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- 10 chicken drumsticks - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 inch fresh ginger, grated - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt To make sesame honey chicken drumsticks, you need fresh chicken drumsticks. I choose 10 pieces for this recipe. The marinade is vital. It consists of honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and salt. Each ingredient adds depth and flavor to the dish. - Honey - Soy Sauce - Sesame Oil - Garlic and Ginger Honey gives a sweet taste that balances the saltiness of soy sauce. Use 1/4 cup of each. Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor. Minced garlic and grated ginger give a spicy kick. They enhance the overall taste of the drumsticks. - Chopped Green Onions - Toasted Sesame Seeds For garnish, I like to add chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. They not only look great but also add texture. The green onions provide a fresh crunch. The sesame seeds bring a slight nuttiness. Use them to finish your dish beautifully. - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Start by turning on your oven. Set it to the right temperature so your chicken cooks well. While the oven heats, take your baking sheet. Parchment paper helps keep the drumsticks from sticking. This makes cleanup easier too! - Combining the marinade ingredients. - Tossing drumsticks in the marinade. In a large bowl, mix the honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and salt. Stir until all the ingredients blend well. Once the marinade is ready, add the drumsticks. Toss them in the mix until they are coated all over. Cover your bowl and let it sit. You can leave it for 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the fridge. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become. - Baking time and temperature. - Flipping and toasting the sesame seeds. Place the coated drumsticks on the baking sheet. Make sure they have space between them for even cooking. Bake in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure they brown nicely. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). In the last five minutes, sprinkle sesame seeds over the drumsticks. This toasts them and adds a nice crunch. Once done, remove them from the oven. Let them rest a few minutes before serving. Marinating chicken drumsticks boosts flavor. I find the best time is at least 30 minutes. For deeper taste, try marinating for up to 2 hours. If you need more marinade, just double the ingredients. This ensures every drumstick gets a good soak. For even cooking, space drumsticks on the baking sheet. This allows heat to circulate well. Flip them halfway through cooking for a nice color. Check if the chicken is done by using a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. Pair these drumsticks with rice or steamed vegetables for a great meal. You can also serve them with a fresh salad. For plating, stack the drumsticks neatly and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Finish with green onions for color and crunch. {{image_2}} You can switch up the chicken type. Chicken thighs or wings work great too. Each part has its unique flavor and texture. You can also try vegetarian options. Tofu or tempeh are fantastic substitutes. They soak up the marinade well, giving you a tasty dish. Want to spice things up? Add chili flakes for a kick! This will give your sesame honey chicken a nice heat. If you prefer something fresh, try citrus. Adding lime or orange zest brightens the dish. It brings a zesty twist that pairs well with the sweetness. You can grill or bake the drumsticks. Grilling adds a smoky flavor, while baking is easier. Both methods yield juicy chicken. If you want to try something slow, use a slow cooker. This method makes the chicken tender and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. After enjoying your sesame honey chicken drumsticks, store any leftovers right away. Cool the drumsticks to room temperature first. Place them in an airtight container. Use a container that is safe for the fridge. Glass or BPA-free plastic work well. Refrigerate within two hours to keep them fresh. Properly stored, they last up to four days. To enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. The best way is using an oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until hot. This method keeps the chicken juicy and crispy. Avoid using a microwave, as it might make them rubbery. If you want to save some drumsticks for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each drumstick in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Press out air before sealing. Label the bag with the date. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. This helps retain flavor and texture. You can use skinless chicken drumsticks. However, the flavor will change. Skin adds rich taste and helps keep the meat juicy. Without skin, the drumsticks may dry out faster during cooking. You should check them often. Cooking time may also be shorter, so keep an eye on them. To check if the chicken is done, look for a few signs. The skin should be golden brown. The meat should not be pink near the bone. The best way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part. The chicken should reach 165°F or 74°C to be safe to eat. Yes, you can prepare these drumsticks in advance. Marinating them overnight in the fridge will add lots of flavor. Just keep them in a sealed container. You can also store cooked drumsticks in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat them in the oven to keep them crispy. This blog post covered how to prepare tasty chicken drumsticks. We discussed key ingredients like honey and soy sauce, plus tips for marinating and cooking. I shared garnish ideas and helpful storage info. Remember, you can switch up ingredients or cooking methods to fit your tastes. Experimenting makes cooking fun. With these steps, you can enjoy delicious drumsticks anytime. Dive in and enjoy your cooking adventure!

Sesame Honey Chicken Drumsticks

Savor the flavors of Sesame Honey Chicken Drumsticks with this easy and delicious recipe! Dive into juicy chicken drumsticks marinated in a sweet and savory blend of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Perfectly baked to golden perfection and topped with toasted sesame seeds, this dish will be a hit at any dinner table. Click through to explore step-by-step instructions and treat your family to a delightful meal tonight!
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Ingredients
  

10 chicken drumsticks

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons sesame oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 inch fresh ginger, grated

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 green onions, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a large bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and salt until well combined.

      Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and toss them in the marinade until they are evenly coated. Cover and let sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for more flavor).

        Arrange the coated drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced out for even cooking.

          Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

            In the last 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the sesame seeds over the drumsticks to toast them slightly.

              Once done, remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped green onions.

                Prep Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 4-5