Description
Sticky Thai drumsticks deliver a flavor explosion of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes that dance across your palate. Marinated chicken infused with classic Thai ingredients creates an irresistible main dish perfect for adventurous dinner guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1–2 pounds chicken legs
Marinade Ingredients:
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- ½ stalk lemon grass, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 green onion, minced
Glaze Ingredients:
- ¾ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons chili garlic sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
Instructions
- Craft a flavorful marinade by whisking together all marinade components until honey completely dissolves, leaving chicken aside.
- Submerge chicken drumsticks thoroughly in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for minimum 3 hours or ideally overnight to intensify flavor profiles.
- Allow marinated chicken to rest at ambient temperature for approximately 20 minutes before cooking, which helps achieve even heat distribution.
- Heat oven to 400°F (204°C), preparing a lightly greased baking sheet for optimal cooking results.
- Position chicken drumsticks on prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between pieces to ensure consistent cooking.
- Roast drumsticks for 30 minutes, allowing initial cooking phase to develop foundational flavor and texture.
- Simultaneously prepare spicy Thai glaze by combining ingredients in a small saucepan, bringing mixture to a rapid boil then reducing to medium-low heat.
- Simmer glaze for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce reaches desired thickness and consistency.
- After initial 30-minute cooking period, generously brush each drumstick with prepared glaze.
- Return glazed drumsticks to oven, continuing cooking until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety or up to 200°F (93°C) for enhanced tenderness.
- Once fully cooked, transfer drumsticks to large mixing bowl and coat thoroughly with remaining glaze.
- Plate drumsticks, garnishing with toasted sesame seeds, fresh lime wedges, and finely sliced green onions.
- Serve immediately alongside steamed white rice for a complete meal experience.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least three hours or overnight to infuse deep, rich Thai-inspired flavors into the meat.
- Room temperature chicken ensures even cooking and helps prevent dry, tough meat during baking.
- Flexible cooking method allows for oven or grill preparation, making this recipe adaptable to different kitchen setups.
- Homemade spicy glaze can be adjusted for sweetness, giving you complete control over the final taste profile.
- Internal temperature is crucial for food safety and optimal meat tenderness, with 165°F being the minimum recommended temperature.
- Finishing the drumsticks by tossing in remaining sauce guarantees maximum flavor absorption and a glossy, appetizing appearance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg