Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Drumsticks are so flavorful and tender that they easily become a go-to recipe for any night of the week. Beautifully browned, richly glazed, and incredibly juicy, these drumsticks offer the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic notes. The marinade infuses the meat deeply, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

This recipe is simple to prepare, requires minimal pantry ingredients, and always delivers impressive results. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, these baked drumsticks are consistently a crowd-pleaser.

Why This Recipe Works

The long marinade time ensures maximum flavor penetration.
Honey caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a rich glaze.
Garlic, soy sauce, and ginger add depth and balance to the sweetness.
Baking keeps the chicken juicy while giving the skin a crisp finish.
The recipe is adaptable and works well with chicken thighs or legs.

Ingredients

Chicken

12 chicken drumsticks (or 6 full chicken legs; about 4 lbs)

Marinade

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons lemon juice (or lime juice)
5 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch fresh ginger root, peeled and grated (or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

How to Make Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Drumsticks

1. Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients until well combined. Set aside.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Place the drumsticks in a large Ziploc bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, press out excess air, and seal the bag.
Marinate overnight or up to 24 hours for the best flavor. If you’re short on time, massage the chicken in the marinade for 5 minutes to help the flavors absorb.

3. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

4. Bake

Transfer the drumsticks and all of the marinade into a baking dish.
Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 185°F and the chicken is browned on top.

5. Serve

Remove from the oven and serve hot with the pan juices. These drumsticks pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

Tips for the Best Results

Marinating overnight gives the chicken its deepest flavor.
For crispier skin, broil the drumsticks for the last 3–5 minutes.
If using chicken thighs or full legs, adjust baking time as needed.
Use fresh garlic and ginger for the most aromatic marinade.