Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Prepare for a symphony of sweet and savory with these irresistible Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Drumsticks. This recipe transforms humble chicken drumsticks into a star main course, featuring perfectly roasted, juicy meat enveloped in a sticky, glossy, and deeply flavorful honey-garlic glaze. The initial seasoning ensures every bite is infused with aromatic spices, while the basting process during baking builds layers of caramelized goodness. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the comforting familiarity of roasted chicken with an addictive Asian-inspired sauce, making it ideal for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or even entertaining. Get ready for tender chicken that practically falls off the bone, coated in a sticky glaze that’s utterly delicious and utterly unforgettable.

Detailed Ingredients

For the Chicken Drumsticks:

• 10-12 chicken drumsticks (approximately 2.5-3 lbs / 1.1-1.4 kg total)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (or other neutral oil)

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• ⅓ cup (80ml) honey
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or fresh lemon juice)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Part 1: Preparing and Pre-baking the Chicken

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup. Lightly oil the foil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken drumsticks thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving crispy skin.
3. Season Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the dried drumsticks with the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and olive oil. Ensure each drumstick is evenly coated with the seasoning.
4. Initial Bake: Arrange the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching. Bake for 25 minutes. This initial bake helps render some fat and begins the cooking process before the sauce is applied.

Part 2: Making the Honey Garlic Sauce

1. Whisk Sauce Ingredients: While the drumsticks are in their initial bake, prepare the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, finely minced garlic, melted butter, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.

Part 3: Glazing and Final Baking

1. First Glaze: After 25 minutes, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using a pastry brush, generously brush all sides of the drumsticks with about half of the prepared honey garlic sauce.
2. Return to Oven: Return the drumsticks to the oven and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes.
3. Second Glaze: Halfway through this second baking period (after about 10-12 minutes), remove the drumsticks again and brush them generously with the remaining honey garlic sauce. This layering of sauce helps build that irresistible sticky, caramelized glaze.
4. Final Bake & Doneness: Continue baking until the chicken is deeply golden brown, sticky, caramelized, and fully cooked through. An instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a drumstick (avoiding the bone) should read 165°F (74°C).
5. Optional Broil for Extra Char: For an even crispier skin and more char, you can carefully broil the drumsticks for 1-2 minutes at the very end. Keep a close eye on them, as the honey glaze can burn quickly under the broiler.

Part 4: Serving

1. Rest Chicken: Remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender chicken.
2. Serve: Transfer the honey garlic baked chicken drumsticks to a serving platter. If desired, you can spoon any extra sauce from the baking sheet over the chicken.

Tips, Variations, and Storage

• Crispier Skin: Ensure drumsticks are thoroughly patted dry before seasoning. For even crispier skin, you can place them on a wire rack set over the baking sheet during the initial bake.
• Marinade Option: If you have time, you can marinate the drumsticks in half of the honey garlic sauce for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator) before baking, then discard that marinade and use fresh sauce for basting.
• Herbs: Freshly minced ginger (1 teaspoon) can be added to the honey garlic sauce for extra aromatic depth.
• Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to your preference, or omit for no heat.
• Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer any remaining sauce from the baking sheet on the stovetop for a few minutes until it reduces and thickens, or whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water) and simmer until thickened.
• Storage: Leftover honey garlic chicken drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer for best results, to maintain crispiness and prevent drying out.

Pairings

• Starch: Spoon extra sauce over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice. Roasted sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, or creamy polenta would also be excellent.
• Vegetables: Serve with buttery steamed corn, roasted green beans, sautéed asparagus, or a crisp garden salad to balance the richness.

Quick Info

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 60-65 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 (depending on drumstick size and appetite)
• Cuisine: American / Asian-Inspired / Comfort Food