These Sticky Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks are juicy, flavorful, and irresistibly glazed with a sweet-and-savory marinade made from soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Perfectly caramelized on the outside and tender on the inside, this easy chicken recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings. Whether baked in the oven or grilled, these drumsticks deliver bold flavor with minimal effort.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for:
- Busy families looking for a simple but flavorful dinner
- Chicken lovers who enjoy sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors
- Meal preppers needing a protein that reheats well
- Home cooks who want a foolproof marinade for drumsticks or chicken legs
Why It’s Great
- Big Flavor, Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples create restaurant-quality taste
- Juicy & Tender: The marinade locks in moisture while cooking
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Works in the oven, on the grill, or even in an air fryer
- Crowd-Pleaser: Sweet, savory, and mildly spicy—appeals to all ages
Ingredients
Chicken
- 12 chicken drumsticks (about 4 lbs)
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
- 5 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated (or ¼ tsp ground ginger)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl or zip-top bag
- Whisk
- Baking sheet or roasting pan
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
- Tongs
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, sesame oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, citrus juice, honey, garlic, ginger, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken drumsticks to the marinade and toss until fully coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment and arrange drumsticks in a single layer.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, turning halfway through and basting with extra marinade, until the chicken is deeply caramelized and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
(Optional) Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra stickiness.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze cooked drumsticks for up to 2 months
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in an air fryer for best texture
FAQ
Q: Can I use chicken thighs or wings instead?
Yes! This marinade works beautifully with thighs, wings, or even boneless chicken.
Q: Is this recipe very spicy?
No, it has mild heat. Adjust red pepper flakes to taste.
Q: Can I grill these drumsticks?
Absolutely. Grill over medium heat for 25–30 minutes, turning often and basting.
Q: Can I make it less sweet?
Reduce the honey to 3 tablespoons or replace part of it with soy sauce.
Conclusion
These Sticky Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. Easy to prepare, endlessly versatile, and packed with bold taste, this recipe is guaranteed to become a repeat favorite. Serve them with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
