Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken drumsticks (about 8–10 pieces); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; ⅓ cup honey; ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended); 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional); 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry, optional for thickening)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s easy to throw together, uses simple pantry ingredients, and delivers a big punch of flavor. The chicken bakes to perfection with crispy edges and a caramelized sauce that makes each bite irresistible. Whether I serve it with rice, roasted veggies, or just as finger food for a gathering, it never lasts long.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken drumsticks
Salt
Black pepper
Olive oil
Garlic (minced)
Honey
Soy sauce
Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
Optional: red pepper flakes or sesame seeds for garnish

Directions

I preheat my oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking dish or sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
I season the drumsticks with salt and pepper, then place them in the baking dish.
In a small saucepan, I heat a little olive oil and sauté the garlic until fragrant—about 30 seconds.
I stir in the honey, soy sauce, and vinegar, then simmer for a couple of minutes until slightly thickened.
I pour the sauce over the drumsticks, making sure each piece is coated well.
I bake for 35–40 minutes, turning the drumsticks halfway through and basting them with the sauce in the pan.
For extra caramelization, I broil them for the last 3–5 minutes until the skin is golden and sticky.
I let them rest for a few minutes before serving, and sometimes sprinkle them with sesame seeds or red pepper flakes.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add a splash of sriracha or hot sauce to the glaze for a spicy kick. I’ve also swapped soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos when I want a gluten-free version. If I’m grilling, I use the same marinade and cook the drumsticks on the grill, basting often for that sticky, charred finish.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes, or microwave in short intervals. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, I add a splash of water or broth before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Yes, I use thighs or wings often. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the size and cut.

Do I need to marinate the chicken?

No, but I sometimes marinate it for 1–2 hours if I want deeper flavor. It’s totally optional.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer it a bit longer before pouring it over the chicken, or boil it separately after cooking to reduce it further.

Can I make this in the slow cooker?

Yes, I cook the seasoned drumsticks in the sauce on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours, then broil them for a crispy finish.

Can I freeze this?

Absolutely. I let the cooked drumsticks cool completely, freeze them with the sauce in a container or bag, then reheat in the oven or microwave when needed.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks are one of those dishes I can always count on. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, they’re the perfect answer to a busy weeknight or a casual get-together. Sticky, savory, and finger-licking good—this recipe is a keeper.