Drumstick Chicken With Honey Garlic Sauce

Name: Drumstick Chicken With Honey Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken drumsticks; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon corn starch (optional, for thickening)

Highlighted under: Hearty Delights

I love making Drumstick Chicken with Honey Garlic Sauce because it’s a dish that brings everyone together at the dinner table. The combination of the sweet and sticky sauce with tender chicken creates a fantastic flavor explosion. Plus, it's incredibly easy to prepare! I often find myself preparing this recipe during busy weeknights or when we have friends over, as it’s sure to impress everyone. Trust me, once you try this, it will become a go-to meal that you'll return to time and again.

Created by

Olivia Barrett

Last updated on 2026-02-28T07:57:35.333Z

When I first made this Drumstick Chicken with Honey Garlic Sauce, I was amazed at how the simple ingredients transformed into something so delectable. We had friends over for dinner, and I wanted to impress them without spending all day in the kitchen. The aroma while it cooked was irresistible, and it made everyone eagerly anticipate the feast. I knew I struck gold when they asked for seconds!

The key to the sauce is the blend of honey and soy sauce; the honey caramelizes beautifully in the oven, giving the chicken a glossy finish and intense flavor. I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Sweet and savory honey garlic sauce that caramelizes beautifully
Tender and juicy chicken drumsticks that fall off the bone
Quick prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights

The Art of Searing Chicken Drumsticks

Searing the chicken drumsticks is a crucial step that enhances the dish's overall flavor. When you heat the olive oil in your skillet, aim for a medium-high temperature. This will create a beautiful brown crust on the chicken, which not only adds visual appeal but also depth of flavor thanks to the Maillard reaction. Make sure to turn the drumsticks frequently, allowing each side to sear for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked halfway through.

If you notice that the oil begins to smoke, reduce the heat slightly, as overheating can lead to a burnt exterior while leaving the inside undercooked. Another pro tip is to avoid overcrowding the skillet; it’s better to sear in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can trap steam and prevent proper browning, affecting the taste and texture of your drumsticks.

Crafting the Perfect Honey Garlic Sauce

The honey garlic sauce is the star of this dish, providing an irresistible sweet-savory profile. Honey serves as the primary sweetener, and its viscosity helps create that luscious, sticky coating. When blending the sauce ingredients, whisk them until smooth—this ensures a well-rounded flavor without any clumps of garlic or ginger. You can also customize the sauce by adding a hint of crushed red pepper flakes for heat or using low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.

As for the optional corn starch, mix it with cold water before adding it to the sauce if you desire a thicker consistency. This step helps prevent clumping and ensures a uniform texture. Keep an eye on the sauce as it cooks in the oven; it should become glossy and slightly caramelized after the final 15 minutes of uncovered baking—this is when the flavor intensifies and coats the chicken beautifully.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 chicken drumsticks
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Honey Garlic Sauce

1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon corn starch (optional, for thickening)

Make sure to mix the sauce thoroughly before cooking to ensure all flavors are blended well.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken drumsticks with salt and pepper. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the drumsticks on all sides until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Make the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and ground ginger. If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve corn starch in a small amount of water and add it to the mixture.

Bake the Chicken

Pour the honey garlic sauce over the seared drumsticks in the skillet. Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize.

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to keep it juicy.

Pro Tips

Feel free to add some sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top for extra flavor and presentation.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes, as the honey garlic sauce can double as a delightful dressing. You can also add a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for balance. For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top just before serving—this adds a lovely crunch and freshness that enhances the overall dish.

If you're planning to serve this for a gathering, consider making a double batch. The recipe scales beautifully, and the leftovers can easily be enjoyed for lunch the next day. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prepare the honey garlic sauce a day in advance to save time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and when you're ready to cook, simply warm it in a saucepan before pouring it over the chicken. This process intensifies the flavors and saves precious cooking time during busy weeknights.

If you have leftover chicken drumsticks, you can reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispiness. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover them loosely with foil to avoid drying out, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. This method ensures that your chicken remains moist while still retaining that lovely caramelized exterior.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other parts of the chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs or breasts, but the cooking time may vary.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce beforehand, then bake when ready to serve.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This chicken pairs well with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.