Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly glazed chicken drumstick that's simultaneously crispy, tender, and bursting with a mouthwatering blend of sweet and savory flavors. This Brown Sugar Glazed Baked Chicken Drumsticks recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner sensation that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken drumsticks
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and the glaze caramelizes nicely.
- In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until the brown sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
- Rinse the chicken drumsticks under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the glaze adhere better to the chicken.
- Place the chicken drumsticks in a large mixing bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the brown sugar glaze over the chicken, ensuring that each drumstick is well coated. If using a bag, seal it and massage the glaze into the chicken. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for more flavor.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This will allow the heat to circulate around the chicken and help it cook evenly.
- Arrange the marinated chicken drumsticks on the wire rack, spacing them out evenly. This will help them bake properly and achieve a nice glaze.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 30-35 minutes, or until the drumsticks are cooked through and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The skin should be caramelized and slightly crispy.
- For an extra glossy finish, you can broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender.
- Serve the brown sugar glazed baked chicken drumsticks hot, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy with your favorite sides!
Tips
- Always pat your chicken dry before marinating to help the glaze adhere better and achieve a crispy exterior.
- For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes, but if you have time, letting it sit in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours will intensify the taste.
- Use a wire rack on your baking sheet to ensure even cooking and allow excess marinade to drip away, preventing soggy skin.
- Invest in a meat thermometer to accurately check the internal temperature. Chicken is safely cooked at 165°F (74°C).
- For an extra glossy finish, don't skip the optional broiling step - it caramelizes the glaze and creates a stunning golden-brown color.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to ensure the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.
- Feel free to adjust the brown sugar and soy sauce ratio to suit your preferred level of sweetness and saltiness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 135mg
