Honey Soy Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Garlic and Lime
Tender, juicy chicken drumsticks baked in a sweet and savory honey-soy marinade with garlic, lime, and a hint of heat. The long marination creates deeply flavored meat while the oven transforms the coating into a beautiful golden-brown glaze. Perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining, these drumsticks deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal hands-on work. The pan juices make an excellent sauce for drizzling over rice or vegetables.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- ⅓ cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- 1
Place chicken drumsticks in a large zip-top bag
- 2
Whisk together all marinade ingredients in a medium bowl
- 3
Pour marinade over chicken and seal the bag
- 4
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably 8 hours, or up to 24 hours
- 5
Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line a large baking dish with foil
- 6
Spray baking dish with non-stick cooking spray
- 7
Transfer drumsticks along with marinade to the prepared baking dish
- 8
Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until chicken is cooked through and dark golden brown
- 9
Serve with pan juices
Tips
For extra crispy skin, pat drumsticks completely dry before marinating and broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Reserve some unmarinated sauce before adding chicken to use as a finishing glaze for extra flavor.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness - internal temperature should reach 165°F in the thickest part.
Good to Know
Refrigerate cooked drumsticks for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Marinate drumsticks up to 24 hours in advance. Can be baked earlier in the day and reheated.
Serve hot with the pan juices drizzled over. Great with rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the marination time or flavors will be weak
Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even browning
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken instead of drumsticks?
Yes, but reduce cooking time to 25-30 minutes for boneless thighs or 20-25 minutes for breasts to prevent overcooking.
What if I don't have sesame oil?
You can substitute with additional olive oil, though you'll lose the nutty sesame flavor that complements the Asian-inspired marinade.
How long will these keep in the refrigerator?
Cooked drumsticks will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.