Crispy & Juicy Garlic Soy Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Savory Garlic Soy Chicken Drumsticks Baked in the Oven
Beat the spring sluggishness with these flavorful garlic soy chicken drumsticks! Infused with a rich garlic aroma, they’re the perfect way to replenish your energy. This recipe guarantees a delightful balance of sweet and savory, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages. It’s also an excellent choice for a home party main dish!
Main Ingredients
- 7 chicken drumsticks
Garlic Soy Marinade
- 3 Tbsp minced garlic (feel free to add more for an extra garlicky punch!)
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp mirin (or cooking sake/rice wine)
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 1.5 Tbsp sugar
- 2 hot peppers (optional, add more for extra heat)
- 3 Tbsp minced garlic (feel free to add more for an extra garlicky punch!)
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp mirin (or cooking sake/rice wine)
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 1.5 Tbsp sugar
- 2 hot peppers (optional, add more for extra heat)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Gently pull the skin of the chicken drumstick down towards the joint. Then, carefully cut through the tendon at the joint by rotating the drumstick. This helps keep the meat intact. Once the tendon is cut, flip the meat up over the bone, similar to turning a skirt inside out, to prepare it for marinating.
Step 2
Place the prepared chicken drumsticks in a bowl and cover them with enough milk to submerge. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes to tenderize the meat and remove any gamey odor. Soaking for an hour will yield even better results.
Step 3
While the chicken is marinating in milk, let’s prepare the delicious garlic soy sauce! In a separate bowl, combine 3 Tbsp of minced garlic (don’t be shy with the garlic!), 3 Tbsp of soy sauce, 2 Tbsp of mirin, 1 Tbsp of oyster sauce, and 1.5 Tbsp of sugar. Whisk everything together until well combined. For those who enjoy a spicy kick, finely chop 2 hot peppers (like the ‘Haneul pepper’ grown at home, known for its heat!) and add them to the sauce for a delightful spicy nuance. (Adjust the amount of chili to your preference.)
Step 4
Rinse the chicken drumsticks under cold running water to remove the milk. You don’t need to thoroughly dry them; simply place them back into a bowl. Pour the prepared garlic soy marinade over the drumsticks and toss to coat them evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Marinating overnight will result in a more deeply infused and delicious flavor.
Step 5
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the marinated chicken drumsticks on the prepared sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping. Place the sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (approximately 180°C) and bake for the first 30 minutes. (You can also use a toaster oven for this.)
Step 6
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the chicken from the oven. Generously brush the remaining marinade from the pan onto the drumsticks. Return them to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes. Then, flip the drumsticks over and generously brush them with the remaining marinade once more. Bake for an additional 30 minutes to achieve a beautifully glazed finish. Oven temperatures can vary, so always check the doneness of the chicken and adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed to ensure it’s cooked through and perfectly tender.
Step 7
And there you have it! Your simple yet incredibly flavorful Garlic Soy Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks are ready. Serve them as a satisfying meal, a delightful side dish, or even as an appetizer. The wonderfully tender chicken with its sweet and savory garlic soy glaze is sure to be a hit!
