Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Honey Glazed Drumsticks & Veggies is a wholesome and flavorful dish that brings together sweet and savory elements with perfectly roasted chicken and colorful vegetables. The honey glaze creates a sticky, caramelized finish on the drumsticks, while the vegetables absorb the delicious pan juices, making every bite satisfying. This dish is simple to prepare, nutritious, and ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the drumsticks:

Chicken drumsticks
Olive oil
Honey
Soy sauce
Garlic, minced
Dijon mustard or whole grain mustard
Lemon juice
Salt
Black pepper
Paprika (optional)

For the veggies:

Green cabbage, thinly sliced
Carrots, julienned or shredded
Red onion, thinly sliced
Zucchini or summer squash, julienned
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or mint)

directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, mustard, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Pat the chicken drumsticks dry and place them in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the glaze over them and toss to coat evenly.
Arrange the drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Reserve extra marinade.
Roast for 35–45 minutes, basting with reserved glaze every 15 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and caramelized.
While the drumsticks roast, prepare the vegetables. In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the cabbage, carrots, zucchini, and onion. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
Remove drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes.
Serve the honey glazed drumsticks with the sautéed veggies and garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

Spicy glaze: Add red chili flakes or hot sauce to the honey glaze.
Balsamic twist: Use balsamic vinegar instead of lemon juice for a deeper flavor.
Sheet pan style: Roast the vegetables alongside the drumsticks for a one-pan meal.
Vegan option: Replace drumsticks with roasted chickpeas or tofu and toss with the glaze.
Crispy skin: Finish the drumsticks under the broiler for 2–3 minutes for extra crispness.

storage/reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked drumsticks and veggies separately for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat chicken in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Reheat vegetables in a skillet or microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?

Yes, bone-in thighs also work well with this glaze and cook in similar time.

2. Can I marinate the drumsticks overnight?

Yes, marinating overnight enhances the flavor significantly.

3. Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the dish gluten-free.

4. What vegetables work best with this recipe?

Cabbage, carrots, and zucchini are great, but you can also use bell peppers, green beans, or broccoli.

5. How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer—internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

6. Can I make this recipe in the air fryer?

Yes, cook the drumsticks at 380°F for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway.

7. Can I add potatoes or sweet potatoes?

Yes, diced potatoes can be roasted alongside the drumsticks or sautéed with the veggies.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use two baking sheets if needed and rotate them halfway through cooking.

9. How do I keep the glaze from burning?

Baste during baking and avoid adding too much sugar to the glaze. If needed, cover with foil halfway through.

10. What’s a good side dish if not using veggies?

Rice, quinoa, couscous, or mashed potatoes complement the dish well.

Conclusion

Honey Glazed Drumsticks & Veggies is a delightful and balanced meal full of flavor and color. The sweet-savory glaze enhances the tender chicken, while the crisp vegetables add texture and freshness. It’s a meal that is both comforting and health-conscious, perfect for weeknights or when entertaining guests. Quick to prepare and universally loved, this dish deserves a place in your regular dinner rotation.