Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

These Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks are bursting with savory, sweet, and tangy flavors that will satisfy your cravings for a deliciously different chicken dish. The sticky glaze is made with a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and garlic, creating a rich, umami-packed sauce that perfectly coats each tender drumstick. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests with its unique flavors and satisfying texture. With the addition of sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes, this dish takes traditional chicken drumsticks to a whole new level.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bold and Flavorful Glaze

The combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger creates a sweet and savory glaze that’s truly irresistible.

2. Crispy and Tender Drumsticks

The chicken drumsticks become tender and juicy on the inside, while the glaze caramelizes to form a perfect crispy coating on the outside.

3. Quick and Easy to Prepare

This recipe is simple to make and requires only a few ingredients. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

4. Versatile Dish

Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks pair well with a variety of side dishes, from steamed rice to roasted vegetables, making it a flexible and easy meal to customize.

5. Customizable Spice Level

Adjust the heat by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes, so you can enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness and spice according to your taste.

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Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup rice vinegar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions, for garnish
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish

Variations

• Add More Heat: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha to the glaze for a spicier kick.
• Use Chicken Wings: Swap out the drumsticks for chicken wings for a fun, bite-sized version of this dish.
• Add Honey: Substitute some or all of the brown sugar with honey for a more natural sweetness.
• Vegetarian Option: Try using tofu or tempeh for a plant-based alternative to chicken, and use the glaze to create a flavorful vegetarian dish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Glaze

In a medium saucepan, combine the sesame oil, cornstarch, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame seeds, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until the cornstarch is dissolved and the sugar begins to melt. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze thickens to your desired consistency. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

While the glaze is cooking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels, then place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken with Glaze

Brush each drumstick generously with the prepared glaze, making sure to coat all sides. Reserve some glaze for basting and serving later.

Step 4: Bake the Drumsticks

Place the chicken in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through the cooking time. After 20 minutes, baste the chicken with more glaze to ensure it becomes sticky and caramelized.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, remove it from the oven. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving. Serve the chicken hot with steamed rice, noodles, or your favorite side dishes.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The drumsticks should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, you can thin it with a bit of water or additional rice vinegar. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken.
• Even Coating: Make sure to coat the drumsticks evenly with glaze for a more flavorful result. Baste the chicken halfway through cooking for maximum flavor.
• Crispier Skin: For extra crispy skin, broil the drumsticks for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, but keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

How to Serve

Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks are perfect when served with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice to absorb the delicious sauce. Pair them with roasted or sautéed vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, or carrots for a complete meal. You can also serve the chicken with a side of kimchi or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the drumsticks, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and store them for up to 2 months. To reheat, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm them in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken drumsticks in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for quicker results.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe with bone-in chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute bone-in chicken breasts for the drumsticks, but the cooking time may be longer. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

2. Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, you can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil in place of sesame oil, though the flavor may be slightly different.

3. How do I make the glaze less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the amount of brown sugar or substitute some of it with a lower-sugar alternative like coconut sugar.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken drumsticks and glaze ahead of time. Store them separately and bake the drumsticks when ready to serve.

5. What is Korean BBQ sauce made from?

Korean BBQ sauce typically includes soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, garlic, and other ingredients like gochujang (Korean chili paste) or miso. This recipe uses a simplified version with soy sauce and rice vinegar.

6. Can I use chicken wings instead of drumsticks?

Yes, chicken wings work great for this recipe! They will cook faster, so be sure to check them after 20 minutes of baking.

7. How can I make the glaze thicker?

To thicken the glaze, you can simmer it for a few more minutes or dissolve a little more cornstarch in water and add it to the sauce.

8. Can I add more heat to this dish?

Yes, if you prefer a spicier version, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.

9. How can I garnish the chicken besides green onions and sesame seeds?

In addition to green onions and sesame seeds, you can garnish with cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a sprinkle of chili powder for extra flavor.

10. Can I make this recipe on the grill?

Yes, you can grill the chicken drumsticks instead of baking them. Brush them with the glaze and grill over medium heat, turning occasionally until fully cooked and caramelized.

Conclusion

Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With a sticky, savory glaze and crispy chicken, this recipe combines bold flavors that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these drumsticks are a showstopper. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile, pairing well with a variety of side dishes, making them perfect for any meal. Try this recipe today for a taste of Korean-inspired comfort food at its best!

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