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Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks

Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks

This Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks recipe features tender, juicy chicken drumsticks coated in a sticky, sweet-savory glaze made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, gochujang, and other flavorful ingredients. Perfectly balanced with umami and subtle heat, this dish is simple to prepare, family-friendly, and impressive for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 8 fresh, medium-sized chicken drumsticks

Marinade and Glaze

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (can substitute honey or maple syrup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Garnishes

  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, gochujang, sesame oil, and rice vinegar until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth and uniform.
  2. Marinate the Drumsticks: Place the chicken drumsticks in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each drumstick is well coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
  3. Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top to promote even cooking and crispy skin.
  4. Arrange and Bake: Place the marinated drumsticks on the wire rack spaced apart. Reserve any leftover marinade. Bake for 30–35 minutes, turning the drumsticks halfway through to brown all sides evenly.
  5. Make the Extra Glaze (Optional): While the chicken bakes, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer until slightly thickened. Use this glaze to baste the chicken during the last 5 minutes of roasting or serve as a dipping sauce.
  6. Final Broil for a Glossy Finish: Switch your oven to broil mode for the final 2–3 minutes to caramelize the glaze and achieve a sticky, glossy coating. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest briefly. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

  • Marinate the drumsticks for at least 2 hours for more intense flavor.
  • Pat the drumsticks dry before baking to ensure crispier skin.
  • Use a wire rack to allow air circulation and prevent sogginess.
  • Monitor closely when broiling to avoid burning the glaze.
  • Reserve extra glaze for dipping to keep the drumsticks moist and flavorful.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean glazed chicken drumsticks, Korean chicken recipe, sweet and savory chicken, sticky chicken drumsticks, easy weeknight recipe, Korean BBQ chicken, gluten free chicken recipe