Baked Chicken Drumsticks in Honey and Soy

These baked chicken drumsticks are a simple yet deeply flavorful main dish that delivers tender, juicy meat with a beautifully caramelized exterior. The combination of honey and soy sauce creates a perfectly balanced blend of sweet and savory, while garlic and ginger add warm, aromatic depth. This dish is ideal for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests. Serve with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.

Why This Recipe Works

Marinating the chicken in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and oils ensures that every bite is infused with flavor. Allowing the drumsticks to rest in the marinade not only enhances taste but also helps tenderize the meat. Baking the chicken at a moderate temperature and turning it throughout the cooking process promotes even browning and gives the skin a crisp, glossy finish.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs chicken drumsticks, bone-in and skin-on (skinless optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 5 tbsp honey
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp freshly grated ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade
   In a shallow baking dish approximately 2 inches deep, whisk together the olive oil, sesame oil, honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and black pepper until the mixture is well combined.
2. Coat the Chicken
   Add the chicken drumsticks to the dish and turn them several times to ensure each piece is fully coated in the marinade. Press the drumsticks gently into the liquid so the flavors begin to absorb.
3. Marinate
   Cover the dish securely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken for 2 to 12 hours. Overnight marinating produces especially rich results.
4. Preheat the Oven
   When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Bake the Drumsticks
   Remove the plastic wrap. Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer and bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 180°F for dark meat. Turn the drumsticks halfway through to promote even browning.
6. Finish and Serve
   Once the chicken is cooked through and the skin is deeply caramelized, remove from the oven. Spoon a little of the baked glaze from the pan over the drumsticks, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

These honey and soy baked drumsticks pair wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, sautéed green beans, roasted carrots, or a fresh cucumber salad. For a complete meal, drizzle some of the pan sauce over your side dishes for added flavor.