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Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

5 from 56 reviews

This Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks recipe features tender, juicy chicken drumsticks marinated in a flavorful blend of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then baked to perfection. The combination of sweet and savory flavors creates a deliciously sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or weekend treat that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade

  • 3 pounds chicken drumsticks (bone in, with skin)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 5 tablespoons honey
  • ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (or ½ teaspoon ginger powder)
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Garnish

  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, whisk together the olive oil, sesame oil, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper until well combined. Add the chicken drumsticks and toss them thoroughly to ensure each piece is fully coated with the marinade. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deepen and the chicken to tenderize.
  2. Preheat the Oven: About 15 minutes before baking, set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat. This temperature is ideal to cook the chicken evenly while allowing the marinade to caramelize beautifully.
  3. Bake the Chicken: Remove the plastic wrap from the casserole dish and place it in the preheated oven. Bake the chicken drumsticks for approximately 45 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning and caramelization. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; the chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 175°F (79°C).
  4. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the drumsticks for a bright, fresh flavor. Spoon any pan juices over the chicken to enhance the taste and moisture. Serve immediately, ideally accompanied by steamed rice or your choice of roasted vegetables.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken overnight significantly enhances the depth of flavor and tenderness.
  • Using low sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness of the dish for a balanced taste.
  • Turning the drumsticks halfway through baking ensures even caramelization and prevents burning on one side.
  • Always check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it is safe to eat.
  • This dish pairs excellently with simple sides like steamed rice or roasted vegetables to complement its sweet and savory flavors.

Keywords: Honey Soy Chicken, Baked Chicken Drumsticks, Asian Chicken Recipe, Sticky Chicken Drumsticks, Easy Dinner, Oven Baked Chicken