Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Drumsticks are a staple for busy weeknights because they require minimal prep but deliver a high-impact, sticky-sweet glaze that appeals to almost everyone. The secret to getting that restaurant-quality finish is a quick broil at the end to caramelize the sugars in the honey.
Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 10-12 chicken drumsticks
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
The Glaze:
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley or sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels—this is essential for crispy skin. Season them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Whisk the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, ginger, and olive oil.
- First Bake: Arrange the drumsticks on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Glaze: Remove the pan from the oven. Brush each drumstick liberally with the honey garlic sauce. Flip them over and brush the other side.
- Final Roast: Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- The Broil (Optional): For extra stickiness, turn the oven to “Broil” for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent the honey from burning.
Pro Tip: If your sauce is too thin after baking, pour the pan drippings into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes to reduce it into a thick syrup before drizzling it back over the chicken.
