Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Drumsticks

Begin your culinary adventure by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving that crispy, caramelized exterior on your chicken drumsticks. Preheating not only ensures even cooking but also helps to lock in moisture, resulting in tender meat.

Discover the irresistible flavors of Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Drumsticks, a dish that's perfect for any occasion! This recipe features juicy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy glaze made from sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Ideal for family dinners or festive celebrations, these drumsticks are easy to prepare and serve, whether as an appetizer or main course. With a delightful balance of flavors and a crispy finish, they're sure to impress your guests. Enjoy with a side of coconut rice or grilled vegetables for a complete meal everyone will love!

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Ingredients

2 lbs chicken drumsticks

1/2 cup sweet chili sauce

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon sriracha (optional for heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Prep the Chicken: Rinse the chicken drumsticks under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and pepper on all sides.

Make the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and sriracha (if using).

Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken drumsticks in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or for best results, let it marinate overnight.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Bake the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece for even cooking. Reserve the leftover marinade for basting.

Cook and Baste: Bake the drumsticks in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. After 15 minutes, take them out and baster with the reserved marinade. Return to the oven and continue baking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and has a sticky glaze, roughly another 15-20 minutes.

Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for a zesty kick.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

15 minutes | 1 hour 10 minutes | 4 servings