Drumstick Chicken With Honey Garlic Sauce

Name: Drumstick Chicken With Honey Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 chicken drumsticks; 1/3 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; Chopped green onions for garnish

Highlighted under: Cozy Kitchen Moments

I love whipping up Drumstick Chicken with Honey Garlic Sauce for dinner. This recipe is a delightful mix of savory and sweet flavors, creating a dish that never fails to impress my family and friends. The honey garlic sauce adds a rich glaze that caramelizes beautifully while the chicken is roasting, giving it that mouthwatering finish. I often serve this with steamed vegetables or rice for a fulfilling meal that’s as simple to make as it is delicious. It’s become a staple in my household and one I’m always excited to share.

Created by

Abigail Foster

Last updated on 2026-02-27T13:41:35.469Z

When I first tried making honey garlic sauce, I was amazed at how easily it transformed simple chicken drumsticks into a gourmet meal. The balance of honey with soy sauce creates a wonderful glaze that seeps into the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful. One time, I added a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, and it elevated the dish to another level entirely!

After countless attempts, I've learned that marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors penetrate deeply, but if you're in a hurry, even a good coat right before baking will yield delicious results. Every time I serve it, the plates are always cleaned and everyone asks for seconds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Sweet and savory glaze that caramelizes perfectly
Easy recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners
Juicy chicken with a crispy skin that everyone will love

Marinade Magic

The marinade is what truly elevates this Drumstick Chicken recipe. Honey acts as a natural tenderizer, inhibiting bacterial growth and adding a delightful sweetness to the dish. Its thick consistency also aids in creating that luscious glaze when the chicken bakes. The soy sauce not only contributes salty depth but also enhances the umami flavor, making each bite satisfying and complex. This balance allows you to enjoy a sweet-meets-savory experience, which is fundamental to achieving that unbeatable flavor profile.

Another essential component is the minced garlic. Not only does it infuse the chicken with robust flavor, but its natural oils help to create an aromatic base for the sauce. To ensure you get the most out of the garlic, make sure to mince it finely. This will release more essential oils and intensify the sauce’s overall flavor. I find that letting the marinade sit for a few minutes before adding the chicken enhances its potency, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Cooking Technique Tips

When baking the chicken, I recommend using a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the drumsticks, promoting even cooking and an extra crispy skin. If you don’t have a wire rack, turning the drumsticks halfway through the cooking time can also help achieve that coveted crunch on all sides. Keep an eye on the chicken towards the end of cooking and look for golden edges and a slightly charred appearance to indicate readiness.

After removing the chicken from the oven, don’t rush to serve. Letting it rest for 5-10 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier bite. Brushing the drumsticks with leftover marinade at this point not only enhances flavor but also creates a beautiful, glossy finish that makes your dish visually appealing. Avoid skipping this step; it takes the presentation from ordinary to spectacular!

Alternate Serving Suggestions

While this honey garlic chicken is delightful on its own, consider pairing it with complementary side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Steamed broccoli or asparagus provides a refreshing crunch, balancing the richness of the chicken with their natural brightness. I also love serving it over fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa, which soaks up the flavorful sauce beautifully. For extra flair, you could sprinkle some sesame seeds over the top when serving.

If you have leftovers, they can easily be incorporated into a variety of meals. Shred the cooked chicken and toss it into a salad or wrap for an easy lunch the next day. The flavor of the honey garlic will infuse anything it touches, making it exceptional in sandwiches too. Just be sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and consume them within 3-4 days for the best taste and texture.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make the perfect Drumstick Chicken with Honey Garlic Sauce.

Ingredients

8 chicken drumsticks
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Chopped green onions for garnish

Make sure to have everything ready before you begin cooking for the best experience.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Drumstick Chicken with Honey Garlic Sauce.

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, salt, and sesame oil.

Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken drumsticks in a large zip-top bag or bowl and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for a deeper flavor.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Bake the Chicken

Arrange the marinated drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for 35-40 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 175°F (80°C) and the skin is crispy.

Glaze and Serve

Remove the chicken from the oven and brush with any leftover marinade. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions.

Enjoy your delicious Drumstick Chicken with Honey Garlic Sauce with your favorite sides!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add some freshly grated ginger to the marinade. You can also substitute chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a healthier alternative to honey, agave syrup can work wonders as a substitute without compromising the sweetness. Additionally, tamari sauce serves as a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce while delivering a similarly savory flavor. For those who prefer less salt, consider using low-sodium soy sauce; just be mindful to adjust the amount of added salt accordingly to prevent the dish from becoming bland.

For garlic lovers, adding roasted garlic can provide a sweeter, richer depth to the marinade. If you’re short on time, garlic powder is an acceptable substitute as well, using about 1 teaspoon per clove. However, fresh garlic will yield a more vibrant, assertive flavor that really shines in this dish.

Make Ahead and Freezing Tips

Preparing the marinade a day in advance can deepen the flavors considerably. Simply marinate the chicken overnight in the fridge, and it will be ready for baking when you come home from work, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option. You can marinate the chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes, but the longer, the better—up to 24 hours is wonderful.

If you want to freeze the chicken after marinating, place the drumsticks in a freezer bag with the marinade, and they will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to use them, transfer the bag to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Once thawed, proceed directly to baking for a delicious meal that feels freshly made, even from the freezer.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your chicken isn’t crisping up as desired, check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer; an inaccurate temperature can lead to subpar results. Moreover, ensuring that the drumsticks are well spaced on the baking sheet is crucial for proper air circulation and even cooking—crowding them can cause them to steam instead of roast, preventing that coveted crisp skin.

Another common issue is the chicken drying out during cooking. To prevent this, make sure to monitor the internal temperature closely. Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable method; remove the chicken as soon as it reaches 175°F (80°C). Resting the chicken afterward also helps maintain moisture, so don’t skip that step!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs or wings. Adjust the cooking time depending on the cut you choose.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this recipe on the grill?

Absolutely! Simply prepare the chicken as directed and grill over medium heat until cooked through.

→ What can I serve with this chicken?

It pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.