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Honey Garlic Sticky Chicken Drumsticks

honey garlic sticky chicken drumsticks - featured image

A quick and easy 30-minute dinner featuring chicken drumsticks coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze that caramelizes to a sticky, crispy finish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks, skin-on and bone-in
  • 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) honey
  • 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Optional garnishes: chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Pat 8 chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Season evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper on all sides. (5 minutes)
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and minced 4 garlic cloves. Set aside. (3 minutes)
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet until shimmering but not smoking. (2 minutes)
  4. Place drumsticks in the pan without crowding. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping carefully with tongs. (12-15 minutes total)
  5. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the drumsticks. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer. Spoon the sauce over the chicken frequently as it thickens and becomes sticky—about 8-10 minutes. (10 minutes)
  6. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The sauce should be thick, glossy, and coat each drumstick.
  7. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds if desired before serving.

Notes

If the sauce thickens too fast or starts to burn, lower the heat and add a splash of water to loosen it. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. For extra crispy skin, broil the drumsticks for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully. To make gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. For a spicy kick, add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, sticky chicken drumsticks, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, honey garlic sauce