There’s something so satisfying about biting into a perfectly cooked Chicken Drumstick. Whether baked, grilled, or fried, chicken drumsticks are a go-to option for many home cooks. Their flavorful meat and tender texture make them a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
Chicken Drumsticks
Chicken Drumsticks
One of the reasons why chicken drumsticks are so beloved is their simplicity. They cook relatively quickly and are packed with flavor due to the dark meat. Plus, they’re budget-friendly and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you season them with a simple rub, marinate them overnight, or glaze them with a tangy sauce, chicken drumsticks are always a hit.
The bone-in meat helps keep the chicken juicy, while the crispy skin on the outside adds a delicious layer of texture. They’re easy to eat, making them a great option for casual meals or gatherings.
Ingredient Notes:
- Chicken drumsticks (or legs): The main protein, with juicy meat and skin that becomes crispy when fried. Drumsticks are perfect for absorbing the flavors of the marinade.
- Olive oil & sesame oil: Olive oil adds moisture and helps the marinade penetrate the chicken. Sesame oil contributes a rich, nutty flavor and enhances the overall depth of the dish.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness, acting as the base for the marinade and enhancing the flavor of the chicken.
- Worcestershire sauce: Provides a tangy, savory complexity, adding depth to the marinade with its blend of vinegar, molasses, and spices.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness and acidity, balancing the sweetness from the honey and helping to tenderize the chicken.
- Honey (or maple syrup): Sweetens the marinade while also helping with caramelization, creating a slightly sticky, flavorful coating on the chicken.
- Garlic & ginger: These aromatics add bold, fresh flavors, contributing spiciness (ginger) and a savory, pungent note (garlic) to the marinade.
- Red pepper flakes: Add heat and a touch of spiciness to the fried chicken, balancing the sweetness and savory elements.
How to Serve Chicken Drumsticks
- Over a Bed of Rice: For a classic pairing, serve your chicken drumsticks over a bed of fluffy rice. The rice absorbs the juices from the chicken, adding flavor and creating a hearty, satisfying meal. You can sprinkle some fresh herbs or green onions on top for an added burst of freshness.
- With a Side of Roasted Vegetables: Pair your drumsticks with roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or sweet potatoes for a balanced, nutritious meal. The veggies complement the rich flavor of the chicken and add a colorful, healthy element to the plate.
- Dipped in Your Favorite Sauce: Drumsticks are even better when dipped in a delicious sauce. Whether it’s a tangy BBQ sauce, creamy ranch, or spicy buffalo sauce, a dip adds an extra layer of flavor and fun to the meal.
Best Tips for Perfect Chicken Drumsticks
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with seasoning! Chicken drumsticks have a lot of surface area, and using a good amount of spices or marinade ensures that each bite is flavorful. Be sure to get the seasoning under the skin for maximum taste.
- Cook at High Heat for Crispy Skin: To achieve that irresistible crispy skin, cook your drumsticks at a higher temperature, whether you’re baking, grilling, or frying them. The high heat helps render the fat and leaves you with golden-brown, crispy skin.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken every time, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165°F (75°C), but letting the drumsticks rest for a few minutes after cooking will ensure juicy, tender meat.
A Comforting, Flavorful Meal
Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or serving them at a weekend barbecue, Chicken Drumsticks are a classic comfort food that never disappoints. With their juicy, flavorful meat and crispy exterior, they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Pair them with your favorite sides and sauces for a meal that’s simple yet packed with flavor.
FAQs
- Could you use chicken legs in this recipe rather than drumsticks? Yeah, you can use chicken legs and drumsticks interchangeably in this recipe. No changes (temperature or otherwise) are needed as long as the weight of the chicken remains the same.
- Could you use regular soy sauce? Yes, you might want to use regular soy sauce. If you do, you will need to reduce the volume of soy sauce to about three tablespoons and adjust for salt. The reason I prefer to use low-sodium soy sauce is that I’ll get the flavor profile I’m looking for without over-salting the dish and modify the salt level to taste.
- Could you freeze marinated drumsticks? You may freeze the marinated drumsticks and defrost them in the refrigerator. It normally takes about a day to defrost chicken drumsticks in the refrigerator. The marinade of this recipe is freezer-friendly.
Be sure to check out these other delicious dinner recipes!
Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken Enchiladas
Lemon Chicken Pasta
Fried Chicken Drumsticks
Perfect for family dinners, picnics, or game-day snacks, these drumsticks are a classic comfort food that’s sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs chicken drumsticks or chicken legs
For the marinade
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice or lime juice
- 5 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1- inch ginger root peeled and grated, or add 1/4 tsp powdered ginger
- ½ tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine all of the ingredients for the marinade and mix with a fork. Set aside.
- The honey soy garlic chicken marinade in a white bowl with a spoon within.
- Place the chicken in a Ziploc bag. Add the marinade. Expel as much air from the bag as possible then close. Marinate overnight or up to 24 hours, or at least a few hours.
- Chicken legs with marinade inside in a Ziploc bag. If you immediately bake the drumsticks, massage them with the marinade in the bag for around 5 mins.
- This is going to be enough to get a decent amount of marinade and flavor inside the meat. Chicken legs in a Ziploc bag with the marinade massage for greater marinade penetration.
- preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place the drumsticks and all of the marinades into a baking dish.
- Raw chicken legs, marinade of honey garlic, inside a long white baking dish.
- Bake uncovered at 375 degrees F for 45 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 185 ° F and the drumsticks are well browned on top.
- Closely remove from the oven and serve hot juices and your favorite side dish (e.g. potato salad, rice, etc.)
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Chicken Drumsticks