Honey garlic chicken drumsticks are a delightful fusion of sweet and savory, making them a perfect choice for any meal or occasion. With their crispy skin and tender, juicy meat, these drumsticks are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table. Let’s dive into how you can create this mouthwatering dish that’s destined to become a staple in your recipe collection.

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Ingredients Overview

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, with a handful of ingredients working together to create a symphony of flavors. The star of the dish is, of course, the chicken drumsticks, which are naturally juicy and lend themselves well to roasting. When selecting drumsticks, look for ones that are plump and uniform in size for even cooking.

Honey serves as the primary sweetener, balancing the savory elements and adding a rich, caramelized finish to the drumsticks. Paired with soy sauce, which introduces a deep umami flavor, the honey creates a sticky glaze that coats the chicken perfectly.

Onions and garlic provide the aromatic foundation of the dish, infusing the chicken with layers of flavor as they sauté and soften in the olive oil. The addition of crushed red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick, enhancing the overall taste without overpowering it. A touch of cornstarch thickens the sauce, giving it a glossy, restaurant-quality sheen that clings to each drumstick.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Creating this dish is a straightforward process, but attention to detail is key to achieving the perfect result. Here’s a breakdown of the steps:

First, preheat your oven to 425°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. If you have a wire rack, place it on top of the baking sheet to allow the heat to circulate around the drumsticks, ensuring they cook evenly and develop a crisp exterior.

To start, pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it removes excess moisture, which can prevent the skin from becoming crispy during roasting. Once dry, generously season the drumsticks with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes, making sure each piece is evenly coated.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil until it shimmers. Add the minced garlic and diced onions, sautéing them until they are fragrant and beginning to soften. This step releases the flavors, creating a savory base for the sauce. Next, pour in the honey and soy sauce, stirring to combine. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth, then add it to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally, and let it simmer until it thickens—about 5 minutes. Once thickened, remove the sauce from the heat and set it aside.

Now, place the seasoned drumsticks on the wire rack and slide them into the preheated oven. Roast the chicken for 10 minutes before flipping each piece to ensure even cooking. After another 10 minutes, remove the drumsticks from the oven and generously brush them with the prepared honey garlic sauce. Return them to the oven and roast for an additional 5 minutes. Flip the drumsticks once more, coating the other side with sauce, and continue cooking for 5-10 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 180-190°F, and the juices run clear when pierced.

Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

Pro Tips for Crispy and Flavorful Drumsticks:
- Ensure the drumsticks are thoroughly dried before seasoning.
- Use a wire rack to allow air circulation, which helps in achieving a crispy skin.
- Don’t rush the sauce; allowing it to thicken properly will give you that perfect glaze.
Suggestions for Making in Advance or Storing Leftovers:
- You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
- Leftover drumsticks can be reheated in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, keeping the skin crispy.
Variations to Customize the Recipe:
- Swap out the drumsticks for chicken thighs or wings if you prefer.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
What to Serve With This Recipe:
- Pair these drumsticks with a side of steamed rice to soak up the extra sauce, or opt for a fresh, crisp salad to balance the richness of the dish. Steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans make excellent companions, adding color and nutrition to your meal.
Beverage Pairings:
- Complement the dish with a light, refreshing beverage. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with the sweet and savory notes of the chicken, while a cold glass of iced tea with a hint of lemon provides a non-alcoholic alternative that is just as satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use chicken thighs or wings instead of drumsticks? Yes, both can be used, though cooking times may vary slightly.
- How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to maintain crispiness.
- What can I substitute for honey in the recipe? Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as alternatives.
- Can this recipe be made gluten-free? Yes, simply use a gluten-free soy sauce.
- How do I prevent the sauce from burning in the oven? Keep an eye on the chicken during the final stages of cooking, and cover with foil if the sauce starts to darken too quickly.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation

To elevate the presentation of your honey garlic chicken drumsticks, consider serving them on a large platter, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of color. Arrange the drumsticks in a circular pattern with a small bowl of extra sauce in the center for dipping. For added visual appeal, sprinkle sesame seeds over the top just before serving, giving the dish a touch of elegance. Whether you’re serving a casual family dinner or entertaining guests, these drumsticks are sure to impress with their golden-brown glaze and mouthwatering aroma.

This honey garlic chicken drumsticks recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that is both simple to prepare and deeply satisfying. Its versatility allows you to serve it as a main dish for various occasions, from weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings. With its crispy exterior and juicy interior, combined with a sticky, flavorful glaze, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Don’t hesitate to make it your own by experimenting with different ingredients or serving suggestions, and enjoy the compliments that are sure to follow.

Ingredients

2.5 lbs chicken drumsticks
1/2 cup honey
1 small onion, diced
1 tsp olive oil
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 tsp cornstarch
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
5 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tbsp soy sauce
Salt and pepper

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy clean-up, and if available, place a wire rack on top.

In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and diced onions. Sauté them, stirring frequently, until fragrant and slightly softened.

Next, add the honey and soy sauce to the pan. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pan and bring it to a boil. Allow the sauce to cook, stirring occasionally, until it thickens, approximately 5 minutes. Once done, remove the saucepan from the heat.

Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy finish. Arrange the drumsticks on the prepared rack, then season generously with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.

Place the chicken in the preheated oven and roast for 10 minutes. After the initial 10 minutes, flip the drumsticks and continue cooking for another 10 minutes. Brush the chicken with some of the prepared sauce, then return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes. Flip the drumsticks one last time, coating the other side with sauce, and cook for another 5-10 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 180-190°F, and the juices should run clear.

Serve the drumsticks hot, accompanied by rice and steamed vegetables if desired. Don’t forget to drizzle any remaining sauce over the chicken for added flavor!