Print

Flavorful Honey Sriracha Grilled Chicken Drumsticks Recipe with Easy Sesame Slaw

honey sriracha grilled chicken drumsticks - featured image

A quick and easy recipe featuring chicken drumsticks marinated in a honey-sriracha glaze, grilled to perfection and served with a crunchy, refreshing sesame slaw.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 pounds / 900g), skin-on
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons sriracha sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 cups shredded green cabbage (about half a medium head)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • ½ cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together ¼ cup honey, 3 tablespoons sriracha, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness if needed. (Approx. 5 minutes)
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels. Place them in a large zip-top bag or bowl and pour the marinade over. Seal and massage gently to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1-2 hours for deeper flavor.
  3. Prep the Slaw: While the chicken marinates, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, sliced red bell pepper, and green onions in a large bowl. In a smaller bowl, whisk toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Pour over the veggies and toss to coat. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top just before serving. (Approx. 10 minutes)
  4. Heat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F / 190-205°C). Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
  5. Grill the Drumsticks: Place drumsticks on the grill, turning every 5 minutes. Cook for about 20-25 minutes total, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Watch for flare-ups from the honey glaze — moving the drumsticks slightly off direct heat helps prevent burning.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with the fresh sesame slaw on the side.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1-2 hours for best flavor. Pat chicken dry before marinating to ensure crispy skin. Control flare-ups by moving drumsticks off direct heat if honey glaze starts to burn. Let chicken rest 5 minutes after grilling to keep juices locked in. Slaw tastes better after sitting a few hours in fridge; keep sesame seeds separate until serving to maintain crunch. Oven finish at 350°F for 5-7 minutes can help with even cooking and crisp skin.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey sriracha chicken, grilled chicken drumsticks, sesame slaw, easy chicken recipe, spicy sweet chicken, backyard barbecue, quick dinner