Baked Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks

Baked Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks are a fantastic choice for many reasons. First, they are easy to make, which makes them perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The flavors in the teriyaki sauce are a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and spicy, making each bite satisfying and tasty. Cooking the drumsticks in the oven gives them a crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy on the inside. Plus, cleaning up is simple since you can use just one baking dish. If you are looking for a dish that everyone will love and you can whip up without much hassle, this recipe is a winner.

HOW TO MAKE Baked Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks

Ingredients

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup water
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1-3 teaspoons Sriracha
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)
• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds

DIRECTIONS

1. Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. This temperature is perfect for getting the chicken crispy on the outside.
2. Take a 9×13-inch baking pan and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. This helps prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan, making cleanup easier later.
3. Arrange the chicken drumsticks in the baking dish, placing them skin side down. This allows the skin to get nice and crispy as they cook.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and Sriracha. Whisk these ingredients together until well mixed. The combination of these ingredients creates a flavorful teriyaki sauce that will coat the chicken beautifully.
5. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the drumsticks in the baking dish. Ensure each chicken piece is coated with the delicious sauce.
6. Bake the chicken for 40-45 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the drumsticks over to ensure even cooking and crispy skin on both sides.
7. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and set it aside for a moment.
8. Transfer the remaining sauce from the baking dish into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
9. Before adding the cornstarch, stir your mixture of cornstarch and water one last time. Pour it into the simmering sauce and stir well. This process helps thicken the sauce, making it perfect for glazing the chicken.
10. Return the saucepan to the heat and bring the sauce back to a simmer. Once it thickens, it should have a lovely, sticky consistency.
11. Use a brush to generously coat the chicken with the thickened sauce. This step is crucial as it adds extra flavor and a beautiful glaze to the chicken.
12. Finally, turn on the broiler in your oven and broil the chicken for about 2-5 minutes until it is browned and lacquered with the sauce. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
13. Once done, garnish the chicken with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. This adds a fresh touch and some extra texture.

HOW TO SERVE Baked Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks

Serving Baked Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks is simple and delicious. You can serve them right out of the oven with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad. The sticky teriyaki sauce pairs perfectly with steamed white or brown rice, soaking into every grain. For a lighter option, fresh veggies like a simple cucumber and carrot salad can complement the rich flavors of the chicken. Don’t forget to keep some extra sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling!

HOW TO STORE Baked Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks

If you happen to have leftovers, storing them is easy. Allow the drumsticks to cool down completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can stay in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze the cooked chicken drumsticks. Wrap each piece in foil or place them in freezer bags, and they will last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight, and then reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

TIPS TO MAKE Baked Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks

1. Use fresh ginger and garlic: These ingredients will provide the best flavor. Fresh ginger adds a bright, zesty touch, while garlic gives it depth.
2. Adjust the spice level: Depending on your taste, you can increase or decrease the amount of Sriracha in the sauce. If you prefer mild flavors, start with 1 teaspoon and adjust accordingly.
3. Broil with care: Keep an eye on the chicken while it broils to prevent burning. It can go from perfectly browned to burnt in just a minute or two!
4. Try marinating: For even more flavor, you can marinate the drumsticks in the teriyaki sauce for a few hours before baking.
5. Experiment with garnishes: Besides green onions and sesame seeds, you can add chopped cilantro or crushed peanuts for extra texture and flavor.

VARIATIONS

You can customize this recipe in many ways. Here are a few ideas:

• Teriyaki Chicken Thighs: If you prefer, you can use bone-in chicken thighs instead of drumsticks for a richer flavor.
• Add Vegetables: Toss some vegetables, like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas, around the chicken in the baking dish for a one-pan meal.
• Spicy Version: Add more Sriracha or include some chopped green chilies to kick up the heat.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
• Switch up the sweetener: Try honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Just be aware that the cooking time may be shorter, so monitor it closely.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the drumsticks and sauce ahead of time, then store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just bake as directed when you are ready to eat.

3. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The best way to check is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165°F for it to be safe to eat.

4. Can I grill these drumsticks instead?
Yes! You can marinate the drumsticks in the sauce and grill them for a smoky flavor. Just brush with the sauce while grilling to create that delicious glaze.

5. What sides go well with teriyaki chicken?
Rice is a classic pairing, but you can also serve it with stir-fried vegetables, steamed broccoli, or a simple salad for a balanced meal.