Sweet and Sticky Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe: Irresistible Magic

When hunger strikes, these irresistible sweet and sticky baked chicken drumsticks will become your new favorite weeknight dinner.

Golden-brown and packed with mouthwatering flavor, this crowd-pleasing recipe promises tender meat with a delectable glaze.

The secret lies in the perfect blend of sweet and tangy ingredients that caramelize beautifully in the oven.

Each drumstick emerges with a glossy, rich coating that seals in incredible juiciness and taste.

Simple ingredients transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Serve these drumsticks alongside roasted vegetables or fluffy rice for a complete and satisfying dinner that’s sure to impress.

Fun Twists for Baked Chicken Drumsticks

• Spicy Asian Fusion Drumsticks: Replace honey with sriracha and add red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
• Citrus Herb Chicken Variant: Swap soy sauce with orange juice, add fresh rosemary and thyme for a bright, herbal flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, and substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar.
• Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Replace honey and brown sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol, increase olive oil for added fat content, and garnish with chopped green onions.

Serving Up Sweet Sticky Drumsticks

• Flavor Fiesta Plate: Serve these drumsticks over fluffy white rice or coconut rice to soak up the delicious sticky sauce.
• Family-Style Spread: Pair with roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus for a colorful and nutritious meal that everyone will enjoy.
• Asian-Inspired Sides: Complement the chicken with quick pickled cucumber salad or steamed edamame to enhance the sweet and savory flavor profile.
• Fresh Finish: Garnish with chopped green onions and extra sesame seeds for added crunch and a pop of fresh color on the plate.

Keeping Baked Drumsticks Moist for Leftovers

• Store leftover drumsticks in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring they remain fresh and safe to eat.
• Wrap each drumstick individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, maintaining their delicious flavor and texture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place drumsticks on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, ensuring juicy meat.

FAQs

• What are the key flavors in this chicken drumstick recipe?

The marinade combines sweet honey, savory soy sauce, rich brown sugar, zesty garlic, and warm ginger to create a perfect balance of sweet and umami flavors.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours in advance, which allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat and enhance the overall taste.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these drumsticks?

No, you just need a mixing bowl, a resealable plastic bag, a baking sheet, and basic kitchen tools like measuring spoons and a grater for ginger.

Sweet and Sticky Baked Chicken Drumsticks – Why Everyone Wants Seconds

• Burst with Flavor: Sweet and sticky marinade transforms ordinary chicken drumsticks into a mouthwatering dish packed with incredible Asian-inspired taste.
• Quick Weeknight Savior: Minimal prep work and simple ingredients make this recipe perfect for busy families needing a delicious meal in no time.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Tender chicken with a sweet glaze appeals to both children and adults, ensuring everyone cleans their plate without fuss.
• Meal Prep Champion: Advance marinating allows deeper flavor absorption, making it an excellent option for planning ahead and saving precious cooking time.

Ingredients Checklist for Sweet Sticky Drumsticks

• Chicken Drumsticks: Tender and flavorful meat that serves as the star of this delicious dish.

• Soy Sauce: Provides a savory and salty base for the chicken marinade.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze.
• Brown Sugar: Enhances the caramelization and sweetness of the chicken.
• Garlic, Ginger: Offer aromatic and zesty flavor profiles to the marinade.

• Olive Oil: Helps to crisp up the chicken skin and add moisture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the chicken.
• Sesame Seeds: Optional topping that adds a nutty crunch and visual appeal to the dish.

How to Make Sweet and Sticky Baked Drumsticks

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C).

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Create a Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Brown sugar
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger

Mix these ingredients in a bowl until they’re perfectly blended and singing with flavor.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Toss the chicken drumsticks into a large resealable plastic bag.

Pour the marinade over the drumsticks, making sure they’re completely covered.

Seal the bag and let the magic happen in the refrigerator.

Give the chicken at least 30 minutes to soak up all those delicious flavors, but if you can wait up to 4 hours, the taste will be even more incredible.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Pull the drumsticks out of the marinade and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.

Save that leftover marinade – we’ll use it later!

Drizzle some olive oil over the chicken and sprinkle with salt and pepper to amp up the seasoning.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, turning the drumsticks halfway through and brushing them with the reserved marinade.

This will create a gorgeous, sticky glaze that’ll make your mouth water.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked through and has a beautiful golden-brown color, pull it out of the oven.

For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top.

Serve hot and watch everyone dive in with excitement!

Pro Tips for Juicy Chicken Drumsticks

• Let chicken soak in the sweet and tangy mixture for at least 30 minutes to maximize flavor absorption and tenderness.
• Rotate drumsticks halfway through baking to ensure uniform browning and prevent burning on one side.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Regularly brush reserved marinade during baking to create a glossy, caramelized exterior that's irresistibly sticky.
• Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.

Sweet and Sticky Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

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4.5 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering sweet and sticky baked chicken drumsticks elevate home cooking with an irresistible blend of flavors. Juicy drumsticks glazed in a perfect harmony of sweet and tangy sauce promise a delightful meal that satisfies hunger and delights senses.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 12 chicken drumsticks

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) soy sauce
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) honey
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) ginger (grated)
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) sesame seeds (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
2. Whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a mixing bowl to create a robust, complex marinade.
3. Transfer chicken drumsticks into a large resealable bag, pour the marinade over them, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
4. Extract drumsticks from the marinade, arranging them evenly on the prepared baking sheet, and set aside the remaining liquid for later basting.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the drumsticks, then season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, flipping midway and brushing with reserved marinade to create a glossy, caramelized exterior and ensure even cooking.
7. Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, remove from oven and garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor, ideally overnight, to help the meat absorb more delicious seasonings.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Customize spice levels by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade for extra kick.
• Pat chicken dry before marinating to ensure better sauce adherence and crispier skin during baking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg