Marinated Chicken Drumsticks with Honey, Garlic & Soy Sauce

If you’re looking for a delightful and easy-to-make dish, look no further than Marinated Chicken Drumsticks with Honey, Garlic & Soy Sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, bringing together the sweet and savory flavors that everyone will love. The marinade is simple yet packed with flavor, and the chicken drumsticks come out tender and juicy every time. Whether you’re serving them for family dinner or a gathering with friends, these drumsticks are sure to impress.

Top Reasons to Make Marinated Chicken Drumsticks with Honey, Garlic & Soy Sauce

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering glaze that enhances the chicken’s natural flavor.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe is quick to prepare and uses items you likely already have in your pantry.
• Versatile Dish: These marinated drumsticks can be grilled, baked, or fried, allowing you to choose the cooking method that suits your mood best.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch ahead of time, and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

What You’ll Gather

• 4 chicken drumsticks: The star of the dish, providing juicy and tender meat.
• 1 garlic clove: Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor.
• 1 chili pepper: Adds a hint of spice to the marinade.
• 1 cm ginger: Offers warmth and depth to the dish.
• 1 tbsp soy sauce: Provides the umami flavor essential in Asian cuisine.
• 1 tbsp neutral oil: Helps the marinade adhere to the chicken.
• 1 tsp vinegar: Balances the sweetness of honey.
• 1 tsp lemon juice: Adds a bright note to the marinade.
• 1 tsp honey: Sweetens the marinade and caramelizes beautifully when cooked.
• 1/2 chili pepper: Optional, for those who enjoy extra heat.
• 0.5 cm ginger: Optional, to enhance the ginger flavor.
• 1/2 garlic clove: Optional, for an extra garlicky taste.
• 1 green onion: For garnish and added flavor.
• 120g rice: To serve alongside the chicken, soaking up the delicious marinade.

Toolbox for This Recipe

• Mixing bowl: For combining the marinade ingredients.
• Whisk or fork: To blend the marinade evenly.
• Measuring spoons: To ensure accurate measurements of the marinade ingredients.
• Baking dish or zip-top bag: For marinating the chicken.
• Oven or grill: Your cooking method of choice for the chicken drumsticks.
• Rice cooker or pot: To prepare the rice for serving.

Marinated Chicken Drumsticks with Honey, Garlic & Soy Sauce: How It’s Done

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, finely chopped chili pepper, grated ginger, soy sauce, neutral oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and honey. Whisk together until the marinade is well mixed and smooth.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken drumsticks in a baking dish or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for the best flavor.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven or Grill

If you’re baking the drumsticks, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). If grilling, prepare your grill for medium-high heat.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess marinade drip off. If baking, arrange the drumsticks in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. If grilling, cook for about 25-30 minutes, flipping occasionally, until charred and cooked through.

Step 5: Prepare the Rice

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the rice according to package instructions. Fluffy rice is the perfect base for soaking up the flavorful juices from the chicken.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven or grill. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Slice green onions for garnish. Serve the drumsticks over a bed of rice, drizzling any remaining marinade over the top, and sprinkle with green onion for a fresh touch.

Year-Round Variations

• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to the marinade for an herbal twist.
• Citrus Kick: Substitute orange juice for lemon juice for a sweeter citrus flavor.
• Honey Garlic Salmon Bites: Try using a similar marinade for salmon for a quick and delicious alternative. Check out this recipe!
• Spicy Variation: Increase the amount of chili pepper for those who love extra heat.

If You’re Curious

You might wonder why marinating is so important. Marinating chicken not only enhances its flavor but also helps tenderize the meat, making it juicy and delicious. The acid in the marinade, such as vinegar and lemon juice, breaks down the proteins in the chicken, resulting in a more succulent bite. Don’t skip this step if you want the best possible flavor!

Storage Pro Tips

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover marinated chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the marinated drumsticks before cooking. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag and they will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.
• Reheating: Reheat cooked chicken in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.

Reader Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully with this marinade and will result in a similarly tender and juicy dish. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the size of the thighs.

What should I serve with these marinated chicken drumsticks?

These drumsticks pair beautifully with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or even baked BBQ chicken thighs for a hearty meal.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, ensuring all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but the cooking time will be shorter. Be sure to check for doneness early to avoid overcooking.

What to Make After This

• Honey Garlic Salmon Bites – A quick and tasty alternative packed with flavor.
• Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs – Another mouthwatering chicken recipe that’s easy to make.

Let’s Eat

Now that you’ve mastered the art of making Marinated Chicken Drumsticks with Honey, Garlic & Soy Sauce, it’s time to dig in! The sweet, savory glaze combined with the tender chicken and fluffy rice creates a meal that is not only satisfying but also full of flavor. Don’t forget to share your cooking adventures with friends and family, and enjoy every delicious bite of this irresistible dish. Happy cooking!