Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks Easy Recipe

Looking for a quick and tasty dinner? You’re in the right place! My Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks recipe is simple and packed with flavor. In just a few easy steps, you’ll create a meal that will impress your family and friends. Plus, I’ll share tips for perfecting your dish. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started on this delicious journey together!

Ingredients

List of necessary ingredients

To make Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks, gather these items:

– 10 chicken drumsticks

– 1/2 cup honey

– 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

– 4 cloves garlic, finely minced

– 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

– 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

– Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Measurement guide

When measuring, accuracy matters. Here’s a simple guide:

– Use a liquid measuring cup for honey and soy sauce.

– Use dry measuring cups for ginger and vinegar.

– A kitchen scale can help with chicken weight.

– A teaspoon and tablespoon set ensures correct spice measurements.

Substitutions and alternatives

Don’t have all the ingredients? No problem! Here are some swaps:

– Maple syrup can replace honey for a different sweet taste.

– Coconut aminos can replace soy sauce for a soy-free option.

– Garlic powder can work instead of fresh garlic if you’re in a pinch.

– Use lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar for a tangy flavor.

– For added heat, try using sriracha or chili paste instead of red pepper flakes.

You can find the full recipe in the link above. Enjoy cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation steps

First, gather your ingredients. You will need ten chicken drumsticks, honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, onion powder, sea salt, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat.

Next, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. This makes cleanup easier. Place a wire rack on top of the foil. The rack helps the heat circulate around the drumsticks for even cooking.

In a medium bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, onion powder, sea salt, and red pepper flakes. Whisk these ingredients until smooth.

Now, put the chicken drumsticks in a large bowl or a zip-lock bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure each drumstick gets coated well. For best flavor, let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate for up to 4 hours.

Baking process

After marinating, take the drumsticks out and shake off the extra marinade. Place them on the wire rack, leaving space between each drumstick. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy.

Bake the drumsticks in the oven for 35-40 minutes. Halfway through, turn them for even browning. To check if they are done, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) inside, and the skin should look golden brown.

For extra flavor, brush some marinade on the drumsticks during the last 5 minutes of baking. This adds a nice glaze.

Final touches before serving

Once the chicken is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting helps the juices settle, making the chicken tender.

Before you serve, sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh look. For a great presentation, serve the drumsticks on a rustic platter. Drizzle any leftover honey garlic sauce over them. Pair with roasted veggies or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For the full recipe, check out the details above.

Tips & Tricks

Techniques for marinating chicken

To get the best flavor, marinate the chicken well. Use a large bowl or zip-lock bag. This helps the chicken soak up the honey garlic sauce. I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinate for up to 4 hours. This step makes a big difference in taste.

Achieving crispy skin

Crispy skin makes the dish even better. To achieve this, place the drumsticks on a wire rack. The rack allows hot air to flow around the chicken. This helps the skin crisp up nicely. Also, turning the drumsticks halfway through baking helps them brown evenly. You can brush on some extra marinade in the last few minutes for added flavor and crispiness.

Flavor enhancement methods

Want to boost the flavor? You can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the marinade. The acidity brightens the taste. Also, try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary. They pair well with honey and garlic. If you like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. This gives a spicy kick that many enjoy. For a sweet touch, drizzle a bit of extra honey before serving.

For full details, check the [Full Recipe].

Variations

Spicy honey garlic drumsticks

You can make spicy honey garlic drumsticks by adding more heat. Use more red pepper flakes. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the marinade. This adds a nice kick to the sweet flavor of honey. Adjust to your taste for a spicy treat.

Oven vs. air fryer methods

You can bake the drumsticks in the oven or use an air fryer. The oven gives you a nice golden color. It takes about 35-40 minutes. The air fryer cooks faster, usually around 25-30 minutes. Both methods make crispy skin, but the air fryer may be crispier due to hot air circulation.

Different types of sauces to try

You can switch up the sauce for different flavors. Try using teriyaki sauce for a sweet and savory taste. Barbecue sauce adds a smoky flavor. For a tangy twist, use a lemon garlic sauce. Each sauce changes the dish and brings new life to your meals. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe.

Storage Info

How to store leftovers

After you enjoy your baked honey garlic chicken drumsticks, let them cool down. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the chicken fresh and tasty.

Freezing tips

If you want to keep the drumsticks longer, freezing is a good option. First, make sure they are completely cool. Wrap each drumstick in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze them for up to three months. Label the bag with the date so you know when to use them.

Reheating instructions

When you are ready to eat the leftovers, take them out of the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 15-20 minutes. This way, they get warm and crispy again. You can also microwave them, but the skin may not be as crispy. Enjoy your delicious meal!

FAQs

How do I know when the drumsticks are cooked?

To check if your drumsticks are done, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read at least 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, look for clear juices when you pierce the chicken with a knife. If the juices run clear, the chicken is cooked. The skin should look golden and crispy, which is a great sign as well.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks. Thighs have more meat and can stay juicy. Just adjust the cooking time. Thighs may need a few extra minutes in the oven. Make sure they also reach the same internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

What sides pair well with baked honey garlic chicken?

Many sides go well with baked honey garlic chicken. Here are some tasty choices:

– Roasted vegetables like carrots and broccoli

– Steamed broccoli or green beans

– Rice or quinoa to soak up the sauce

– A fresh mixed salad with a light dressing

These sides add color and flavor to your meal while balancing the sweetness of the chicken. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe.

To recap, this guide covered everything about baking delicious honey garlic chicken drumsticks. We explored the needed ingredients, how to prepare and bake, and helpful tips for perfecting your dish. You learned about variations and storage tips to make the most of your meal. Remember, cooking is about fun and flavor. Try new sauces and methods. Enjoy tasty bites with friends and family!

Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks

Savor the deliciousness of Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks with this easy recipe! Juicy chicken drumsticks marinated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce make for a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any dinner. Ready in just over an hour, these drumsticks are sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and learn how to create this flavorful meal that everyone will love!

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Ingredients

  

10 chicken drumsticks

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil for easier cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the foil-lined baking sheet to allow air circulation around the chicken while it bakes.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, onion powder, sea salt, and red pepper flakes. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well blended and form a smooth marinade.

Transfer the chicken drumsticks to a large mixing bowl or a zip-lock bag. Pour the honey garlic marinade over the drumsticks, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. For the best flavor, marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours if time permits.

After marinating, remove the drumsticks from the marinade and gently shake off any excess. Arrange the drumsticks on the prepared wire rack, spacing them apart to ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice crispy exterior.

Bake the drumsticks in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. Make sure to turn them halfway through cooking to achieve an even golden brown color. The chicken is properly cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and the skin appears crispy.

During the last 5 minutes of baking, you may choose to brush a little additional marinade over the drumsticks to enhance the glaze and flavor.

Once baked, remove the drumsticks from the oven and allow them to rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken tender and juicy. Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Prep Time: 30 min | Total Time: 1 hr 10 min | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: For an inviting presentation, serve the drumsticks on a rustic platter drizzled with any remaining honey garlic sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Pair with roasted seasonal vegetables or a vibrant mixed salad to create a balanced and appealing meal.