Sweet Soy Glazed Chicken Drumsticks

$- 8 chicken drumsticks - 1/2 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup honey - 3 tablespoons rice vinegar - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 inch ginger, grated - 1 teaspoon ground black pepper - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) Gather these ingredients to create your sweet soy glazed chicken drumsticks. The chicken drumsticks are the star of the dish. They soak up the marinade well. This gives them a great flavor. The soy sauce and honey work together to create a nice balance. Soy sauce adds saltiness, while honey adds sweetness. Rice vinegar adds a touch of tanginess. Sesame oil brings in a nice nutty flavor. Garlic and ginger add depth to the dish. Ground black pepper gives a hint of spice. For the best finish, use green onions and sesame seeds as garnishes. They not only look good but also add fresh flavor. These ingredients come together to make a delicious meal. The sweet soy glaze coats the chicken and caramelizes as it bakes. This makes the chicken crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. You will love the taste and aroma of this dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather all your ingredients. In a mixing bowl, whisk together: - 1/2 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup honey - 3 tablespoons rice vinegar - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 inch ginger, grated - 1 teaspoon ground black pepper Make sure the mixture is well combined. The honey should dissolve fully into the soy sauce. This marinade gives the chicken a sweet and savory flavor. Next, place your 8 chicken drumsticks in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the drumsticks. If you use a bag, seal it tightly. If you use a dish, cover it well. This step ensures each drumstick gets coated in the yummy marinade. For the best flavor, marinate the chicken in the fridge for at least 1 hour. If you have more time, let it sit overnight. This extra time makes the chicken even tastier. Now, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps the chicken cook well. While the oven heats, line a baking tray with aluminum foil. Place a wire rack on top of the tray. Remove the drumsticks from the marinade. Let the excess marinade drip off. Arrange the drumsticks on the wire rack. This setup allows air to circulate, making the skin crispy. Finally, bake the chicken drumsticks for 35-40 minutes. You want the skin to be crispy and the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C). In the last 5 minutes, brush the reserved marinade over the drumsticks for a burst of flavor. To get that crispy skin, marinate the chicken for at least one hour. Longer marinating adds more flavor. This step helps tenderize the meat and makes it juicy. A wire rack is key during baking. It allows hot air to circulate around the drumsticks, cooking them evenly. For an extra burst of taste, brush the drumsticks with reserved marinade during the last five minutes of cooking. This adds a lovely glaze. You can serve these drumsticks with rice or a fresh salad. The sweet and salty flavor pairs well with simple sides. Always check the chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The safe temperature is 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. It also helps avoid dry drumsticks, keeping them juicy and delicious. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate overnight for the best flavor infusion. Use a Wire Rack: Placing the drumsticks on a wire rack allows air to circulate, ensuring even cooking and crispy skin. Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Glaze at the End: Brush the reserved marinade on the drumsticks in the last few minutes of baking for an extra boost of flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch up the chicken drumsticks for other cuts. Chicken thighs are juicier and add great flavor. You can also use chicken breasts for a leaner option. If you want a twist, try using turkey drumsticks. They work well with the sweet soy glaze too. For the marinade, feel free to experiment. Try adding orange juice for a fruity flavor. You can also use teriyaki sauce if you want a different taste. Each option adds its own unique flair. To kick up the heat, add some chili flakes to the marinade. This spice gives a nice kick without overpowering the sweet taste. If you like it spicier, mix in sriracha. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. You can also play with the sweetness. If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the honey. Adding a splash of lime juice can balance the flavors. This creates a delicious contrast that makes every bite exciting. You can grill the chicken for a smoky flavor. Just marinate as usual and toss the drumsticks on the grill. Cook until they reach 165°F (74°C) for a crispy finish. If you prefer baking, follow the original recipe. Baking gives you that crunchy skin while keeping the meat tender. For a slow cooker option, place the drumsticks in the cooker with the marinade. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. This method makes the chicken super tender. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a tasty meal with little effort. To store your Sweet Soy Glazed Chicken Drumsticks, first let them cool down. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to enjoy them later, make sure to store them promptly. To freeze the drumsticks, wrap each one in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. This keeps them fresh for about three months. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, you can use the microwave on defrost mode. When reheating, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. This helps keep their crispy skin. You can also reheat them on the stovetop over low heat, covered, to keep them moist. If you want to save time, you can pre-marinate the drumsticks. Just follow the marinade steps and store them in the fridge. This allows the flavors to soak in. You can marinate them for up to 24 hours. For quick reheats, prepare a batch of drumsticks on a busy day. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave when you're ready to eat. They taste great and save you time! Yes, you can use other cuts of chicken. Chicken thighs work great too. They stay juicy and tender. You can also use chicken breasts. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. Breasts cook faster than drumsticks. To make this dish gluten-free, switch the soy sauce. Use tamari instead. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce. You can also use coconut aminos. This option adds a sweet flavor. Both substitutes work well in the marinade. Many side dishes go well with these drumsticks. Here are a few ideas: - Steamed rice - Garlic sautéed greens - Roasted vegetables - Coleslaw - Cucumber salad These sides add balance and flavor to your meal. Enjoy your sweet soy glazed chicken! This blog post covered making Sweet Soy Glazed Chicken Drumsticks, from key ingredients to storage info. We discussed how to prepare a tasty marinade and the importance of marinating time. You learned tips for crispy skin and customizing flavors. We explored different proteins and cooking methods. Finally, I shared guidelines for storing leftovers and meal prep tricks. Try this recipe for a delicious meal that’s easy to make and share. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

Sweet Soy Glazed Chicken Drumsticks

Delicious chicken drumsticks marinated in a sweet soy glaze and baked to perfection.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

8 pieces chicken drumsticks
0.5 cup soy sauce
0.25 cup honey
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 pieces green onions, sliced (for garnish)
none sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and ground black pepper until well combined.
Place the chicken drumsticks in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish, making sure the chicken is well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
Remove the drumsticks from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, and arrange them on the wire rack.
Reserve the marinade for later use. Bake the chicken drumsticks in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
In the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush the reserved marinade over the drumsticks for an extra layer of flavor.
Once cooked, remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes.
Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate overnight.

Keyword chicken, drumsticks, glazed, honey, soy sauce