Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks

These Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks are packed with bold flavors—sweet honey, savory garlic, and a hint of spice, all coming together in a glossy, caramelized glaze. Perfect for a family dinner, game night, or even meal prep, these drumsticks are juicy on the inside with a sticky, flavorful coating that makes them irresistible.

The balance between sweet and savory makes this dish a favorite for all taste buds. Plus, they’re oven-baked (or air-fried) to perfection, giving you crispy skin without deep-frying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfectly Balanced Flavors

The sweetness of honey, the richness of soy sauce, and the aromatic kick of garlic blend seamlessly for an addictive taste.

2. Easy to Make

With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up this flavorful dish with minimal effort.

3. Versatile Cooking Options

Bake them in the oven, cook them in an air fryer, or even grill them for a smoky twist.

4. Crowd-Pleaser

These drumsticks are a hit with both kids and adults—serve them at gatherings or as a weeknight dinner.

5. Meal-Prep Friendly

Make a batch ahead of time and store them for easy, flavorful meals throughout the week.

Ingredients

6–8 chicken drumsticks
¼ cup honey
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra depth)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)
1 tablespoon water

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), garlic, ginger, paprika, black pepper, salt, and chili flakes. Stir well to combine.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel. Place them in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 3: Cook the Drumsticks

Oven Method:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the drumsticks in a single layer.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Air Fryer Method:

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Place drumsticks in the basket in a single layer.
Air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 4: Make the Sticky Glaze

Pour the leftover marinade into a saucepan over medium heat.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
Add the slurry to the marinade and stir until the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken

Once the drumsticks are cooked, brush or toss them in the sticky honey garlic sauce. Let them rest for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Marinate Longer for More Flavor – If time allows, marinate the drumsticks overnight for the best results.
Crispy Skin Hack – Pat the drumsticks dry before cooking to ensure crispier skin.
Adjust the Heat – Add more chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an extra spicy kick.
Don’t Skip the Sauce – The thickened glaze makes the dish extra delicious and sticky.