Glazed Chicken Drumsticks are tender, juicy, and coated in a flavorful, sticky glaze that’s slightly sweet, tangy, and savory. This dish is easy to prepare and ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings where bold, satisfying flavor is a must.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The glaze caramelizes beautifully in the pan, creating a deep color and irresistible coating. The chicken remains moist on the inside while developing a lightly crisp exterior. It pairs well with a variety of sides and is sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken drumsticks, skin-on
- Salt and black pepper
- Olive oil or vegetable oil
For the glaze:
- Soy sauce
- Honey or brown sugar
- Balsamic vinegar or rice vinegar
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, minced (optional)
- Chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- Cornstarch slurry (to thicken, if needed)
- Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme) for garnish
Directions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the drumsticks dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Drumsticks: Heat oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Sear drumsticks on all sides until golden brown, about 6–8 minutes total.
- Make the Glaze: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, and optional ginger and chili flakes. Pour over the chicken.
- Simmer and Glaze: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is fully cooked and glaze thickens. Add a cornstarch slurry if needed to thicken further.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped herbs and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Use Chicken Thighs or Wings: Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Spicy Glaze: Add sriracha, hot sauce, or extra chili flakes for heat.
- Citrus Twist: Add orange or lime juice to the glaze for brightness.
- Asian-Inspired: Include sesame oil and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Storage/Reheating
Store cooled drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave gently. The glaze may thicken in the fridge but will loosen when reheated.
FAQs
How do I know the chicken is cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C), and juices should run clear when pierced.
Can I bake instead of pan-cooking?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes. Brush with glaze during the final 10 minutes.
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, but reduce cooking time accordingly, as boneless pieces cook faster.
What type of soy sauce should I use?
Regular soy sauce works best. For a lighter flavor, use low-sodium soy sauce.
How do I thicken the glaze?
Simmer uncovered or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water).
Can I make this glaze ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate the glaze up to 3 days in advance. Stir before using.
Will this work in a slow cooker?
Yes. Sear chicken first, then cook on low for 4–5 hours with glaze added. Finish under broiler for a sticky finish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep the dish gluten-free.
Can I freeze the cooked drumsticks?
Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
What sides go well with glazed chicken?
Rice, mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad complement this dish well.
Conclusion
Glazed Chicken Drumsticks are a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that’s simple to prepare yet full of flavor. With a glossy, savory-sweet glaze and tender meat, these drumsticks make a versatile main course that pairs with a variety of sides. Whether for a weeknight dinner or special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.
Print
Glazed Chicken Drumsticks
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Glazed Chicken Drumsticks are juicy, oven-baked or grilled chicken legs coated in a sweet and savory glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, these drumsticks are flavorful, tender, and easy to make.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- For the glaze:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease it.
- Pat chicken drumsticks dry and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss to coat evenly.
- Arrange drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, mustard, and minced garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- After 25 minutes of baking, brush drumsticks with glaze and return to the oven.
- Bake for another 15–20 minutes, brushing with additional glaze halfway through, until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C) and nicely caramelized.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Optionally garnish with chopped parsley or sesame seeds.
Notes
- You can also grill the drumsticks over medium heat, basting with glaze as they cook.
- Adjust sweetness by increasing or decreasing the honey in the glaze.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed cold or reheated the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 drumsticks
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
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