Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks are a mouthwatering dish that combines the richness of crispy, tender chicken with a sweet, spicy, and savory glaze. The chicken drumsticks are baked to perfection, then coated in a delicious Korean-inspired sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and gochujang (Korean chili paste). The result is a flavorful, sticky glaze that will leave your taste buds craving more. Perfect for dinner or a party appetizer, these drumsticks offer a fusion of bold flavors that are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Packed with Flavor: The sweet, savory, and spicy glaze gives the chicken drumsticks a unique, bold flavor that’s hard to resist.
2. Crispy and Tender: The chicken is baked until golden and crispy on the outside while remaining juicy and tender on the inside.
3. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these drumsticks come together effortlessly, making them a great choice for a weeknight meal or special occasion.
4. Versatile: This dish can be served with rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad, making it easy to pair with your favorite sides.
5. Perfect for Meal Prep: The glazed chicken drumsticks can be stored and reheated, making them a great option for meal prep and leftovers.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 10 chicken drumsticks, skin-on
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Korean Glaze:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Variations

• Spicy Version: Increase the amount of gochujang or add fresh chopped chili peppers to the glaze if you prefer more heat.
• Honey-Sesame Glaze: If you prefer a sweeter glaze, use extra honey and reduce the amount of soy sauce to balance the flavors.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Boneless Chicken: You can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts for a quicker version of this dish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Season with olive oil, salt, and pepper, ensuring that the chicken is evenly coated.

Step 2: Bake the Chicken

Place the chicken drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a baking rack. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 3: Make the Korean Glaze

While the chicken is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, gochujang, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and honey. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Glaze the Chicken

Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven. Brush the chicken with the Korean glaze, making sure each drumstick is fully coated. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize and become sticky.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as steamed rice or roasted vegetables.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• For Extra Crispiness: Place the chicken on a baking rack instead of a baking sheet so the heat circulates evenly around the chicken for extra crispy skin.
• Don’t Skip the Glaze Reduction: Reducing the glaze allows it to thicken and develop a rich flavor, creating that perfect sticky coating on the chicken.
• Baste Multiple Times: For a thicker, more caramelized glaze, baste the chicken two or three times throughout the baking process.
• Serve Immediately: These chicken drumsticks are best served immediately after glazing so the coating remains sticky and flavorful.

How to Serve

• With Steamed Rice: Pair these Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks with a bowl of steamed jasmine or brown rice for a complete meal.
• With Vegetables: Serve alongside stir-fried vegetables, roasted broccoli, or a simple salad for a well-rounded, healthy meal.
• As an Appetizer: These drumsticks make an excellent appetizer or finger food for parties, gatherings, or game day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover glazed chicken drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to store them with the glaze to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken drumsticks for up to 2-3 months. Allow the chicken to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Reheat thoroughly in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. If you prefer, you can also reheat the drumsticks in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used in this recipe. They will cook a bit faster, so be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. What can I use instead of gochujang?

If you can’t find gochujang, you can substitute with a mixture of Sriracha sauce and a little bit of honey to mimic the sweet and spicy flavor. However, gochujang is a key ingredient in authentic Korean cuisine and will give the best flavor.

3. How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add more heat, you can increase the amount of gochujang or add fresh chopped chili peppers to the glaze.

4. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat it before using it on the chicken.

5. Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?

Yes, you can grill the chicken instead of baking it. Simply grill the drumsticks until they are fully cooked, then brush them with the glaze and allow it to caramelize on the grill.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

7. Can I use chicken wings for this recipe?

Yes, chicken wings can be substituted for drumsticks. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the wings are fully cooked through.

8. What is the best way to check if the chicken is cooked?

The best way to check if the chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

9. Can I make this recipe in advance?

While it’s best to serve these chicken drumsticks fresh, you can prepare the glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. The chicken can also be baked a day ahead and reheated before glazing.

10. How can I store the leftover glaze?

Leftover glaze can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

Conclusion

Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks are a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of Korean cuisine in the comfort of your home. With a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy glaze, these drumsticks are full of flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer, these chicken drumsticks are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Try them out, and enjoy the perfect balance of crispy, tender chicken and rich, sticky glaze!

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