix these ingredients together. The soy sauce adds saltiness, while honey brings sweetness. Rice vinegar gives a little tang. Minced garlic and ginger add depth, and sesame oil gives a nutty note. Black pepper adds warmth, and red pepper flakes add heat if you like spice. Garnishes make your dish look and taste better. For this recipe, consider these: - 2 green onions, chopped - Sesame seeds Chopped green onions add color and a fresh taste. Sesame seeds give a nice crunch and a hint of nuttiness. Sprinkle them on right before serving for a lovely finish. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a mixing bowl. Add 1/4 cup of soy sauce. Next, pour in 1/4 cup of honey. Then, add 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar. Toss in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. Don’t forget 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Add 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Now, whisk all these ingredients until they blend well. This marinade will give your drumsticks a sweet and savory taste. Now, take 10 chicken drumsticks and put them in a large resealable bag or a bowl. Pour the marinade over the drumsticks. Make sure each piece is coated well. Seal the bag or cover the bowl tightly. Place it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. If you can, let them sit overnight. This helps the flavors soak in better and makes the chicken tasty. When you are ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleaning. If you have a wire rack, place it on the baking sheet. Arrange the marinated drumsticks on the rack. Let any extra marinade drip off. Bake them for 30 to 35 minutes. Check if the chicken is cooked and reaches 165°F (75°C). For a nice finish, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end. Watch closely to avoid burning. After they are done, let them rest for a few minutes. Enjoy the smell before you garnish and serve! To start, mix the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil in a bowl. This blend gives your chicken a sweet and savory taste. Don't forget to add black pepper and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Whisk it all together until smooth. The longer you marinate, the better the flavor. I suggest marinating for at least one hour, but overnight works best. One mistake many make is not sealing the bag well. If the bag leaks, the marinade will spill. Also, avoid overcrowding the drumsticks on the baking sheet. This can cause steaming, not roasting. Always give them space to cook evenly. Lastly, remember to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. Broiling can add a nice crisp to your drumsticks. After baking, set your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Watch closely, as they can burn quickly. This step caramelizes the marinade, creating a tasty glaze. If you have a wire rack, use it. This allows heat to circulate around the chicken for even crispiness. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: For the best results, marinate the drumsticks overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it more tender and flavorful. Use a Wire Rack: Placing the drumsticks on a wire rack while baking helps circulate heat evenly, resulting in crispy skin all around. Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to customize the marinade by adding your favorite spices or herbs, such as thyme or paprika, for a unique twist on the classic flavor. {{image_2}} You can change the marinade to fit your taste. Here are some ideas: - Citrus Juice: Swap rice vinegar for orange or lime juice. - Mustard: Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a tangy kick. - Maple Syrup: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweet note. - Spices: Try adding five-spice powder or smoked paprika for depth. You can cook these drumsticks in various ways. Each method brings a unique flavor. - Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Cook drumsticks for 20-25 minutes. Turn them often for even cooking. - Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook the drumsticks for 25-30 minutes. Check for an internal temp of 165°F (75°C). Pair these drumsticks with tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Rice: Serve with white or brown rice to soak up the sauce. - Vegetables: Roasted or steamed broccoli and carrots add color and nutrients. - Salad: A fresh green salad balances the sweet and savory flavors. - Dipping Sauce: Try a spicy garlic sauce for extra flavor. After enjoying your honey soy garlic drumsticks, store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep the drumsticks in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they cool down before sealing. This helps keep the flavor fresh and prevents sogginess. You can freeze your drumsticks if you have extra. Place them in a freezer bag. Try to remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. They will stay good in the freezer for about three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat, use the oven for the best taste. Preheat the 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 are warm. For a crispy skin, remove the foil for the last few minutes. Enjoy the same great flavor! Yes, you can use other cuts of chicken. Thighs, wings, or breasts work well. Just adjust the cooking time. Thighs take longer to cook, while wings cook faster. The key is to ensure all chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety. I love using thighs for their rich flavor and juiciness. I recommend marinating the drumsticks for at least 1 hour. For the best flavor, marinate them overnight. This time allows the marinade to soak deep into the meat. It makes the chicken sweet, savory, and full of flavor. If you're in a hurry, even 30 minutes can work, but longer is best! Honey soy garlic drumsticks go well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed rice - Roasted vegetables - Garlic mashed potatoes - Asian-style slaw - Cucumber salad These sides balance the sweet and savory taste of the drumsticks. Try mixing and matching to find your favorite combo! We covered how to make tasty honey soy garlic drumsticks. You learned about the key ingredients for the marinade, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips. I shared ways to switch up the recipe and store leftovers for later meals. Remember, using the right marinade and cooking method shines through in flavor. Enjoy experimenting with different sides and cooking styles! Your chicken drumsticks can impress anyone at the table.

Sweet & Savory Honey Soy Garlic Drumsticks

Deliciously marinated chicken drumsticks with a sweet and savory glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 10 pieces chicken drumsticks
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 pieces green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until well blended.
  • Marinate the Drumsticks: Place the chicken drumsticks in a large resealable plastic bag or a bowl. Pour the marinade over the drumsticks, ensuring they are evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
  • Preheat the Oven: When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Arrange the Drumsticks: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet (if you have one). Arrange the marinated drumsticks on the rack, allowing excess marinade to drip off.
  • Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). For extra caramelization, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping an eye to prevent burning.
  • Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate overnight.
Keyword chicken, drumsticks, garlic, honey soy