Honey Garlic Baked Drumsticks
Highlighted under: Feel-Good Food Ideas
Delight in the sweet and savory flavor of these honey garlic baked drumsticks, perfect for a family dinner or gathering.
Honey garlic baked drumsticks are a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors. The sticky honey glaze enhances the juicy chicken, making it a favorite for any occasion.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly sweet and savory flavor
- Crispy skin with tender, juicy meat
- Easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
- Great for meal prep and family gatherings
A Flavorful Combination
The combination of honey and soy sauce creates a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that make these baked drumsticks a standout dish. Honey brings a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during the baking process, while soy sauce adds depth and umami, making every bite utterly satisfying. This harmonious blend not only enhances the taste but also creates a glossy, appealing finish that is sure to impress your family and guests.
Moreover, the minced garlic adds a robust aroma and flavor that elevates the dish to new heights. Garlic is known for its health benefits and contributes a warm, savory note that complements the sweetness of the honey perfectly. Together, these ingredients create a marinade that infuses the chicken with flavor, ensuring that each drumstick is juicy and packed with deliciousness.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you're hosting a family gathering, preparing a weeknight dinner, or meal prepping for the week ahead, these honey garlic baked drumsticks are an excellent choice. Their easy preparation and minimal cleanup make them a go-to recipe for busy cooks. You can whip them up quickly, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the meal with your loved ones rather than being stuck in the kitchen.
These drumsticks are also versatile and can be served alongside a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. Their appealing flavor profile makes them suitable for both adult and kid-friendly meals, ensuring that everyone at your table will be satisfied.
Tips for the Best Drumsticks
For the best results, consider marinating the drumsticks for longer than the minimum 15 minutes. If time allows, let them sit in the marinade for 1-2 hours or even overnight in the refrigerator. This extra time allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken more deeply, resulting in an even more delicious outcome. Just remember to bring them to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
Additionally, if you prefer an extra crispy skin, you can broil the drumsticks for the last few minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, and turn them occasionally to achieve an even crispiness. This simple step can elevate your dish from great to extraordinary!
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create these mouthwatering honey garlic baked drumsticks.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional)
Once you have all the ingredients, you’re ready to start cooking!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to bake your honey garlic drumsticks to perfection.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, vegetable oil, ground ginger, salt, and pepper.
Marinate the Drumsticks
Add the chicken drumsticks to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Bake the Drumsticks
Place the marinated drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
Serve
Remove from the oven, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired, and serve hot.
Enjoy your delicious honey garlic baked drumsticks!
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store the honey garlic drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain their flavor and texture, it's best to reheat them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the drumsticks for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method helps retain their crispy skin and juicy meat, ensuring they taste almost as good as freshly made.
For longer storage, consider freezing the cooked drumsticks. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned above.
Serving Suggestions
These honey garlic baked drumsticks pair beautifully with a variety of sides. For a balanced meal, serve them alongside steamed broccoli, sautéed green beans, or a vibrant mixed salad. The freshness of the vegetables complements the rich flavors of the drumsticks, creating a wholesome plate.
For a more filling option, consider serving the drumsticks over a bed of jasmine or brown rice. The rice will soak up the delicious marinade, making each bite even more flavorful. Adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions as a garnish not only enhances the presentation but also adds a delightful crunch.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs or wings, but adjust the cooking time as needed.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce.
→ What can I serve with these drumsticks?
These drumsticks pair well with rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Honey Garlic Baked Drumsticks
Delight in the sweet and savory flavor of these honey garlic baked drumsticks, perfect for a family dinner or gathering.
Created by: Anna
Recipe Type: Feel-Good Food Ideas
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, vegetable oil, ground ginger, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken drumsticks to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Place the marinated drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
Remove from the oven, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired, and serve hot.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 16g
- Protein: 28g