Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Introduction

Looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea? These Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Drumsticks are a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. With a simple honey garlic glaze, these drumsticks are sure to be a family favorite. Pair them with steamed veggies or rice for a complete meal!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Drumsticks:

  • 8 chicken drumsticks
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

For the Honey Garlic Glaze:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • â…“ cup honey
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

For Garnish:

  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives

Instructions

1. Prepare the Drumsticks:

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
  • Season the drumsticks evenly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

2. Bake the Drumsticks:

  • Arrange the drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

3. Make the Honey Garlic Glaze:

  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Glaze the Drumsticks:

  • Remove the baked drumsticks from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl.
  • Pour the honey garlic glaze over the drumsticks and toss to coat evenly.

5. Broil (Optional):

  • For an extra sticky and caramelized finish, place the glazed drumsticks on the baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

6. Serve:

  • Garnish the glazed drumsticks with fresh chopped chives.
  • Serve warm with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or rice.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: ~350
  • Protein: ~30 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~18 g
  • Fat: ~18 g

Tips for Success

  1. For Extra Flavor: Marinate the drumsticks in the glaze ingredients for 1-2 hours before baking.
  2. Crispier Skin: Bake the drumsticks on a wire rack to allow better airflow for crispier results.
  3. Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red chili flakes to the glaze for a spicy kick.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?

Yes! Chicken thighs work great with this recipe. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the glaze and bake the drumsticks in advance. Reheat the drumsticks in the oven and glaze them just before serving for maximum flavor.

3. What can I serve with honey garlic drumsticks?

These drumsticks pair beautifully with steamed vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Conclusion

These Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Drumsticks are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. They’re easy to make and sure to impress at any dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a winner every time!

Share your thoughts or your favorite variations in the comments below!

Leave a Comment