Honey Soy Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

I love preparing my Juicy Chicken Drumsticks, where each drumstick is immersed in a rich marinade of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. A splash of rice vinegar and olive oil enriches this dish with subtle tanginess, making every bite a perfectly balanced explosion of flavor.

I’ve been experimenting with flavors lately and I have to share how the Honey Soy Baked Chicken Drumsticks really knocked it out of the park. I started with 10 chicken drumsticks weighing about 2.5 lbs and marinated them in a mix of 1/3 cup soy sauce and 1/3 cup honey.

Tossing in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar created a powerful base that brings out every taste. I’ve also added 1/2 teaspoon each of ground ginger and black pepper with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.

When baked in the oven, they come out super juicy and infused with that amazing sauce that really covers every bit of the drumsticks. This recipe is a twist on some of my favorite drumstick ideas, combining the best of baked chicken in sauce with flavors that remind you why you love soy chicken drumsticks so much.

Enjoy already!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s super easy to prep, even on a busy night. I love that the marinade blends sweet honey with savory soy and garlic which makes every bite flavorful. I also appreciate how flexible it is – I can marinate the chicken for just a half hour when im in a hurry or leave it overnight if i want extra flavor. And the best part is that the drumsticks come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, which always makes my dinner feel special.

Ingredients

• Chicken drumsticks: They are protein-packed and full of nutrients, giving a hearty meal vibe.
• Soy sauce: Brings a salty, umami flavor that really makes the dish pop.
• Honey: A natural sweetener that balances saltiness, adding a yummy, rich taste.
• Garlic: Adds a zesty kick and might even boost your immune system a little.
• Olive oil: A healthy fat that smooths out the marinade and helps dishes absorb flavors.
• Rice vinegar: Gives a mild tang that nicely cuts through the sweet and savory notes.

Ingredient Quantities

• 10 chicken drumsticks (about 2.5 lbs)
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup honey
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil for easy clean up.

2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels so the marinade sticks better.

3. In a bowl, mix together 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup honey, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and if you like a bit of heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.

4. Place the chicken drumsticks in a large resealable plastic bag or a deep dish, then pour the marinade over them.

5. Seal the bag (or cover the dish) and massage the marinade into the chicken; let it sit at least 30 minutes if you are in a hurry or up to overnight in the fridge for better flavor.

6. Transfer the drumsticks to the prepared baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer so they cook evenly.

7. Brush the drumsticks generously with any leftover marinade, making sure they are well coated.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, then flip over and baste again.

9. Continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is a little crispy.

10. Let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes before serving so the juices settle, then enjoy your finger licking dinner!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (set to 400°F)
2. Baking sheet
3. Aluminum foil (for lining the baking sheet)
4. Paper towels (to pat the chicken dry)
5. Mixing bowl (for combining the marinade ingredients)
6. Measuring cups and spoons (to measure soy sauce, honey, olive oil, rice vinegar, and spices)
7. Resealable plastic bag or a deep dish (for marinating the chicken)
8. Basting brush (for coating the chicken with marinade)
9. Tongs (to flip the drumsticks safely)

FAQ

Honey Soy Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Soy sauce: Try replacing it with coconut aminos or tamari if you’re looking for a gluten-free version. Both offer a similar salty-sweet kick.
• Honey: You can use maple syrup or agave nectar instead. They won’t be exactly the same but will give you that similar sweetness.
• Garlic cloves: If you dont have fresh garlic, a teaspoon of garlic powder can work in a pinch. It might even distribute the flavor better sometimes.
• Olive oil: Vegetable oil or even melted butter can be used as a substitute. They’ll do the job of adding fat and flavor to the dish.
• Rice vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is a good stand in if you dont have rice vinegar. It’s a bit stronger but mixes well with the other ingredients.

Pro Tips

1. You really gotta let the chicken sit in the marinade way longer if you can, like overnight, cause that’s when the flavors really seep in and make each bite way tastier.

2. Don’t skip drying the chicken before you marinate it. Trust me, if it’s still wet the sauce just slides right off and you lose all that yummy flavor.

3. While the chicken’s in the oven, keep an eye on it and flip it at the right time. Sometimes ovens cook unevenly so flipping it halfway through really helps get a nice, crispy outside.

4. If you’re into a little heat, try experimenting with the red pepper flakes. Just be careful ‘cause too many can overpower the sweetness from the honey.