Description
This Honey Baked Drumsticks recipe features tender chicken drumsticks marinated in a sweet and savory honey soy glaze with a hint of smoky paprika and garlic. Baked to perfection and optionally broiled for crispy skin, this dish is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 6 chicken drumsticks (bone-in, skin on)
Marinade
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon white or cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, olive oil, white or cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Whisk together until well blended.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly with the marinade. Transfer the chicken and any excess marinade into a large Ziploc bag.
- Refrigerate: Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight, up to 24 hours, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the chicken.
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack in the middle. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Bake the chicken: Arrange the drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 40 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through to ensure even cooking and proper glaze adhesion.
- Broil to crisp (optional): For extra crispy skin, broil the drumsticks for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. If broiling, use foil rather than parchment to avoid fire hazards.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let rest for 4–5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Spoon any leftover glaze from the pan back onto the chicken before serving.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness but a minimum of 8 hours works well.
- Flipping the drumsticks during baking is crucial for even cooking and glaze absorption.
- Use foil instead of parchment paper if broiling to prevent potential fire hazards.
- Resting the chicken after baking helps retain moisture for juicy drumsticks.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on desired spiciness.
