Crispy Oven-Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks
These delicious chicken drumsticks are coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic marinade, baked to crispy perfection. A simple yet impressive dish suitable for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Protein
- 8 pieces chicken drumsticks, skin-on and bone-in Pat dry before seasoning for extra crispiness. Skin-on and bone-in pieces recommended.
Liquids
- 1/4 cup honey Use pure honey for the best taste. Maple syrup can be used as a substitute.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce Can substitute with tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings and Spices
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic enhances flavor; can use garlic powder as a substitute.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes Adjust according to your taste; can substitute with paprika.
- black pepper to taste black pepper, freshly ground Add according to preference.
- salt to taste salt
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, chili flakes, black pepper, and salt to create the marinade.
- Place chicken drumsticks in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well-coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
Cooking
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Arrange marinated drumsticks in a single layer.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, flip each drumstick and brush generously with any remaining marinade. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For extra crispiness, switch the oven to broil and broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes, monitoring carefully to prevent burning.
Notes
Enhance flavor with fresh herbs as garnish. Customize heat by adjusting chili flakes or adding sriracha. Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese for added flavor.