Sweet and Crispy Honey-Glazed Chicken Drumsticks – A Flavorful Crowd-Pleaser
Introduction
Savor the perfect blend of sweet and savory with these Sweet and Crispy Honey-Glazed Chicken Drumsticks! These golden-fried drumsticks are coated in a sticky, flavorful honey glaze that takes your comfort food game to the next level. Ideal for family dinners, parties, or a casual indulgence, this recipe guarantees satisfaction with every bite. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken:
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (60g) cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Honey Glaze:
- ½ cup (120ml) honey
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp hot sauce or chili flakes (optional for heat)
Instructions
Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs. In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2: Bread the Drumsticks
- Dip each drumstick into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Dredge the drumstick in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat the process (buttermilk then flour) for a thicker, crunchier coating.
- Place the breaded chicken on a wire rack and let it rest for 10–15 minutes. This helps the coating set.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Ensure the oil is deep enough to submerge the drumsticks.
- Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Prepare the Honey Glaze
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, butter, soy sauce, garlic powder, and hot sauce (if desired). Stir until the butter melts and the glaze is smooth.
- Allow the glaze to simmer for 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 5: Glaze the Chicken
- Place the fried drumsticks in a large bowl and pour the honey glaze over them.
- Gently toss the drumsticks until evenly coated in the sticky glaze.
Pro Tips
- For maximum crunch, double-coat the chicken before frying.
- Keep the oil temperature consistent to ensure even cooking; a thermometer works best for this.
- If you like extra heat, add an extra dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the glaze.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these honey-glazed drumsticks with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttered corn, or coleslaw.
- Add a refreshing beverage like sweet iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water to balance the richness.
Conclusion
These Sweet and Crispy Honey-Glazed Chicken Drumsticks are the perfect combination of crunchy, juicy, and flavorful. The sticky-sweet glaze paired with the crispy fried coating creates a dish that’s impossible to resist. Whip this up for your next family meal or gathering, and watch everyone reach for seconds.
Enjoy cooking and savor every bite!
