Here’s a solid, no-fail way to make honey garlic baked chicken drumsticks—crispy on the outside, sticky and flavorful on the inside.
Ingredients
- 8–10 chicken drumsticks
- 3 tbsp honey
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup (adds depth, optional but recommended)
- 1 tbsp oil (olive or vegetable)
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Optional: chili flakes for a little heat
Instructions
1. Preheat & prep
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.
2. Season the chicken
Pat drumsticks dry (important for crispiness). Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Make the sauce
In a bowl, mix:
- Honey
- Garlic
- Soy sauce
- Ketchup
- Oil
- Chili flakes (if using)
4. Coat the drumsticks
Toss the chicken in the sauce until evenly coated. Arrange on the tray (leave a bit of space between pieces).
5. Bake
Bake for 35–45 minutes, turning once halfway through.
Spoon extra sauce over the chicken during the last 10 minutes for a sticky glaze.
6. Optional finish
For extra caramelization, broil (grill top heat) for 3–5 minutes at the end—watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
Serving ideas
- Steamed rice or garlic rice
- Roasted vegetables or fries
- Simple salad for balance
Quick tips
- Want crispier skin? Bake uncovered and avoid too much liquid early on.
- You can marinate the chicken for a few hours (or overnight) for deeper flavor.
- Add a squeeze of lemon at the end to brighten everything up.
If you want, I can turn this into an air fryer version or a spicy Korean-style honey garlic twist.