Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks with Rice
Highlighted under: Easy Home Recipes
Enjoy a delightful blend of sweet and savory with these Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks served over a bed of fluffy rice.
This Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks recipe is a family favorite, combining tender chicken with a sticky, sweet glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Juicy chicken drumsticks glazed in a sweet and savory sauce
- Easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients
- Perfectly paired with rice for a complete meal
- A crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy
A Perfect Balance of Flavors
The combination of honey and soy sauce creates a delightful harmony of flavors that makes these chicken drumsticks irresistible. The sweetness of honey complements the umami of soy sauce, resulting in a glaze that is both rich and satisfying. As the chicken cooks, the marinade caramelizes, creating a beautiful, sticky coating that adds depth to every bite.
This dish is not just about the chicken; the simple jasmine rice serves as the perfect canvas to soak up the luscious sauce. Each spoonful of rice paired with the tender chicken makes for a comforting meal that warms the heart. It's a recipe that brings together flavors in a way that feels both indulgent and wholesome.
Quick and Easy Preparation
One of the best features of this Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a meal that tastes like it came from a five-star restaurant. The marinade takes only a few minutes to whip up, and the chicken can marinate while you prepare the rice or set the table.
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests. The oven does most of the work, allowing you to focus on other tasks, making it a stress-free option that still impresses. With minimal prep and clean-up, you'll have more time to enjoy your meal with family and friends.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you're hosting a family dinner, preparing a picnic, or simply craving a comforting meal, Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks fit the bill. This dish is versatile enough to serve on casual nights and elegant enough for special occasions. Its universally appealing flavors make it a favorite among both adults and children.
You can easily double the recipe for larger gatherings or make extra drumsticks to enjoy as leftovers. The glazed chicken retains its flavor well, making it a delicious option for meal prep. Just reheat the drumsticks and rice for a quick lunch or dinner that is just as satisfying the second time around.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
For the Rice
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt to taste
Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking!
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken drumsticks in a resealable plastic bag or a bowl and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
Cook the Rice
In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add jasmine rice, butter, and salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
Bake the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, brushing with extra marinade halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
Serve
Fluff the rice with a fork and serve it on plates. Top with the baked chicken drumsticks and garnish with chopped green onions. Enjoy!
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving for extra juiciness.
Nutritional Benefits
Chicken drumsticks are a great source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair. They also provide important vitamins such as B6 and B12, which play a vital role in energy metabolism and brain health. When combined with jasmine rice, this dish offers a balanced meal that can fuel your day.
Honey, a natural sweetener, contains antioxidants and has antibacterial properties, making it a healthier alternative to refined sugars. The addition of garlic and ginger not only enhances flavor but also provides numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal, consider adding steamed vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or snap peas to your plate. These veggies not only add color but also provide additional nutrients and fiber. You can also serve a simple salad on the side to bring freshness to the meal.
If you're looking to elevate the dish further, try drizzling a little extra sesame oil or a sprinkle of sesame seeds over the finished chicken for added texture and flavor. A squeeze of lime or lemon juice can also brighten the dish, giving it a refreshing twist.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?
Yes, chicken thighs work great 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.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
→ Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and cook it ahead of time, then reheat before serving.
Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks with Rice
Enjoy a delightful blend of sweet and savory with these Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks served over a bed of fluffy rice.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Easy Home Recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
For the Rice
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt to taste
How-To Steps
In a bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Place the chicken drumsticks in a resealable plastic bag or a bowl and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add jasmine rice, butter, and salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, brushing with extra marinade halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
Fluff the rice with a fork and serve it on plates. Top with the baked chicken drumsticks and garnish with chopped green onions. Enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 30g