Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks with Rice

Name: Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks with Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 chicken drumsticks; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups jasmine rice; 4 cups water; 1 tablespoon butter; Salt to taste

Highlighted under: Home Comfort Recipes

Savor the sweet and savory flavors of Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks paired with fluffy rice for a delightful meal.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-17T00:22:18.597Z

This recipe for Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks is a family favorite, combining tender chicken with a sticky, sweet glaze that will keep everyone coming back for more.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Irresistibly sticky and sweet glaze
Tender chicken that falls off the bone
Quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners

      

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

The combination of honey and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering glaze that perfectly balances sweetness and saltiness. This contrast elevates the humble chicken drumstick into a dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated. The addition of garlic and ginger introduces a fragrant aroma, making your kitchen smell divine while the chicken marinates.

Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is incredibly versatile. The sticky glaze makes every bite enjoyable, ensuring that even picky eaters will be back for seconds. Plus, the residual sauce drizzled over the rice ties the meal together beautifully.

Quick and Easy Preparation

One of the standout features of this Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in under an hour. Marinating the chicken can be done in advance or while you prepare other components like the rice, making it an efficient choice for busy weeknights.

The cooking process is straightforward, allowing even novice cooks to achieve impressive results. The oven does most of the work, caramelizing the chicken and creating that irresistible glaze without requiring constant attention. This means you can focus on enjoying time with your family or preparing a side salad.

Serving Suggestions

While the honey soy chicken drumsticks are delightful over a bed of jasmine rice, feel free to explore other serving options. Steamed vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad can add a nice crunch and brighten the meal. For a bit of spice, consider serving with a side of pickled vegetables or a spicy dipping sauce for those who enjoy a kick.

Garnishing the dish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions adds an appealing visual and flavor contrast. Not only does it enhance the dish's presentation, but it also contributes additional textures, making every bite more enjoyable.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

8 chicken drumsticks
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice

2 cups jasmine rice
4 cups water
1 tablespoon butter
Salt to taste

Ensure all ingredients are prepped before cooking.

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken drumsticks and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Rice

In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add the jasmine rice, butter, and salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is cooked and water is absorbed.

Bake the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, basting with leftover marinade halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and caramelized.

Serve

Serve the honey soy chicken drumsticks over a bed of fluffy rice. Drizzle with any remaining sauce from the baking sheet.

Enjoy your delicious meal!

Tips for Success

For the best results, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if time permits, marinating overnight will amplify the flavors even more. This ensures that the honey and soy sauce penetrate the meat, resulting in juicy and flavorful drumsticks.

If you prefer a crispy skin, you can broil the chicken for the last few minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. This step will give you that perfect texture contrast between the tender meat and crispy exterior.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover honey soy chicken drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results, reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispy texture. Simply cover with foil and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.

You can also shred the leftover chicken and use it in salads, wraps, or stir-fries for a quick lunch. The versatility of the flavors means it can be repurposed in various dishes without losing its charm.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and will be even more tender.

→ How long can I marinate the chicken?

You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

→ What can I serve with the chicken?

You can serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.