Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Looking for a delicious and easy chicken recipe that’s perfect for dinner or a special occasion? Try this Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks recipe! It’s juicy, flavorful, and coated in a sweet and sticky sauce that your whole family will love. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a simple list of ingredients to make this tasty dish:

For the Chicken:

• 6–8 chicken drumsticks
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp oil (vegetable or olive oil)

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• 4 tbsp soy sauce
• 4 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp vinegar (white or apple cider)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp ginger (optional, for extra flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

• Wash and pat dry the chicken drumsticks.
• In a large bowl, season them with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
• Add the oil and mix well so every piece is coated with the spices.

2. Bake the Chicken

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Place the seasoned drumsticks on a baking tray lined with foil or parchment paper.
• Bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.

3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

• While the chicken is baking, make the sauce.
• In a pan over medium heat, add soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger.
• Stir and cook until the sauce thickens slightly (about 5–7 minutes).

4. Coat the Chicken

• Once the chicken is baked, take it out of the oven.
• Dip or brush each drumstick generously with the honey garlic sauce.
• Optional: Place the coated chicken back in the oven for 5–10 minutes to caramelize.

5. Serve and Enjoy

• Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if you like.
• Serve with rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• Perfect balance of sweet and savory
• Great for weeknight dinners or family gatherings
• Pairs well with many side dishes

Tips for Best Results

• Use fresh garlic for a stronger, richer flavor.
• Don’t skip flipping the chicken during baking – it helps with even browning.
• If you want extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes after coating with sauce.

Variations You Can Try

• Swap drumsticks for chicken wings or thighs.
• Add a touch of chili flakes or hot sauce if you like it spicy.
• Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes! You can use boneless thighs or breasts, just reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes.

2. How long does honey garlic chicken last in the fridge?

It lasts up to 3–4 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

3. Can I cook this in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Air fry the drumsticks at 380°F (193°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

5. What sides go well with honey garlic chicken?

Rice, mashed potatoes, stir-fried veggies, or even a fresh salad work great!

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks recipe is a must-try! With its rich, sticky sauce and tender chicken, it’s bound to be a new family favorite. Plus, it’s so simple that even beginners can cook it perfectly.