Baked Chicken Drumsticks in Honey & Soy
Description
Tender chicken drumsticks baked to golden perfection in a sweet and savory glaze made from honey, soy sauce, garlic, and spices. This easy dish strikes the perfect balance between sticky sweetness and umami depth — ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients for Baked Chicken Drumsticks in Honey & Soy
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8 chicken drumsticks (skin-on recommended)
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3 tbsp soy sauce (light or regular)
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3 tbsp honey
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp rice vinegar (or lemon juice)
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp black pepper
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¼ tsp salt (optional – soy sauce is salty!)
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1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
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2 spring onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
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Prep the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, ginger, paprika, pepper, and salt. -
Marinate Chicken
Place drumsticks in a zip-top bag or bowl. Pour marinade over chicken and mix until well-coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge). -
Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 200°C (400°F). -
Bake
Arrange drumsticks on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway and spooning extra marinade on top, until sticky and caramelized.
Tip: Broil for the last 2–3 minutes for extra crispiness! -
Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and spring onions. Serve hot.
Notes
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Marinating overnight = deeper flavor.
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Aluminum foil helps with easy cleanup.
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Cooking time may vary based on drumstick size.
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Substitute drumsticks with chicken thighs or wings if desired!
Serving Size
Serves 4 people (2 drumsticks per serving)
Nutritional Info (per serving – approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Benefits
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High in protein for muscle strength 💪
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Honey provides antioxidants 🍯
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Baked (not fried) = healthier option ✅
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Easy, minimal prep, and crowd-pleasing!
Q & A
Q: Can I cook these in an air fryer?
A: Absolutely! Air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 25–28 minutes, turning once halfway.
Q: Can I make this sauce less sweet?
A: Yes — reduce honey to 2 tbsp or replace with sugar-free syrup.
Q: How to store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat in oven or microwave.
