Ingredients
For the Chicken
• 12 chicken drumsticks
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
For the Honey Garlic Glaze
• 4 tbsp butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup honey
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional but amazing)
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional for a little heat)
For Garnish
• Fresh parsley or coriander, chopped
⸻
Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels.
Place them in a large bowl and toss with:
• olive oil
• salt
• pepper
• paprika
• garlic powder
• onion powder
Make sure the seasoning coats every piece evenly.
⸻
2. Preheat the Oven
Heat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Line a baking tray with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
⸻
3. Bake the Drumsticks
Place the drumsticks on the tray, leaving space between each piece.
Bake them for 35–40 minutes, turning them halfway through.
They should start to get golden and crispy on the outside.
⸻
4. Make the Sticky Honey Garlic Glaze
While the chicken bakes, prepare the glaze:
1. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, mustard, and chili flakes.
4. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
The glaze should be shiny, sweet, and aromatic.
⸻
5. Coat the Chicken
Remove the drumsticks from the oven after 35–40 minutes.
Pour the honey-garlic glaze over them.
Use a spoon or brush to coat the pieces well.
⸻
6. Bake Again (The Secret Step)
Return the chicken to the oven for 10–15 more minutes.
This helps the glaze caramelize and cling to the skin, giving the shiny, sticky look shown in your photo.
You’ll know it’s ready when the drumsticks look glossy, deep golden, and slightly charred in spots.
⸻
7. Serve
Transfer the drumsticks to a serving dish.
Spoon extra glaze from the tray on top.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley for color.
Serve hot.
⸻
Tips for Perfect Sticky Drumsticks
• Dry the chicken well before seasoning — this makes the glaze stick better.
• Use butter in the glaze for richness and shine.
• Don’t skip the second bake, it makes the glaze caramelize beautifully.
• If you want the skin crispier, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.