Honey Glazed Chicken Drumsticks

Honey glazed chicken drumsticks are a simple and delicious dish, where the sweetness of the honey pairs magnificently with the flavor of the chicken meat. Here’s the recipe to prepare them:

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken drumsticks
  • 2 tablespoons of honey
  • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • (Optional) Rosemary or thyme to add an aromatic touch

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C (392 °F).
  2. In a large bowl, mix honey, olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and lemon juice to create the marinade. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Dip the chicken drumsticks in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated on all sides.
  4. Arrange the chicken drumsticks on a baking tray lined with baking paper and, if desired, sprinkle with rosemary or thyme to add flavors.
  5. Pour the remaining marinade over the meat.
  6. Bake the chicken drumsticks for about 40-45 minutes or until they are nicely browned and caramelized, turning them halfway through cooking to ensure an even color.
  7. Check the doneness by inserting a meat thermometer near the bone: the internal temperature should be at least 75 °C (167 °F).

Once cooking is complete, let the chicken drumsticks rest for a few minutes before serving, to allow the juices to redistribute.

Curiosity

Honey is not just a natural sweetener but can do much more in the kitchen. For instance, in marinades, it helps to caramelize the food’s surface during cooking, providing a particular visual appeal and a unique taste due to the slightly bitter note it develops at high temperatures.

To complete the meal, you might consider a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh seasonal salad. And if you want to pair a wine, a fresh and fruity white or a light red could be excellent choices.