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Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks

Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks
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Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks feature tender, juicy drumsticks coated in a luscious sweet and savory glaze with garlic, soy, and a hint of spice. This easy-to-make recipe delivers bold Korean flavors with minimal fuss, perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 8–10 fresh or thawed chicken drumsticks with skin on

Glaze

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1–2 tablespoons gochujang or 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Garnish (optional)

  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), minced garlic, gochujang (or red pepper flakes), rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth. This glaze will coat the chicken and bake to a shiny, flavorful finish.
  2. Coat the drumsticks: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to help the glaze stick better. Place them in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the glaze over, making sure every drumstick is well coated. Let them marinate at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
  3. Preheat and prepare to cook: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with foil or parchment paper and set a wire rack on top to allow air circulation, which helps crisp the skin.
  4. Bake the drumsticks: Arrange the glazed drumsticks on the wire rack, spacing them out. Reserve any leftover glaze to baste halfway through cooking. Bake for 35-40 minutes, basting once halfway, until the chicken is cooked through and beautifully caramelized.
  5. Finish and serve: Turn on the broiler for 2-3 minutes to get a charred edge on the glaze—watch closely to prevent burning. Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

  • Dry the chicken well to help the glaze stick and skin crisp up.
  • Baste drumsticks halfway through baking to enhance flavor.
  • Use a wire rack to allow fat to drip and promote even cooking.
  • Watch the broiler carefully during the final step to avoid burning.
  • Adjust spice level by changing the amount of gochujang or red pepper flakes.
  • Allow drumsticks to rest after baking for juicy, tender results.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean chicken, glazed chicken drumsticks, easy chicken recipe, spicy chicken, soy garlic chicken, weeknight dinner, gluten free chicken

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/korean-glazed-chicken-drumsticks/