Honey Ginger Garlic Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes (plus optional marinating time)
Servings: 4
This dish is one of my favorite go-to dishes because it’s so quick and easy to make. If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful dinner that’s packed with protein and family-friendly goodness, these Honey Ginger Garlic Baked Chicken Drumsticks are sure to become your favorite too. Tender chicken is marinated in a delicious blend of tamari, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, then baked until golden and juicy. The sweet and savory flavors pair perfectly with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
Ingredients
8 chicken drumsticks
For the Marinade
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ¼ cup tamari sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
Directions
In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, sesame oil, tamari, lemon juice, honey, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Mix well.
Place the chicken drumsticks in a large zip-top bag or container and pour the marinade over the chicken.
For the best flavor, marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. If you’re short on time, massage the marinade into the chicken for about 5 minutes before baking.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Transfer the drumsticks and marinade to a baking dish, arranging the chicken in a single layer.
Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and nicely browned.
Serve hot with the pan juices spooned over the top. Pair with rice, potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Pro Tips & Easy Swaps
- Marinate longer for more flavor. Overnight marinating creates the most tender, flavorful chicken.
- Make it lower sugar. Reduce the honey to 2 tablespoons if desired.
- Add more heat. Increase the chili flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the marinade.
- Use chicken thighs. Boneless or bone-in thighs work beautifully in this recipe.
- Soy sauce option. If you don’t need the recipe to be gluten-free, regular soy sauce can replace the tamari.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave until warmed through.
- Freeze cooked drumsticks for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
NutritionÂ
Per Serving
- Calories: 516
- Protein: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Fat: 25g
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
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