Sticky Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks 🍯🍗
Ingredients
10–12 chicken drumsticks
½ cup soy sauce
⅓ cup honey
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp sesame oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water
1 tbsp sesame seeds
2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
Prepare the chicken: Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels. Season lightly with black pepper and smoked paprika.
Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
Marinate: Place the drumsticks in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour over about ⅔ of the sauce. Marinate for 30 minutes to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Reserve the remaining sauce separately.
Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the drumsticks in a lightly greased baking dish or on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 35–40 minutes, turning once halfway through.
Thicken the glaze: While the chicken cooks, pour the reserved sauce into a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer. Mix cornstarch with water, then whisk it into the sauce. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until thick and glossy.
Glaze: Brush the thickened honey-soy glaze generously over the chicken. Return to the oven for 5–10 minutes, brushing once more halfway through, until sticky and caramelized.
Check doneness: Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot with steamed rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables.
