If you’re on the hunt for a mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious, the Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender, juicy chicken drumsticks bathed in a luscious honey and soy glaze, infused with bright notes of orange juice, zesty Dijon mustard, and aromatic garlic and ginger. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a stunning dinner that’s perfect for family meals or casual get-togethers, leaving everyone reaching for seconds and eager for your secret.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Drumsticks Recipe lies in its simplicity and harmony of flavors. Each ingredient plays a special role, whether it’s the sweetness that balances the savory, the zest that lifts the glaze, or the fresh aromatics that add depth and warmth.
- 5 lbs chicken drumsticks: Look for drumsticks with skin on for that perfect crisp and juicy bite.
- 3/4 cup honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a beautiful glaze that caramelizes in the oven.
- 1/2 cup soy sauce: Brings umami richness and a salty depth to the marinade.
- 1/4 cup orange juice: Introduces a bright, citrusy freshness that balances honey’s sweetness.
- 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and a layer of complexity to the glaze.
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced or finely grated: Imparts a savory punch and natural warmth.
- 1 Tbsp ginger, peeled and finely grated: Gives a gentle spice and fragrant aroma that complements the garlic.
- Sesame seeds and chives for garnish (optional): These add a nutty crunch and a burst of color for a perfect finishing touch.
How to Make Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, orange juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, and ginger until smooth. Reserve about two-thirds of this marinade to use later as a glaze, and place it in the refrigerator while the chicken soaks up the rest. This marinade is the secret behind that incredible balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the drumsticks in a large sealable bag and pour the remaining marinade over them. Be sure to push out as much air as possible before sealing to ensure every inch of chicken is coated. Refrigerate the drumsticks for at least 6 hours, or better yet, overnight. This slow infusion allows the chicken to absorb the flavors deeply, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Step 3: Get Your Oven Ready
Preheat your oven to 400˚F and position a rack in the center. While the oven warms up, line a rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. The parchment also helps the chicken drumsticks cook evenly and develop that gorgeous golden base.
Step 4: Bake the Drumsticks
Arrange the chicken skin-side up on the baking sheet, making sure none of them touch each other to help promote crisping. Pour just enough of the marinade to coat the bottom of the pan and discard any excess marinade from the bag. Bake for 25 minutes, then flip the chicken skin-side down and bake for another 20 minutes. If you want that irresistible caramelized finish, flip the drumsticks back skin-side up and broil on high for 3-4 minutes until beautifully browned.
Step 5: Make and Apply the Glaze
While the chicken cooks, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 7 minutes until the mixture thickens into a glossy, syrupy glaze. Brush this glaze generously over the baked drumsticks before garnishing with sesame seeds and chopped chives for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
How to Serve Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds gives a lovely nutty crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender chicken. Bright green chives add a fresh, vibrant pop of color and a subtle oniony bite that lifts the entire dish. These small touches turn the chicken into an eye-catching feast.
Side Dishes
These drumsticks pair wonderfully with fluffy steamed rice or fragrant jasmine rice, which soaks up that sticky glaze beautifully. For veggies, consider roasted asparagus, garlic green beans, or an Asian-style slaw to balance richness with crisp, fresh textures. A light cucumber salad with a vinegar dressing can also cut through the sweetness in a refreshing way.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun meal, serve these drumsticks family-style on a large platter surrounded by sliced fresh oranges and lime wedges to complement the citrus notes. You could also skewer the drumsticks with grilled pineapple chunks for a tropical twist. Another idea is to place them atop a bed of coconut rice garnished with fresh herbs for an exotic flair that impresses every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken drumsticks keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as they rest, making them an ideal option for next-day lunches or dinner on the go.
Freezing
If you want to store the chicken longer, freezing is a great option. Place the cooked drumsticks in a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 3 months. Be sure to label them so you remember this tasty gem awaits you in the freezer!
Reheating
To reheat, bake the drumsticks in a preheated oven at 350˚F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the glaze is just as glossy as before. You can also warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain that lovely caramelized finish. Avoid microwaving if possible, since it can make the skin soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken for the Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Drumsticks Recipe?
Absolutely! While drumsticks have a great balance of meat and skin for this glaze, you can also use chicken thighs or wings. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through without drying out.
Is soy sauce necessary or can I substitute it?
Soy sauce provides the essential umami and saltiness to balance the honey’s sweetness. For a gluten-free option, tamari works beautifully. Coconut aminos are another great substitute with a slightly sweeter profile if you want to experiment.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinating for at least 6 hours is best, but overnight really lets those flavors develop and tenderizes the meat. If you’re short on time, even 2 hours will give you decent flavor, but the longer, the better.
Can I make the glaze in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the glaze a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently on the stove before brushing it over the chicken near the end of cooking to bring back the shine and concentrated flavor.
What if I don’t have fresh ginger or garlic?
Fresh ginger and garlic offer the best flavor, but in a pinch, you can use powdered ginger and garlic powder. Use about 1/4 teaspoon each and adjust to taste since the dried forms tend to be more potent.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and full of love. It’s worth every minute of prep and hands down will become a favorite in your home too. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and prepare to wow your family and friends with this irresistibly glazed, tender chicken creation.
Print
Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 360 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 14 to 16 drumsticks
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Honey Glazed Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken drumsticks marinated in a flavorful blend of honey, soy sauce, orange juice, dijon mustard, garlic, and ginger. The chicken is baked to perfection with a glossy, caramelized glaze, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 5 lbs chicken drumsticks
Marinade
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 Tbsp dijon mustard
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced or finely grated
- 1 Tbsp ginger, peeled and finely grated
Garnish
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Chives (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, orange juice, dijon mustard, grated garlic, and grated ginger until fully combined. Reserve 2/3 cup of this marinade and refrigerate it for later use.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken drumsticks in a large zipper bag or food saver bag. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, remove as much air as possible, and seal the bag. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight, turning the bag occasionally to ensure even marinade coverage.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position the rack in the center. Line a rimmed baking sheet or large roasting pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Bake the Chicken: Arrange the marinated drumsticks skin-side up on the baking sheet, making sure pieces do not touch. Pour enough marinade into the bottom of the pan just to coat it and discard any leftover marinade from the bag. Bake the chicken for 25 minutes, then flip the drumsticks skin-side down and continue baking for another 20 minutes.
- Caramelize the Skin (optional): For a beautifully caramelized skin, remove the chicken from the oven, flip drumsticks skin-side up again, and broil on high for 3-4 minutes or until the skin is browned and crispy. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the chicken is baking, pour the reserved 2/3 cup marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 7 minutes or until the marinade thickens and becomes syrupy.
- Glaze and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven. Brush the thickened glaze generously over the drumsticks. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped chives if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight maximizes flavor but a minimum of 6 hours will also work.
- Using parchment paper on the baking sheet helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Be careful during broiling as the glaze sugars can burn quickly.
- If you prefer, you can substitute chicken thighs or wings for the drumsticks.
- This recipe contains soy sauce, so choose a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari if you want to make it gluten-free.
