Sticky Glazed Baked Chicken Drumsticks

 Sticky Glazed Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Ingredients:

– 12 chicken drumsticks
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons minced garlic
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. **Marinate the Chicken:**
– In a large bowl, mix together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, smoked paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and olive oil.
– Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl, making sure they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavor.

2. **Prepare for Baking:**
– Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease it with cooking spray.

3. **Bake the Drumsticks:**
– Place the marinated drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer.
– Pour any remaining marinade over the drumsticks.

4. **Bake:**
– Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
– Halfway through baking, baste the drumsticks with the pan juices to ensure they stay moist and develop a sticky glaze.

5. **Broil for a Crispy Finish:**
– In the last 5 minutes of cooking, switch the oven to broil mode to give the chicken a crispy finish. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

6. **Serve:**
– Remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
– Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

Enjoy your sticky glazed baked chicken drumsticks with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad!