Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks

If you’ve been craving something that’s juicy, crispy, and bursting with flavor, Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks are exactly what you need. This dish pairs tender chicken drumsticks with a sweet and savory glaze that caramelizes perfectly, making every bite irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a weekend treat, these chicken drumsticks deliver bold Korean-inspired flavors that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory notes creates a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to beat.
• Perfectly Crispy Skin: The glaze crisps up just right, adding a delightful crunch to the juicy meat inside.
• Simple Ingredients: You don’t need hard-to-find items to make this dish, just pantry staples and fresh basics come together beautifully.
• Great for Any Occasion: Serve it at a casual dinner or impress guests at a party; these drumsticks fit every vibe.
• Hands-Off Cooking: Once prepped, mostly oven work means you can relax while the magic happens.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks recipe is that it relies on a handful of ingredients that pack a punch. Each component plays a role in creating a balanced glaze that’s sticky, flavorful, and visually stunning.

• Chicken Drumsticks: Choose drumsticks with skin on for the best crispy texture and juicy meat.
• Soy Sauce: This provides the savory, umami backbone of the glaze.
• Honey or Brown Sugar: Adds a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully when cooked.
• Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste): Brings authentic Korean heat and depth to the sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the glaze with a pungent aromatic punch.
• Ginger: Adds a warm, slightly spicy note that complements the other flavors.
• Rice Vinegar: Balances sweetness with a gentle tang for brightness.
• Sesame Oil: A little drizzle enriches the glaze with nutty undertones.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted seeds sprinkled on top add crunch and a toasty finish.
• Green Onions: For freshness and a pop of color when garnishing.

Variations for Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks

Want to make this recipe your own? There are plenty of easy ways to customize Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks to fit your taste, dietary needs, or ingredient availability.

• Sweeter Glaze: Increase honey or brown sugar if you love a bolder sweetness.
• Extra Spicy Kick: Add more gochujang or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat lovers.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.
• Thicker Sauce: Mix a bit of cornstarch with cold water to thicken the glaze before coating the drumsticks.
• Roasted Garlic: Use roasted garlic instead of raw for a mellower, sweeter garlic flavor.

How to Make Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy when cooked. You can season them lightly with salt and pepper before marinating or glazing.

Step 2: Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, gochujang, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Taste and adjust the balance of sweet, savory, and spicy to your liking.

Step 3: Marinate the Drumsticks

Place the drumsticks in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour half of the glaze over them. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor penetration.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the drumsticks on a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup. Bake for 25 minutes.

Step 5: Glaze and Broil

Remove from the oven, brush the drumsticks generously with the remaining glaze, and switch the oven to broil. Broil for about 3–5 minutes until the skin caramelizes and crisps up, watching closely to avoid burning.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy the perfect balance of crispy, juicy, and flavorful Korean glazed chicken drumsticks.

Pro Tips for Making Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks

• Dry Skin Means Crispy Skin: Thoroughly pat chicken dry before cooking to maximize crispiness.
• Don’t Skip the Broil: Broiling at the end is key to getting that irresistible glaze crunch.
• Use a Wire Rack: Cooking on a rack allows heat to circulate and prevents sogginess.
• Marinate Longer for Best Flavor: If time allows, marinate overnight for juicier, more flavorful drumsticks.
• Adjust Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce gochujang or balance with more honey.

How to Serve Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks

Garnishes

Fresh green onions sliced thinly and toasted sesame seeds make beautiful, crunchy garnishes that add both flavor and visual appeal to the dish.

Side Dishes

Serve your Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks with steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice to soak up the glaze. A simple cucumber salad or Korean-style kimchi adds a refreshing counterpoint.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive presentation, arrange the drumsticks on a large platter with fresh herbs, extra glaze drizzled on top, and sprinkle with chili flakes for a pop of color and heat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the drumsticks are completely cooled before storing.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil or storing in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat drumsticks in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the skin slightly crispy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and will be just as flavorful and juicy when glazed and cooked properly.

How spicy is Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks?

The level of spiciness depends on how much gochujang you use. You can easily adjust the spice to be mild or fiery based on your preference.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to keep the glaze gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

What’s the best way to get crispy skin on the drumsticks?

Patting the skin dry, baking on a wire rack, and finishing under the broiler are essential steps to achieve that perfect crispy skin texture.

Can I grill Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks?

Definitely! Grill the drumsticks over medium heat, basting with the glaze regularly to build up caramelization and flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re hungry for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s packed with sweet, savory, and spicy goodness, Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks are your new go-to. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe brings vibrant Korean flavors to your table in a fun and delicious way. Give it a try and watch these drumsticks become a fast favorite in your kitchen!

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