Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks
Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks are a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors coated on tender, juicy drumsticks with a sticky, flavorful glaze. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining, this recipe uses simple ingredients to create a delicious Korean-inspired dish with a caramelized exterior and moist interior.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (including marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
Glaze
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 3 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup/brown sugar)
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Garnish
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, gochujang, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth and fully blended to form the flavorful glaze.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken drumsticks in a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the drumsticks, seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 hours, to allow deep flavor infusion.
- 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 promote air circulation for even crisping.
- Bake the Drumsticks: Arrange the marinated drumsticks on the wire rack, reserving leftover marinade. Bake for 25 minutes, then baste the drumsticks with the reserved marinade. Continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized.
- Finish with Garnishes: Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds to add freshness and a crunchy texture before serving.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
- Use a wire rack to ensure crispy skin all around.
- Watch the glaze closely towards the end to prevent burning due to honey’s sugar.
- Baste the drumsticks frequently with reserved marinade for a sticky coating.
- Allow drumsticks to rest a few minutes after baking for juicier meat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 drumsticks
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Korean chicken, glazed chicken drumsticks, spicy chicken, honey chicken, gochujang recipe, easy dinner, Korean BBQ, sticky chicken