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+ servings
Linda Cain

Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks, Thighs, or Wings

When it comes to honey soy chicken drumsticks, thighs, or wings, the possibilities for pairing are endless. Picture this: a sunny afternoon, grill smoke wafting through the air, and the scent of these savory wings mingling with the sweet honey glaze. You could whip up a refreshing cucumber salad to counterbalance the rich flavors, or perhaps a bowl of fluffy rice infused with sesame oil to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 231

Ingredients
  

  • 2 to 3 garlic cloves minced
  • - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • - ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • - 1 cup raw honey or wildflower honey
  • - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • - 2 tablespoons neutral oil peanut, canola, vegetable, or avocado oil
  • - 18 chicken wings or 10 drumettes or a mix of 4 chicken thighs and 5 drumsticks
  • - Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • - 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup for an extra layer of flavor

Equipment

  • Bowl, Oven

Method
 

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
  1. First, arrange all the ingredients on your counter. Having everything in one place makes it easier to mix and marinate your chicken. Trust me. This is like laying the groundwork for a great structure.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
  1. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and oil. I like to mix these well until the honey dissolves. The key here is to balance the sweet and salty elements—test it! Add salt and pepper as needed. This marinade will anchor your dish, infusing it with flavor.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
  1. Place your chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag or a glass dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag (removing excess air) or cover the dish and refrigerate. Aim for at least 30 minutes. If you can give it a couple of hours, that would be even better!
Step 4: Preheat Your Oven or Grill
  1. If you're baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If grilling, heat it to medium-high. The goal is to get that lovely char and caramelization on your chicken, making it delectable!
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
  1. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If grilling, oil the grates to prevent sticking, and arrange the chicken pieces there.
  2. If baking, cook for about 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. For the grill, transfer them after about 5-6 minutes on each side. The internal temperature should hit 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Step 6: Baste for Extra Flavor
  1. For those last few minutes of cooking, spoon some of that flavorful marinade over the chicken as it cooks. This deepens the flavor and creates a nice glaze.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
  1. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from heat. Allow it to rest for about five minutes. This lets the juices redistribute, leaving you with succulent bites. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Nutrition

Calories: 231kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 2gFat: 7.8gSaturated Fat: 1.4gTrans Fat: 0.5gSodium: 658mgSugar: 40gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 27mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 3mg

Notes

- Soy Sauce: Choose low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
- Honey: I prefer raw honey because it offers deeper taste notes, but any variety will do.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger brightens the dish, so don’t skimp on it!
- Garlic: Like ginger, garlic adds a deeper flavor. Increase the amount if you love its pungency.

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