Marinated Chicken Drumsticks with Honey, Garlic & Soy Sauce
If you’re looking for a mouthwatering dish that combines sweet, savory, and a hint of spice, then look no further than Marinated Chicken Drumsticks with Honey, Garlic & Soy Sauce. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also bursts with flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing. The chicken drumsticks soak up the marinade, resulting in juicy, tender meat that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Let’s dive into why you should make this dish, what you’ll need, and how to prepare it step-by-step!
Top Reasons to Make Marinated Chicken Drumsticks with Honey, Garlic & Soy Sauce
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a rich, complex flavor that enhances the chicken.
- Easy Preparation: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, this dish is perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it with rice, salad, or even in a wrap for a delicious meal any time of the year.
- Meal Prep Friendly: These drumsticks are great for meal prepping, making them an excellent choice for busy weeks.
What’s in the Bowl
To create the flavorful marinade and the dish itself, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 chicken drumsticks
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 chili pepper, sliced
- 1 cm ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil)
- 1 tsp vinegar (white or apple cider)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 chili pepper, sliced (for garnish)
- 0.5 cm ginger, grated (for garnish)
- 1/2 garlic clove, minced (for garnish)
- 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
- 120 g rice (to serve)
Must-Have Equipment
- Mixing Bowl: For combining the marinade ingredients.
- Baking Dish or Tray: To marinate the chicken and later cook it in the oven or grill.
- Measuring Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
- Grater or Microplane: For grating ginger and garlic.
- Chopping Board: Essential for prepping ingredients.
Marinated Chicken Drumsticks with Honey, Garlic & Soy Sauce Cooking Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, sliced chili pepper, grated ginger, soy sauce, neutral oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and honey. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl with the marinade, ensuring they are completely coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the drumsticks to a resealable bag. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, for a few hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) if you plan to bake the drumsticks. Alternatively, you can prepare your grill if you prefer grilling.
Step 4: Prepare for Cooking
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Reserve the leftover marinade for basting during cooking.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Place the drumsticks in a baking dish or on the grill. If baking, cook for about 35-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice golden color. If grilling, cook for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the leftover marinade.
Step 6: Cook the Rice
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the rice according to package instructions. This will complement the marinated chicken beautifully.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven or grill. Let it rest for a few minutes before garnishing with sliced chili pepper, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chopped green onion. Serve the drumsticks alongside the cooked rice for a delicious meal.
Spring to Winter: Ideas
- In spring, pair the drumsticks with a fresh salad featuring seasonal greens.
- In summer, serve the chicken with grilled vegetables and a light vinaigrette.
- In fall, add roasted sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts for a hearty meal.
- In winter, enjoy the drumsticks with a warm, comforting rice pilaf and steamed broccoli.
Chef’s Notes
- For an extra kick, add more chili pepper to the marinade.
- Feel free to substitute chicken thighs or wings if you prefer a different cut.
- Make sure to not overcrowd the baking dish to ensure even cooking.
- The marinade also works well on tofu or vegetables for a vegetarian option.
Storing Tips & Timelines
Leftover Marinated Chicken Drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through, or microwave until warm.
Troubleshooting Q&A
What if my chicken isn’t cooking evenly?
Ensure that the drumsticks are spread out in the baking dish or on the grill and not touching each other. This allows for better heat circulation.
Can I use other proteins besides chicken?
Absolutely! The marinade is versatile and works well with tofu, pork, or even fish. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F). You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
What can I do if the marinade is too salty?
If you find the marinade too salty, balance it out with a bit more honey or sugar to cut the saltiness, or serve it with a side that has a milder flavor, like plain rice.
Serve with These
In Closing
Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, Marinated Chicken Drumsticks with Honey, Garlic & Soy Sauce is sure to impress. The marinade infuses the chicken with rich flavors that are both comforting and exciting. Plus, the versatility of this dish makes it suitable for any season. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a delightful culinary experience that’s bound to become a family favorite!
Marinated Chicken Drumsticks with Honey, Garlic & Soy Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, sliced chili pepper, grated ginger, soy sauce, neutral oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and honey. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl with the marinade, ensuring they are completely coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the drumsticks to a resealable bag. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, for a few hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) if you plan to bake the drumsticks. Alternatively, you can prepare your grill if you prefer grilling.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Reserve the leftover marinade for basting during cooking.
- Place the drumsticks in a baking dish or on the grill. If baking, cook for about 35-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice golden color. If grilling, cook for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the leftover marinade.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the rice according to package instructions. This will complement the marinated chicken beautifully.
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven or grill. Let it rest for a few minutes before garnishing with sliced chili pepper, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chopped green onion. Serve the drumsticks alongside the cooked rice for a delicious meal.
Notes
- For an extra kick, add more chili pepper to the marinade.
- Feel free to substitute chicken thighs or wings if you prefer a different cut.
- Make sure to not overcrowd the baking dish to ensure even cooking.
