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Crispy Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks

crispy baked honey garlic chicken drumsticks - featured image

A simple and delicious recipe for crispy baked chicken drumsticks coated in a sticky honey garlic glaze, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900g) chicken drumsticks, skin-on
  • 3 tablespoons honey (raw or regular)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced or finely grated
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, freshly cracked
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, smoked paprika, and salt until glossy and aromatic.
  3. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Toss the drumsticks in the marinade until evenly coated. Let sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature if time allows.
  4. Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet. Arrange the drumsticks on the rack in a single layer with space between each piece.
  5. Bake the drumsticks for 25 minutes. Halfway through (around 12 minutes), flip the drumsticks using tongs and baste with any leftover marinade.
  6. After baking, turn on the broiler and broil the drumsticks for 2-3 minutes to achieve an extra crispy caramelized finish. Watch carefully to avoid burning. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry before marinating for best crispiness. Use a wire rack to allow air circulation and prevent soggy bottoms. Flip drumsticks halfway through baking and finish under the broiler for extra crispiness. Marinate for at least 10 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor. Thin marinade with water if it thickens too much before basting.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken drumsticks, honey garlic chicken, baked chicken, crispy chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, honey garlic glaze