Finger-Licking Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Succulent chicken drumsticks sizzle with a tantalizing honey garlic glaze that promises to delight every taste bud.

The aroma of golden-brown meat promises an irresistible meal waiting to happen.

Each drumstick emerges from the oven glistening with a perfectly caramelized coating that seals in juicy flavor.

Tender chicken meets a sweet and savory symphony of honey and garlic, creating a dish that speaks comfort and deliciousness.

The marinade infuses deep, rich flavors into every single bite.

Simple ingredients combine to craft a restaurant-worthy meal you can easily make at home.

This recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making dinner both exciting and stress-free.

Get ready to transform your ordinary weeknight meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 382 kcal

Servings: 5

Drumstick Dinner: Honey Garlic Chicken Ingredients

• Chicken Drumsticks: Select fresh, plump drumsticks with smooth, moist skin for the best texture and flavor absorption.

• Olive Oil, Sesame Oil: Create a rich, smooth base that helps distribute flavors and promotes beautiful caramelization.
• Low Sodium Soy Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce: Provide deep umami undertones and enhance the overall savory profile of the dish.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, zesty notes and helps tenderize the chicken meat.

• Honey: Brings natural sweetness and helps create a glossy, caramelized exterior on the chicken.
• Garlic, Ginger: Deliver intense, aromatic warmth and depth to the marinade, creating a complex flavor foundation.
• Black Pepper, Kosher Salt: Balance and intensify the overall taste profile with subtle seasoning.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduce a gentle, warming heat that complements the sweet and savory elements.

Kitchen Tools for Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks

• Baking dish: Large, sturdy dish to roast chicken evenly and catch delicious pan juices.
• Ziploc bag: Essential for marinating chicken, allowing easy coating and minimal cleanup.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending marinade ingredients smoothly and quickly.
• Medium mixing bowl: Ideal for combining marinade ingredients without splashing.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Kitchen tongs: Helpful for handling and transferring marinated chicken.

Instructions for Juicy Honey Garlic Drumsticks

• Flavor Infusion

Create a mouthwatering marinade that combines sweet and tangy elements. The magic happens when honey meets garlic, creating a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance.

• Chicken Preparation

Nestle the drumsticks into a sealed bag, allowing them to luxuriate in the marinade. Give the bag a gentle massage, ensuring every nook and cranny of the chicken gets coated. Let the flavors mingle and develop by refrigerating for several hours or overnight.

• Oven Transformation

Warm up the oven to a cozy 375°F. Pour the marinated chicken into a baking dish, letting all those delicious juices come along for the ride. Bake until the chicken develops a golden-brown crust and reaches a perfect internal temperature that guarantees juicy, tender meat.

• Culinary Celebration

Bring the drumsticks to the table, their aroma filling the kitchen. Drizzle with pan juices that capture all the concentrated flavors. Pair with your favorite sides for a meal that turns an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

Tips & Twists for Garlic Chicken Drumsticks

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Flavor Boost: Crush fresh garlic cloves instead of using garlic powder to intensify the authentic garlic taste and add more depth to the marinade.
• Spice It Up: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the marinade for those who enjoy a subtle kick of heat with their chicken.
• Crispy Skin Trick: Pat the chicken drumsticks completely dry before marinating to ensure the skin becomes beautifully crisp and golden brown during baking.
• Alternative Cooking Methods: Grill the marinated drumsticks over medium heat for a smoky flavor, or use an air fryer at 380°F for 20-25 minutes for a quicker cooking option with equally delicious results.

How to Plate Honey Garlic Drumsticks

• Tasty Plate Partners: Serve these succulent honey garlic drumsticks with steamed white rice to soak up the delicious pan juices and catch all those incredible flavors.
• Weekend Feast Companion: Pair the chicken with roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus for a balanced and colorful meal that looks as good as it tastes.
• Picnic Perfect Plating: Transform leftovers into a delightful cold chicken salad by shredding the meat and mixing with crisp greens, sliced almonds, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing lunch option.
• Family-Style Feast: Create a casual dinner spread by arranging the drumsticks on a large platter, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or green onions, and letting everyone dig in together for a communal dining experience.

Storage Tips for Chicken Drumstick Leftovers

• Refrigerator Storage Magic: Keep leftover drumsticks in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to lock in moisture and prevent flavor loss from refrigerator odors.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual drumsticks in aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe bags. These chicken delights will stay fresh for 2-3 months, ready for quick future meals.
• Reheating Brilliance: Warm drumsticks in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispy skin and juicy meat. Microwave works in a pinch but may soften the exterior.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare a double batch during weekend cooking. Portion out for lunches or quick weeknight dinners, saving time and ensuring delicious meals throughout the week.

Irresistible Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent honey garlic baked chicken drumsticks bring Mediterranean flavors to dinner tables with minimal effort. Crispy skin and juicy meat promise a delightful meal families will crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 chicken drumsticks (or 6 chicken legs; about 4 lbs / 1.8 kg)
• 5 tbsps (75 ml) honey (or maple syrup)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) lemon juice (or lime juice)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1 inch (2.5 cm) ginger root, peeled and grated (or ¼ teaspoon powdered ginger)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Marinate: Whisk marinade ingredients in a medium bowl until smooth and fragrant, creating a cohesive flavor base.
2. Prepare Chicken: Pour marinade into a large Ziploc bag with chicken drumsticks, remove air, and seal completely. Massage thoroughly to ensure even coating.
3. Chill and Infuse: Refrigerate marinated chicken for several hours or overnight, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
4. Preheat and Arrange: Heat oven to 375°F. Transfer marinated chicken and liquid to a baking dish, spreading pieces evenly to guarantee consistent cooking.
5. Roast to Perfection: Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, watching for a golden-brown exterior and confirming internal temperature reaches 185°F using a meat thermometer.
6. Rest and Serve: Remove from oven, let drumsticks rest briefly to redistribute juices. Plate with pan drippings and accompany with complementary side dishes for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Marinading Magic: Whisk ingredients vigorously to blend flavors completely, creating a smooth, aromatic base that deeply penetrates the chicken.
• Bag Sealing Technique: Remove all air from the Ziploc bag to ensure maximum marinade contact and prevent potential bacterial growth during refrigeration.
• Overnight Flavor Infusion: Refrigerate for at least 4-8 hours, preferably overnight, to allow seasonings to fully penetrate and tenderize the chicken drumsticks.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal chicken temperature reaches 185°F, guaranteeing safe consumption and perfect juicy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 382
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg