Sticky Honey-Glazed Broiled Chicken Drumsticks
Nutritional value per serving
Calories320kcal
Carbs12gram
Fat15gram
Protein28gram
Ingredients
- Chicken drumsticks (skin-on, bone-in) - choose fresh or properly thawed from the refrigerator6 pieces
- Honey - look for raw, natural honey for best flavor3 tbsp
- Soy sauce - use low-sodium to control saltiness2 tbsp
- Garlic cloves - fresh and minced for a flavorful punch2 pieces
- Olive oil - use extra virgin for better taste1 tbsp
- Black pepper - freshly ground tastes best1/2 tsp
- Salt - use sparingly, as soy sauce contains salt1/4 tsp
This sticky honey-glazed broiled chicken drumsticks recipe is perfect for a quick, flavorful meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. The natural sweetness of honey combined with a hint of garlic and soy sauce creates an irresistible glaze that caramelizes beautifully under the broiler. This dish costs approximately $8 (USD), €7.5 (EUR), £6.5 (GBP), and ₹650 (INR) to make. Each serving contains about 320 kcal. It's ideal for a medium-complexity cook and takes around 25 minutes total including prep and cooking. This recipe suits neither strictly vegan nor vegetarian diets but is great for omnivores looking for a tasty chicken meal.
Preparation instructions
Preheat the Broiler and Prepare the Pan
1Set your oven rack about 15 cm (6 inches) below the broiler heating element. Preheat the broiler to high. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or a broiler-safe pan and lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking. This ensures easy cleanup and even cooking.
Prepare the Honey Glaze
2In a small bowl, mix the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, black pepper, and salt until combined. This glaze will add a sticky, sweet, and savory flavor to your drumsticks.
Marinate the Chicken
3Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the glaze stick. Brush or coat the drumsticks evenly with half of the honey glaze. Marinate for at least 10 minutes at room temperature. Do not leave out for more than 30 minutes to prevent bacterial growth.
Broil the Drumsticks - First Side
4Place the drumsticks on the prepared pan, ensuring they are spaced apart. Broil for 10 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning. This high heat starts caramelizing the glaze.
Flip and Apply More Glaze
5Carefully flip the drumsticks using tongs. Brush them with the remaining honey glaze. Broil for an additional 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part, avoiding bone, to check doneness. This ensures food safety as recommended by food guidelines.
Rest and Serve
6Once cooked, let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, resulting in tender meat. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful honey-glazed chicken!
Cooking Tips
1Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it's the best way to ensure chicken is cooked safely.
2Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards for raw chicken and other ingredients and washing your hands and utensils thoroughly.
3If you don't have a broiler, you can bake the drumsticks at 220°C (425°F) for about 25-30 minutes, turning and glazing halfway through.
4For a spicier variation, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the glaze.
Equipment Needed
- Oven with broiler setting
- Baking sheet or broiler-safe pan
- Aluminum foil
- Small mixing bowl
- Basting brush or spoon
- Meat thermometer (recommended)
- Tongs
- Measuring spoons
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Chicken drumsticks (6 pieces) (~$5). Choose fresh or fully thawed frozen chicken from the refrigerated section; look for firm skin and no unpleasant odor.
- [ ] Honey (~$2 for needed amount). Choose raw or natural honey for a richer flavor.
- [ ] Soy sauce (~$1). Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.
- [ ] Garlic (2 cloves) (~$0.20). Fresh garlic bulbs have better aroma than pre-minced.
- [ ] Olive oil (~$0.50 for quantity). Extra virgin olive oil adds flavor.
- [ ] Black pepper (~$0.10 estimated for quantity). Use freshly ground pepper if available.
- [ ] Salt (~$0.05 for quantity). You likely have this at home.
Total approximate cost: $8.85
FAQ
How do I know when the chicken drumsticks are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken drumsticks are safe to eat when the inside reaches 74°C (165°F). The juices should run clear when pierced.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs. The cooking time may vary slightly due to size differences, so check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 74°C (165°F).
What if I don't have a broiler in my oven?
You can bake the chicken drumsticks in a preheated oven at 220°C (425°F) for about 25-30 minutes, turning once, and applying the glaze midway through cooking.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the honey glaze a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before using for easier brushing.
How should I store leftover cooked chicken drumsticks?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days. To reheat, warm them thoroughly to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) before eating.