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Sticky Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks

Sticky honey soy chicken drumsticks with sesame and green onion garnish.

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Fall-off-the-bone tender chicken drumsticks with a glossy, finger-licking glaze. A simple two-step bake creates juicy meat and a perfectly caramelized, sticky coating using pantry staples. This family-friendly recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8-10 chicken drumsticks (about 3 pounds)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Sliced green onions, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat drumsticks dry and arrange in a single layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and pepper. Pour 1/3 of sauce over drumsticks, turning to coat. Reserve remaining sauce.
  3. Cover dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  4. Remove dish from oven. Transfer drumsticks to a plate. Pour all pan juices and reserved sauce into a saucepan. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Whisk slurry into saucepan and cook 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
  6. Return drumsticks to baking dish. Pour thickened glaze over them, turning to coat. Increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
  7. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, basting once halfway, until glaze is sticky and caramelized.
  8. Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Notes

For gluten-free, use tamari. Chicken thighs work well; adjust cooking time. Patting chicken dry ensures better browning. Do not skip the cornstarch slurry or final high-heat bake for the sticky texture.

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