Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks

$- 8 chicken drumsticks - 1/3 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium) - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice) - 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) - Chicken drumsticks: 8 pieces - Honey: 1/3 cup (about 113 grams) - Soy sauce: 1/4 cup (about 60 milliliters) - Garlic: 4 cloves, minced - Ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated - Apple cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon (about 15 milliliters) - Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon (about 5 milliliters) - Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon - Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional) - Green onions: 2, chopped for garnish - Sesame seeds: for garnish - Add more heat with extra red pepper flakes. - Use honey garlic sauce instead of plain honey for a twist. - Try fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for extra flavor. - Experiment with different vinegars, like rice or balsamic. To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps the chicken cook just right. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. This makes cleanup quick and easy. Place a wire rack on top of the foil. The rack lets hot air flow around the chicken, making it cook evenly. Now, let's mix the marinade. In a medium bowl, combine these ingredients: - 1/3 cup honey - 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Whisk everything together until it blends well. This mix gives the chicken a sweet and savory flavor. Next, take 8 chicken drumsticks. Place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a bowl. Pour the marinade over the drumsticks, making sure each piece is coated well. Seal the bag or cover the bowl. Let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, aim for 2 hours. After marinating, take the drumsticks out. Remove them from the marinade and place them on the wire rack. Space them out so they cook evenly. Bake the drumsticks in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You want them golden brown and fully cooked. While the chicken bakes, grab the leftover marinade. Pour it into a small saucepan and heat it over medium heat. Bring it to a boil, then let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes. This will thicken the sauce. In the last 10 minutes of baking, brush the thickened marinade over the chicken. This creates a sticky glaze. Once done, take out the drumsticks and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve them hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy your meal! To get a great glaze for your chicken, timing is key. Brush the thickened marinade on during the last ten minutes of baking. This step adds flavor and makes the chicken shiny. Make sure to coat them well. It helps create a sticky and delicious finish. Keep an eye on the drumsticks while they bake. You want them to be golden brown, not burnt. Marinating adds flavor and tenderness to the chicken. I suggest marinating for at least 30 minutes. However, for more flavor, marinate for up to two hours. The longer you marinate, the better the taste. Use a resealable bag or a bowl to coat the drumsticks well. Don't forget to seal it tight or cover it to keep the flavors in. If you want to grill or air fry, you can still enjoy this recipe. For grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high. Cook the drumsticks for about 25-30 minutes. Turn them often to get even cooking. If you choose air frying, set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and cook for 25-30 minutes. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). {{image_2}} You can add heat to your honey garlic chicken drumsticks in a few ways. Start by using more red pepper flakes. This small change can bring big flavor. You can also add a splash of hot sauce to the marinade. If you love heat, try using chili garlic sauce instead of regular garlic. This will give your chicken a spicy kick. For a sweet and tangy twist, swap out some honey for orange juice. This change adds a bright flavor. You can also mix in a bit of mustard for a unique taste. Using balsamic vinegar can create a deeper tang. These small changes will give your chicken a fun twist. Herbs can take these drumsticks to the next level. Try adding fresh rosemary or thyme to your marinade. Chop them finely and mix them in. You can also use fresh parsley for a light flavor. Adding herbs not only boosts taste but also adds a lovely look to your dish. To store leftover honey garlic chicken drumsticks, first let them cool. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Make sure to consume the leftovers within three days. This keeps the taste and quality good. To freeze the drumsticks, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. You can store them for up to three months. To reheat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, bake them at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Honey garlic chicken drumsticks can last in the fridge for up to three days. If you freeze them, they can stay good for about three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If they smell off or look strange, it's best to throw them away. Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They will be juicy and flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time. Thighs may take a bit longer to cook than drumsticks. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). These drumsticks pair well with many sides. Consider these tasty options: - Steamed rice - Roasted vegetables - Mashed potatoes - A fresh green salad - Coleslaw Each of these sides will add balance to your meal. They complement the sweet and savory notes of the chicken. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, aim for 2 hours. If you have time, marinating overnight in the fridge works great, too. This helps the chicken soak up all the yummy flavors from the marinade. In this article, we explored how to make delicious honey garlic chicken drumsticks. We covered the essential ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking methods. You learned how to achieve the perfect glaze and variations to suit your taste. Remember to store leftovers properly for the best shelf life. With these tips in hand, you can enjoy tasty chicken drumsticks any time. Experiment with your favorite flavors and have fun cooking!$

Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks

Discover the deliciousness of Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks with this easy recipe! Marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, these tender drumsticks are perfect for any meal. Watch them bake to golden perfection and finish with a sticky glaze that will leave everyone asking for more. Ready to impress your friends and family? Check out the full recipe and get cooking today! #HoneyGarlicChicken #ChickenDrumsticks #EasyRecipes #CookingAtHome

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Ingredients

8 chicken drumsticks

1/3 cup honey

1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top (this allows the chicken to cook evenly).

Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until well blended.

Marinate the Drumsticks: Place the chicken drumsticks in a large resealable plastic bag or a mixing bowl. Pour the marinade over the drumsticks, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours for more flavor.

Arrange Drumsticks: After marinating, remove the drumsticks from the marinade (reserve the leftover marinade) and place them on the wire rack. Make sure they are evenly spaced for proper cooking.

Bake the Chicken: Bake the drumsticks in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

Glaze the Chicken: While the chicken is baking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes to thicken slightly.

Coat with Sauce: In the last 10 minutes of baking, brush the thickened marinade over the chicken drumsticks to create a sticky glaze. Return them to the oven to finish cooking.

Serve: Once baked, remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them sit for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

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