Print

Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks

Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks
Print Recipe

Korean Glazed Chicken Drumsticks feature tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, spicy, and savory glaze made with authentic Korean ingredients like gochujang and soy sauce. Easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or game day snacks, these drumsticks offer bold flavors and a beautifully caramelized finish that will quickly become a household favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 8 medium-sized fresh chicken drumsticks

Marinade and Glaze

  • 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free option)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar (or maple syrup for variation)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Garnish

  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth and well blended to create the signature glaze.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken drumsticks in a large bowl or zip-top bag, pour the marinade over them, and toss well to evenly coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
  3. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot when you bake the drumsticks, enabling juicy cooking and caramelization.
  4. Arrange and Bake: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and arrange the drumsticks in a single layer. Reserve leftover marinade. Bake for 35-40 minutes, basting the drumsticks with reserved marinade halfway through to build layers of sticky glaze and rich flavor.
  5. Broil for Finish: Switch oven setting to broil for the last 3-5 minutes. Keep a close watch to avoid burning while allowing the glaze to thicken and slightly char, adding depth.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove drumsticks from oven and immediately sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top. Serve hot for best flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Marinate for at least 30 minutes but not more than 4 hours to prevent meat from breaking down.
  • Select drumsticks that are similar in size for even cooking.
  • Use a wire rack over the baking sheet to allow air circulation and avoid soggy skin.
  • Baste the drumsticks generously with leftover marinade halfway through baking for a rich glaze.
  • Watch carefully when broiling to prevent burning while achieving caramelization.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean chicken, glazed chicken drumsticks, gochujang chicken, sticky chicken, spicy chicken drumsticks, Korean appetizer, baked chicken

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/korean-glazed-chicken-drumsticks/