Easy Baked Chicken Drumsticks (In Honey Soy Marinade)

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These easy baked chicken drumsticks in honey soy marinade are as delicious as they are easy to prepare. If you’re looking for a recipe that guarantees tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken drumsticks in the oven, you’ve come to the right place. Packed with sweet and savory flavors, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

A plate of roasted chicken drumsticks with a golden-brown glaze. To the side, a bowl of white rice is partially visible. A fork is placed on the right side of the image. The background is a light blue surface.

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I love cooking with chicken drumsticks! Whether you boil drumsticks, bake them, or cook drumsticks with rice in a Dutch oven, they always turn out delicious. They’re also budget-friendly and a big hit with kids, making them, in my opinion, the best chicken cut for a family dinner.

Why Should You Try This Baked Honey Soy Chicken Drumstick Recipe?

  • Easy to make. Marinate the chicken, pop it in the oven, and let it bake to perfection. While it’s cooking, prepare some buttery rice and a fresh green salad, and you’ll have a delicious family dinner ready with almost no hassle.
  • Only five simple ingredients. You don’t need a long shopping list—this recipe is proof that less is more when it comes to flavor.
  • Irresistibly delicious. Thanks to the sweet and savory honey soy marinade, these drumsticks are a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.

📝 Recipe Ingredient

A white bowl filled with raw chicken drumsticks is on a light blue surface. Surrounding the bowl are labeled ingredients: sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil in measuring cups, and two cloves of garlic, ready for cooking.
  • Chicken drumsticks: I went the extra mile and turned my chicken drumsticks into chicken lollipops—but don’t worry, you don’t have to if you’re short on time. Chicken lollipops are a fun way to prepare drumsticks, but they can be a bit time-consuming. If you’d like to try it yourself, I have a quick chicken lollipops tutorial you can follow.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must-have in any good chicken marinade—don’t you agree?
  • Sweet chili sauce: I love using sweet chili sauce in my cooking. It’s packed with flavor but not overly spicy, making it a kid-friendly option. Plus, the sugar in the sauce gives these drumsticks that irresistible sticky finish.
  • Soy sauce: Light soy sauce works best, but you can use tamari sauce if you’d like to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Sesame oil: A splash of sesame oil adds that authentic Asian touch to the honey soy marinade. If possible, don’t skip this ingredient—it makes a big difference!

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients 👇

👩‍🍳 How to Make Baked Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks

This recipe couldn’t be easier! Start by mixing the minced garlic, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a large bowl or a freezer bag. Add the chicken drumsticks to the marinade, toss them around to ensure every piece is coated, and let them marinate for as long as you can. I recommend at least 30 minutes, but if you have the time to let them sit overnight, they’ll soak up even more flavor.

A hand holding a white bowl filled with marinated raw chicken pieces in a dark sauce, on a light-textured background.

When you’re ready to cook, preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake the drumsticks for 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking.

And that’s it—you’re done!

Close-up of a hand holding a glazed and grilled chicken drumstick. The background features a plate piled with more drumsticks and a small bowl of white rice on a light blue surface.

Sides For Chicken Drumsticks

What to serve with baked chicken drumsticks? The serving possibilities are endless! They’re incredibly versatile and can be paired with basmati rice and a quick Asian cucumber salad for a quick family meal. For a more comforting touch, try them with mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower. And, of course, a fresh, crisp Asian slaw would make the perfect match!

A plate with two baked chicken drumsticks, a serving of white rice, and tomato wedges. A white napkin is partially visible on the side.

❄️ How To Store

  • Meal Prep: To meal prep, marinate the chicken drumsticks ahead of time and store them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be marinated for up to 24 hours in the fridge, saving you time on busy days. They also can be frozen.
  • Refrigerate: After cooking, store leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This way, you can enjoy them later without losing any of their flavor.
  • Freeze: For longer storage, freeze cooked drumsticks in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Be sure to let them cool completely before freezing to preserve texture and flavor.
  • Reheat: Reheat chicken drumsticks in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Saying that they taste cold great too! 😉

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?

Yes! You can easily swap chicken thighs for drumsticks. The cooking time may vary slightly, so make sure to adjust accordingly and check for doneness.

How long do chicken drumsticks take to bake

Chicken drumsticks typically take about 30-40 minutes to bake at 200°C (400°F). However, the exact time can vary depending on the size of the drumsticks and your oven, so it’s always best to check by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) using a meat thermometer.

More Easy Chicken Drumstick Recipes

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If you tried this Easy Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.

Thank you! Elena

Baked chicken drumsticks with a rich glaze are piled on a plate. In the background, a bowl of rice is visible. The scene is set on a light blue surface with a white cloth nearby.

Easy Baked Chicken Drumsticks (In Honey Soy Marinade)

Elena Elliott
These baked honey soy chicken drumsticks are a quick and easy family favorite. With just five ingredients, they’re packed with sweet and savory flavors, making them the perfect meal for any night of the week.
5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course dinner
Cuisine asian
Servings 4 people
Calories 87 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • kilogram chicken drumsticks approximately 2.2 pounds in the US
  • ½ cup sweet chili sauce
  • ¼ cup soy sauce or use tamari
  • tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 garlic cloves minced

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl or freezer bag, combine minced garlic, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
    ½ cup sweet chili sauce, ¼ cup soy sauce, ⅓ tablespoon sesame oil, 2 garlic cloves
  • Add chicken drumsticks to the marinade and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (overnight for more flavor).
    kilogram chicken drumsticks
  • Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
  • Arrange drumsticks on a baking sheet or rack and bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Serve and enjoy your delicious honey soy chicken drumsticks!

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the drumsticks overnight.
You can use chicken thighs or wings instead of drumsticks for a different cut of meat.
To make it gluten-free, swap soy sauce for tamari sauce.
Calories: 87kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gSodium: 1129mgPotassium: 37mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 0.1IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 0.4mg

Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

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5 from 1 vote

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