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- 10 chicken drumsticks - 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium) - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 teaspoon cornstarch - 1 tablespoon water - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) These ingredients create a sweet and savory flavor. The soy sauce gives a rich taste. Honey adds a nice sweetness. Rice vinegar balances the flavors. Sesame oil offers a nutty aroma. Garlic and ginger bring freshness and depth. If you prefer a healthier option, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. This swap lowers the sodium. You can also replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan option. If you want gluten-free, ensure all sauces are certified gluten-free. To make this dish, gather these tools: - Baking sheet - Aluminum foil - Mixing bowls - Whisk - Zip-top bag (optional) - Brush for glazing These tools make cooking easier. They help with prep and cleanup. Using a baking sheet lined with foil saves time. A whisk blends the sauce well. A zip-top bag helps coat the chicken evenly. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for even cooking. While the oven warms up, grab a baking sheet and line it with aluminum foil. This makes cleanup much easier later. You want to make sure the foil covers the entire sheet. Now it's time to whip up the teriyaki sauce. In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger for a flavor boost. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well mixed. This sauce will be the star of your dish! To thicken the sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl. Stir this blend into your teriyaki sauce. This helps create a nice glaze when you bake the chicken. Next, let’s prep the chicken. Take 10 chicken drumsticks and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the sauce stick better. Place the drumsticks in a large bowl or a zip-top bag. Pour half of your teriyaki sauce over the chicken. Be sure to save the other half for later. Toss the drumsticks until they are well coated in the sauce. Now, arrange the coated drumsticks on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced out and not touching. This helps them cook evenly. Bake them in the oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, take the drumsticks out. Brush them with the reserved teriyaki sauce. Turn them over and brush the other side too. Put them back in the oven for another 15 to 20 minutes. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin is nicely caramelized. Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices inside. Before serving, sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top for that extra touch! To get a shiny glaze on your chicken drumsticks, use the reserved teriyaki sauce. After the first bake, brush it on the chicken. Turn the drumsticks over and brush the other side too. This step adds flavor and gives the chicken a nice shine. For juicy drumsticks, start with fresh chicken. Pat the drumsticks dry before marinating. This helps the sauce stick better. Bake them at 400°F (200°C) to lock in moisture. Let them rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the juices to settle, making each bite tender. Always cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Bake at 400°F for the best results. This temperature gives you crispy skin and juicy meat. If you want extra caramelization, you can raise the heat for the last few minutes. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken drumsticks to marinate in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight, for deeper flavor penetration. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Broil for Extra Crispiness: For an extra crispy skin, switch to broil mode for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to add your favorite spices or a splash of sriracha to the teriyaki sauce for an added kick of heat and flavor. {{image_2}} To make spicy teriyaki chicken drumsticks, add sriracha or chili paste to the sauce. Start with one tablespoon and taste. You can always add more heat. This adds a fun kick to the sweet teriyaki flavor. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy spicy food. Simply mix the spice into the teriyaki sauce before coating the chicken. For a fruity twist, try pineapple teriyaki chicken drumsticks. Add one cup of crushed pineapple to the sauce. This not only adds sweetness but also a tropical flavor. You can use fresh or canned pineapple. If using canned, drain it first. This version is perfect for summer barbecues or when you want a taste of the tropics. While baking is easy, grilling adds a smoky flavor to your drumsticks. If you grill, preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the drumsticks on the grill for about 20-25 minutes. Make sure to turn them often and baste with teriyaki sauce. This method gives you crispy skin and a nice char. Choose whichever method fits your time and taste! To keep your baked teriyaki chicken drumsticks fresh, store them right. First, let the drumsticks cool down. Then, place them in an airtight container. If you do not have one, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Make sure to keep them in the fridge. They will last for about three to four days. Label the container with the date. This way, you can track how long they have been stored. When reheating drumsticks, you want to keep them juicy and tasty. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. If you want a crispy skin, remove the foil for the last few minutes. You can also reheat them in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, checking often to avoid drying out. Freezing is a great option for longer storage. Start by letting the drumsticks cool completely. Next, wrap each drumstick tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. These drumsticks can last up to three months in the freezer. To use, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. This method keeps the flavor intact while maintaining a great texture. You bake chicken drumsticks for about 45 to 50 minutes. First, bake them for 30 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Then, flip them and brush on more sauce. Bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. Always check the internal temperature. It should be 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. Yes, you can make teriyaki sauce from scratch. It’s easy and quick! You need soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Mix these ingredients in a bowl. If you want it thicker, add cornstarch mixed with water. This adds a nice, glossy finish to your dish. Teriyaki chicken goes great with many side dishes. Here are a few tasty options: - Steamed white rice or brown rice - Stir-fried vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers - Asian-style slaw with sesame dressing - Cucumber salad for a refreshing crunch - Grilled corn on the cob for sweetness Try these sides for a complete meal! In this blog post, we explored how to make baked teriyaki chicken drumsticks. We covered key ingredients, alternative options, and essential cooking tools. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for a perfect glaze, and ways to ensure juicy drumsticks. We also looked at tasty variations, storage methods, and answered common questions. Cooking can be fun and easy. With these tips, you can make a flavor-packed dish that everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking journey and experiment to find your favorite twist on teriyaki!

Baked Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks

Delicious chicken drumsticks marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce and baked to perfection.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients
  

  • 10 pieces chicken drumsticks
  • 0.5 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 2 pieces green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • to taste sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until combined.
  • In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the teriyaki sauce in the medium bowl.
  • Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Place the drumsticks in a large bowl or a zip-top bag. Pour half of the teriyaki sauce over the chicken, reserving the other half for later. Toss to coat evenly.
  • Arrange the coated drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  • After 30 minutes, remove the drumsticks from the oven. Brush them with the reserved teriyaki sauce, then turn the drumsticks over, and brush the other side as well.
  • Return the drumsticks to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is caramelized.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
  • Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top before serving for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight.
Keyword baked, chicken, drumsticks, teriyaki