Savory & Sweet Braised Chicken Drumsticks: A Family-Friendly Recipe
Tender Chicken Drumsticks Braised in Teriyaki Sauce – Perfect for Everyone!
As a couple who loves spicy food, we often cook two versions of dishes to cater to our son’s preference for milder flavors. This daily juggling can be quite exhausting! Today, I’m sharing a recipe for Braised Chicken Drumsticks in a soy sauce-based glaze that the whole family can enjoy together. It’s a wonderfully versatile dish that’s perfect as a side for rice or as a delicious appetizer with a cold drink.
Main Ingredients
- 1 pack (6 pcs) Chicken Drumsticks
For Removing Chicken Odor
- 3 Tbsp Mirin (rice wine)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Dried Rosemary
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Salt
Savory Soy Glaze
- 2 Tbsp ‘All-Purpose Soy Sauce’ (e.g., Baek Jong-won’s recipe)
- 1 Tbsp Dark Soy Sauce (or regular soy sauce)
- 2 Tbsp Mirin (rice wine)
- 1.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Corn Syrup (or honey/oligodang)
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- 3 Tbsp Mirin (rice wine)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Dried Rosemary
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Salt
Savory Soy Glaze
- 2 Tbsp ‘All-Purpose Soy Sauce’ (e.g., Baek Jong-won’s recipe)
- 1 Tbsp Dark Soy Sauce (or regular soy sauce)
- 2 Tbsp Mirin (rice wine)
- 1.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Corn Syrup (or honey/oligodang)
- Pinch of Black Pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, rinse the chicken drumsticks under cold running water to remove any blood. While rinsing, you can trim off any excess fat or tough bits from the skin for a cleaner result. (If you prefer not to eat chicken skin, feel free to remove it completely at this stage.)
Step 2
Make several deep cuts into the fleshy part of each drumstick with a sharp knife. Scoring the meat like this helps the chicken cook faster and more evenly, and allows the delicious glaze to penetrate deeply, ensuring a tender and flavorful outcome.
Step 3
Prepare the ingredients to tenderize and remove any unwanted odors from the chicken. In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of mirin, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix them well. Rosemary adds a lovely aroma, but you can omit it if you don’t have it or prefer not to use it.
Step 4
Add the marinade mixture to the scored chicken drumsticks and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt all over the chicken. Let the chicken marinate for about 15 minutes. While the chicken is marinating, let’s whip up the irresistible soy glaze!
Step 5
In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of ‘All-Purpose Soy Sauce’ (using Baek Jong-won’s recipe as a guide), 1 tablespoon of regular soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of mirin, 1.5 tablespoons of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of corn syrup (or oligodang/honey), and a pinch of black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. If you don’t have ‘All-Purpose Soy Sauce’, you can substitute with regular soy sauce, though the flavor profile might slightly differ.
Step 6
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the marinated chicken drumsticks to the boiling water. Cover the pot and cook over high heat for about 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, test for doneness by piercing the thickest part of a drumstick with a chopstick or fork; clear juices should run out. If pink liquid appears, continue cooking for a few more minutes. Once cooked, drain the chicken thoroughly using a colander.
Step 7
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the drained chicken drumsticks and pan-fry until golden brown on all sides. This step adds a lovely color and texture, but it can be skipped if you prefer to go straight to glazing.
Step 8
Return the chicken drumsticks to the skillet (if removed) and pour in the prepared soy glaze. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the chicken simmer, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens and coats the chicken beautifully. Be careful not to let the heat get too high, as the glaze can burn easily.
Step 9
Continue simmering over medium-low heat, basting the chicken with the sauce as it thickens. You’ll see the drumsticks transform into a gorgeous, glossy brown as they absorb the delicious sweet and savory glaze. This slow simmering process ensures maximum flavor!
Step 10
Once the chicken is beautifully glazed and tender, transfer the braised drumsticks to a serving plate. Garnish with blanched broccoli florets or other desired vegetables for a visually appealing presentation.
Step 11
And there you have it – incredibly delicious Braised Chicken Drumsticks! The tender chicken is infused with flavor, making every bite a delight. The glaze strikes a perfect balance of savory and sweet, making it an ideal side dish for kids and a fantastic accompaniment to rice or a cold beer. Enjoy this delightful meal!
