Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Drumsticks (Print Version)

Tender oven-baked drumsticks with sweet and savory honey garlic coating

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 8 chicken drumsticks (approximately 2 pounds), skin-on

→ Marinade & Glaze

02 - 1/3 cup honey
03 - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
04 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
05 - 5 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
07 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
08 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Garnish

11 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
12 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or green onions

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, vinegar, ginger, black pepper, paprika, and salt until well combined.
03 - Pat chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Add them to the bowl and toss to coat thoroughly in the marinade.
04 - Arrange drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Reserve remaining marinade for basting.
05 - Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and brush drumsticks generously with reserved marinade.
06 - Return to oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until drumsticks are golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 175°F).
07 - For extra caramelization, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
08 - Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The glaze gets into every nook and cranny, creating that caramelized exterior that makes people fight over the last piece
  • Five minutes of prep means I can actually handle homework meltdowns and still get dinner on the table
  • Leftovers somehow taste even better tucked into lunchboxes the next day
02 -
  • Soggy chicken happens when you skip the paper towel step. Pat them dry and thank me later.
  • The glaze burns fast under the broiler. Set a timer and do not walk away.
03 -
  • Use a rimmed baking sheet. The honey glaze will bubble and you do not want to clean your oven bottom.
  • Sprinkle a pinch of flaky salt right before serving. It makes those caramelized bits sing.

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