Honey garlic baked chicken drumsticks

Here’s a sticky, juicy, oven-baked Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks recipe with clear step-by-step directions 🍯🧄🍗

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🍯🧄 Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Drumsticks

⏱ Prep Time

10 minutes

⏱ Marinate Time (optional but recommended)

30 minutes

⏱ Cook Time

40–45 minutes

🍽 Serves

4–5 people

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🧾 Ingredients

• Chicken drumsticks – 1 kg (2.2 lb)

• Salt – 1 teaspoon

• Black pepper – ½ teaspoon

• Paprika – 1 teaspoon

• Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon

Honey Garlic Sauce:

• Honey – ⅓ cup

• Soy sauce – ¼ cup

• Garlic – 5 cloves, minced

• Tomato ketchup – 2 tablespoons

• Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice – 1 tablespoon

• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons

• Red chili flakes – ½ teaspoon (optional)

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Directions

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Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Pat drumsticks dry with paper towels.

2. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

3. Let rest 15–30 minutes (optional but adds flavor).

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Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

1. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, ketchup, vinegar, olive oil, and chili flakes.

2. Taste and adjust sweetness or salt if needed.

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Step 3: Assemble for Baking

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).

2. Line a baking tray with foil or parchment.

3. Arrange drumsticks in a single layer.

4. Pour sauce over chicken, turning to coat evenly.

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Step 4: Bake

1. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes.

2. Flip drumsticks and spoon sauce over them.

3. Return to oven and bake 15–20 minutes more until sticky and caramelized.

👉 Internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F).

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Step 5: Optional Broil (Extra Sticky)

1. Switch oven to broil/grill.

2. Broil for 2–3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

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Step 6: Serve

• Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions.

• Serve hot with rice, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.

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⭐ Tips for Best Results

• Use a rack over the tray for crispier skin.

• Spoon sauce frequently for a glossy finish.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan—space helps caramelization.

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🔁 Variations

• Spicy Honey Garlic: Add 1 tablespoon chili sauce.

• Lemon Honey Garlic: Add lemon zest to sauce.

• Air Fryer Version:

  • Cook at 180°C (360°F) for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway.