Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks

Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks offer a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, thanks to the rich and aromatic Korean marinade. The combination of soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and gochujang (Korean chili paste) creates a sticky glaze that coats the tender chicken drumsticks to perfection. This recipe is a fantastic way to bring the bold, vibrant flavors of Korean cuisine to your dinner table.

These drumsticks are baked until golden and crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. The sweet and spicy glaze caramelizes beautifully during cooking, giving every bite a rich depth of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or cooking for your family, these Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks are sure to impress with their irresistible taste and eye-catching presentation.

The recipe is easy to make, with simple ingredients that pack a big punch. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to adjust the heat level to suit your tastes. Serve these drumsticks with a side of steamed rice, pickled vegetables, or a refreshing salad to complete the meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich in Flavor

The sweet, savory, and spicy marinade coats the chicken, creating a delicious and sticky glaze that makes each bite full of flavor. The gochujang adds a perfect hint of heat, making it an unforgettable dish.

2. Easy to Make

With just a few ingredients and simple steps, these drumsticks come together quickly and easily, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.

3. Customizable Heat

You can adjust the level of spice by increasing or decreasing the amount of gochujang or adding extra chili flakes for more heat, giving you control over the flavor intensity.

4. Crispy and Juicy

Baking the drumsticks ensures a crispy, caramelized exterior while keeping the chicken juicy and tender on the inside.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

This dish is great for meal prepping. The drumsticks can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

• Chicken drumsticks
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• Garlic (minced)
• Fresh ginger (grated)
• Sesame oil
• Rice vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Green onions (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper

Variations

• Boneless Chicken: You can substitute the drumsticks for boneless chicken thighs or breasts, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Vegan Option: Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh and marinate them in the same Korean glaze for a plant-based alternative.
• Adjust the Heat: If you like a milder flavor, reduce the amount of gochujang, or use a milder chili paste. For more heat, increase the gochujang or add red pepper flakes.
• Add More Veggies: Roast some vegetables, like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots, alongside the drumsticks for a complete meal.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, gochujang, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 2: Marinate the Drumsticks

Place the chicken drumsticks in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, marinate for 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to soak in.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Step 4: Bake the Drumsticks

Remove the drumsticks from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Step 5: Glaze the Drumsticks

During the last 5-10 minutes of baking, brush the drumsticks with more of the marinade, allowing it to caramelize and form a sticky glaze. For an extra touch of crispiness, you can broil the drumsticks for 1-2 minutes after glazing.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the drumsticks are cooked, remove them from the oven. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately with a side of steamed rice, pickled vegetables, or a light salad.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. For the best results, marinate the drumsticks overnight.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Crispy Skin: For extra crispy skin, pat the drumsticks dry before marinating and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to allow the chicken to crisp up properly.
• Glaze it Twice: For an even stickier glaze, brush the drumsticks with the marinade during cooking and again just before serving.

How to Serve

Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks are perfect when served with a side of steamed white or brown rice. The sticky glaze pairs beautifully with a simple vegetable side dish, such as sautéed bok choy, stir-fried spinach, or roasted sweet potatoes. You can also serve the drumsticks with a cool, crunchy cucumber salad or pickled vegetables to balance the sweetness and spice of the chicken.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Freezing

To freeze, place the cooled drumsticks in a freezer-safe container or plastic bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Reheating

Reheat the drumsticks in the oven for the best texture. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the chicken for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. For a faster option, you can reheat them in the microwave, but the skin may not be as crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken instead of drumsticks?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs or breasts can be used instead of drumsticks. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

2. What if I don’t have gochujang?

If you don’t have gochujang, you can substitute it with a mix of chili paste and a little bit of honey for sweetness, or use sriracha sauce for a spicy kick.

3. Can I make this dish on the grill?

Yes, you can grill the drumsticks. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the drumsticks for 25-30 minutes, brushing them with the glaze during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

4. How spicy is the glaze?

The glaze has a mild to moderate spice level due to the gochujang. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less gochujang depending on your preference.

5. Can I prepare the marinade in advance?

Yes, you can make the marinade up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen for longer storage.

6. Can I use chicken wings instead of drumsticks?

Yes, chicken wings work great with this marinade. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as wings cook faster than drumsticks.

7. Can I bake the chicken at a lower temperature?

While 400°F (200°C) is ideal for crispy skin, you can bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) if preferred, but it may take slightly longer to cook.

8. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

9. Can I make this recipe without sesame oil?

If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use regular vegetable oil, though the sesame oil adds a unique depth of flavor to the glaze.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe. Just make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet, as this may affect the cooking time and the crispiness of the chicken.

Conclusion

Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks are a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the sweet, savory, and spicy elements of Korean cuisine in one simple recipe. The crispy, caramelized drumsticks coated in a sticky, tangy glaze are sure to please anyone at the table. Whether served with rice, vegetables, or a light salad, this dish is perfect for any occasion, from a quick family dinner to a weekend gathering. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, these drumsticks will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

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