Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Drumsticks
Cut used: Drumstick chicken →
Prep
10 min
Cook
45 min
Total
55 min
This sticky glaze clings to every crevice of the drumstick, caramelizing into a glossy, deeply savory coating as it bakes. Honey, soy sauce, and garlic form the backbone of the sauce, while a quick broil at the end gives it that irresistible lacquered finish. Serve over rice to catch every drop of extra sauce.
What Ingredients Do You Need?
- 8 Chicken drumsticks
- 1/3 cup Honey
- 1/4 cup Soy sauce
- 5 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Ketchup
- 1 tbsp Rice vinegar
- 1 tsp Sesame oil
- 1 tsp Ginger, grated
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- for garnish Sesame seeds and sliced green onion
How Do You Make Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Drumsticks?
- 1
Make the marinade
Whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and pepper in a bowl.
- 2
Marinate
Add the drumsticks and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 8 hours refrigerated.
- 3
Arrange for baking
Place drumsticks in a single layer in a baking dish and pour the remaining marinade over the top.
- 4
Bake
Roast at 400°F for 30 minutes, basting with pan juices every 10 minutes to build layers of glaze.
- 5
Broil to finish
Switch to broil for 3-5 minutes to caramelize the surface, watching closely so the sugars don't burn.
- 6
Check temperature
Confirm the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F, ideally 175°F for the juiciest dark meat.
- 7
Garnish and serve
Spoon the thickened pan sauce over the drumsticks and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onion before serving.
What Are the Pro Tips for This Recipe?
- 💡 Basting frequently is what builds the sticky, lacquered exterior — don't skip it.
- 💡 Watch the broiler closely; honey-based glazes go from caramelized to burnt in seconds.
- 💡 Double the sauce if you want extra to drizzle over steamed rice.
