There’s something deeply satisfying about a tray of sticky, caramelized chicken drumsticks fresh from the oven. These Chinese-style honey and soy chicken drumsticks are the perfect balance of sweet, savoury, and umami, thanks to a simple marinade of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. They’re easy to prepare, incredibly flavourful, and guaranteed to disappear fast at family dinners, BBQs, or casual gatherings.
Why This Recipe Works
Soy sauce provides the salty depth, honey gives that sticky sweetness, and fresh garlic and ginger bring warmth and zing. When roasted, the chicken drumsticks develop crispy edges while staying juicy inside. The glaze thickens as it cooks, coating the chicken in glossy, finger-licking flavor. Best of all, the marinade does most of the work for you.
Tips for Perfect Drumsticks
- Marinate longer: The longer the chicken soaks in the marinade, the deeper the flavor. Overnight is best.
- Line your tray: The honey glaze gets sticky—line with foil or parchment for easier cleanup.
- Check doneness: Drumsticks are cooked when juices run clear, or the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
- Crispy finish: For extra caramelization, place the drumsticks under the grill (broiler) for the last 2–3 minutes.
- Double the sauce: Make extra marinade and simmer it separately to drizzle over rice or noodles.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Chinese-style honey and soy chicken drumsticks are packed with flavor, simple to prepare, and incredibly versatile. They work as a weeknight dinner with rice and stir-fried veggies, or as a crowd-pleasing party dish where people can grab and go. Sticky, savory, and just a little sweet—this is comfort food with an Asian twist that never fails to impress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs or wings instead?
Yes! This marinade works just as well with wings, thighs, or even chicken breast. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the cut.
Can I cook these on the BBQ?
Absolutely. Grill the drumsticks over medium heat, turning often and basting with extra marinade until sticky and cooked through.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 1 hour, but overnight is ideal for maximum flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead?
Yes—marinate the chicken in the morning and bake when ready to serve. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.
What can I serve with honey soy chicken drumsticks?
They pair beautifully with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, Asian-style slaw, or even noodles.
Can I freeze them?
Yes. You can freeze the chicken raw in the marinade, then thaw overnight and cook as normal. Cooked drumsticks can also be frozen and reheated in the oven.
Chinese-style Soy and Honey Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 80 g honey
- 60 g soy sauce
- 20 g toasted sesame oil
- 10 g rice vinegar (apple cider)
- 4 spring onions
- 5 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
- 1 cm piece of ginger (finely chopped/grated)
- chilli oil (optional/to your liking)
- 1 kg chicken drumsticks
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients to create your marinade and then mix with chicken drumsticks. Marinate for at least couple of hours but to get the most flavour, marinate over night.
- Pre-heat oven to 170ºC and transfer your chicken in oven safe dish, along side all of your marinade. Bake for about 45-50 mins. the marinade should thicken while baking, if it is still very runny after your chicken is baked, transfer it into a pan and simmer until it start thicken. Do not over do it, it's always better bit more runny than too thick. Things can go bad very quickly here. Serve with rice.
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