Looking for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the sweetness of honey and the boldness of garlic? Look no further than Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Drumsticks. This recipe delivers crispy, tender chicken with a deliciously sticky glaze that’s perfectly balanced between sweet, savory, and garlicky notes. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a special occasion, these drumsticks will surely impress your taste buds.
In this article, we’ll guide you through making this mouthwatering dish, share helpful tips for achieving perfectly glazed chicken, and answer some frequently asked questions to ensure your Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Drumsticks turn out just right.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Drumsticks
1. Irresistible Flavor Combination
The blend of honey and garlic in the glaze creates a flavor explosion that’s both sweet and savory, with just a hint of spice from the optional chili flakes. The glaze caramelizes as it cooks, forming a rich, sticky coating on the chicken that you won’t be able to resist.
2. Simple to Make
Despite its deliciously complex flavor, this dish is easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a memorable meal that tastes like it came from a gourmet kitchen.
3. Crispy Skin and Tender Meat
The drumsticks get crispy on the outside while staying juicy and tender on the inside, thanks to the honey garlic glaze that helps seal in moisture. The skin crisps up beautifully during cooking, creating the perfect texture contrast.
4. Family-Friendly
Chicken drumsticks are a great option for families because they’re easy to eat and universally loved. The glaze adds a fun, sticky element that makes them even more enjoyable for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Drumsticks
Here’s what you’ll need to make these tasty chicken drumsticks. The ingredients are simple but come together to create an incredible flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken drumsticks | 8 drumsticks (about 2 lbs) | The main protein, providing a juicy and crispy texture |
| Honey | ¼ cup | Adds sweetness and helps create the sticky glaze |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves | Provides a bold, savory flavor |
| Soy sauce | 3 tbsp | Adds saltiness and depth of flavor |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | For cooking the chicken and adding richness |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp | Adds a fresh, zesty contrast to the sweetness |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | For seasoning the chicken and balancing flavors |
| Chili flakes (optional) | 1 tsp | Adds a touch of heat to balance the sweetness (optional) |
| Sesame seeds (optional) | 1 tsp | For garnish and added crunch |
How to Make Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Drumsticks
Step 1: Prepare the Drumsticks
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This will help the skin get crispy. Season the drumsticks with salt and pepper on all sides. You can also add a little garlic powder if desired for extra flavor.
Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Glaze
- Combine the Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, and optional chili flakes. The soy sauce gives the glaze a savory, umami-rich flavor, while the honey provides sweetness. The garlic infuses the glaze with its bold, aromatic taste.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the glaze and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more honey for sweetness, more soy sauce for saltiness, or a little extra lemon juice for acidity.
Step 3: Cook the Drumsticks
- Heat a Skillet: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the drumsticks and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. This step will help create a crispy skin and lock in the juices.
- Brush the Drumsticks with Glaze: Once the chicken is seared on both sides, brush each drumstick generously with the honey garlic glaze. Reserve some glaze for later basting and serving.
Step 4: Bake the Drumsticks
- Transfer to the Oven: Transfer the skillet with the drumsticks into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Baste the Drumsticks: Halfway through cooking, baste the drumsticks with more of the honey garlic glaze for an even richer flavor and a sticky coating. If you prefer extra caramelization, you can broil the drumsticks for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to give them a crispy, golden finish.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Rest the Chicken: Once the drumsticks are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish: Garnish with sesame seeds and a drizzle of the remaining honey garlic glaze for extra flavor. Serve with your favorite side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Drumsticks
- Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the drumsticks before baking helps achieve crispy, golden-brown skin. Make sure to sear each side until the chicken is nicely browned.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a more potent flavor to the glaze than pre-minced garlic. Be sure to mince the garlic finely for the best results.
- Adjust the Heat Level: If you want a spicier glaze, feel free to add extra chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the glaze mixture.
- Grill Option: If you prefer grilling, you can cook the drumsticks on a grill over medium heat. Be sure to baste the chicken with the honey garlic glaze as it cooks for that sticky, caramelized finish.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving (1 drumstick) of Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Drumsticks:
- Calories: 220-250 per drumstick
- Fat: 14-16 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15-18 grams
- Protein: 20-22 grams
- Sodium: 450-550 mg
This dish offers a balanced combination of protein and healthy fats, making it a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?
Yes! You can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of drumsticks. The cooking time will be slightly longer, so make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
While the glaze is best when freshly applied, you can make the honey garlic glaze in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken is best served fresh, but you can reheat it in the oven if needed.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to ensure your chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, make sure the juices run clear when pierced with a fork or knife.
Can I make the glaze without soy sauce?
Yes! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use coconut aminos or tamari instead of soy sauce. These alternatives have a similar flavor profile but are gluten-free.
Conclusion: A Sweet and Savory Feast
Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Drumsticks are the perfect combination of crispy, tender chicken and a deliciously sticky, flavorful glaze. With minimal ingredients and a simple cooking process, this dish is sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or a special occasion, these drumsticks will be a hit with your family and friends.
Try this recipe today and enjoy the sweet and savory goodness of these irresistible chicken drumsticks.