Finger-Licking Sticky Thai Drumsticks Recipe for Dinner Fun

Sizzling with bold flavors and a mouthwatering sticky Thai drumsticks recipe that dances on your palate, these drumsticks promise an explosion of taste.

Tender chicken meets a vibrant marinade bursting with sweet, spicy, and tangy notes.

The sauce clings to each drumstick, creating a glossy, irresistible coating that beckons hungry diners.

Aromatic herbs and zesty ingredients combine to elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings will never be the same once you experience these drumsticks.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can bring the vibrant tastes of Thailand straight to your kitchen.

Get ready to savor every single bite of this show-stopping meal that’s sure to become a new favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients List for Sticky Thai Drumsticks

• Honey: Adds sticky sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken for a gorgeous golden exterior.
• Soy Sauce: Provides rich umami depth and salt base for complex flavor profile.
• Garlic: Infuses intense aromatic warmth and traditional Thai cooking essence.
• Ginger: Brings zesty, bright undertone with subtle earthy heat.

• Chicken Drumsticks: Select fresh, plump legs with smooth skin for best texture and juiciness.

• Chili Sauce, Red Pepper Flakes: Creates vibrant spicy kick with layered heat levels.
• Brown Sugar: Balances spice with deep caramel-like sweetness.
• Lime: Adds bright, tangy citrus note to cut through rich chicken flavors.
• Sesame Seeds: Provides delicate nutty crunch and visual appeal.
• Green Onions: Offers fresh, sharp finish with crisp herbal undertone.

Essential Tools for Cooking Sticky Thai Drumsticks

• Mixing bowl: Large enough to marinate chicken and whisk marinade ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for blending marinade ingredients smoothly.
• Baking sheet: Used for roasting chicken in the oven.
• Small pot: Needed to prepare and simmer the spicy Thai glaze.
• Basting brush: For applying glaze evenly on chicken drumsticks.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Cutting board: For slicing green onions and preparing garnishes.
• Sharp knife: To slice green onions and lime wedges.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Sticky Thai Drumsticks

• Marinade Preparation

Mix all marinade components in a bowl, whisking until honey blends smoothly. Submerge chicken legs completely, ensuring thorough coating.

• Marination Time

Allow chicken to absorb flavors by refrigerating for several hours or overnight, enhancing depth and tenderness.

• Temperature Setup

Warm oven to 400°F, letting chicken rest at room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.

• Initial Roasting

Place chicken on lightly greased baking sheet, roasting for half an hour to develop initial golden exterior.

• Glaze Creation

Craft spicy sauce in small pot, simmering until liquid reduces and thickens with rich, concentrated flavor.

• Glazing Process

Brush chicken with prepared sauce, returning to oven until meat reaches safe internal temperature and develops caramelized edges.

• Final Touch

Toss drumsticks in remaining glaze, creating glossy, sticky coating that clings to every curve of the meat.

• Serving Presentation

Arrange on platter, garnishing with sesame seeds, fresh lime wedges, and delicate green onion slivers. Pair with fluffy white rice for complete meal experience.

Pro Tips & Variations for Sticky Thai Drumsticks

• Explore creative twists on this classic Thai-inspired recipe with these expert tips and variations.
• Replace chicken drumsticks with chicken thighs, turkey legs, or boneless chicken pieces for different textures and cooking times.
• Adjust the heat by reducing or increasing chili sauce, adding fresh chilies, or incorporating sriracha for an extra kick of spiciness.
• Prepare the marinade and glaze up to three days in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers to save time during busy weeknights.
• Cook drumsticks on a preheated grill over medium-high heat, turning occasionally and basting with glaze to create delicious caramelized edges and smoky flavor.

How to Serve Sticky Thai Drumsticks

• Spice Up Your Plate: Serve these sticky drumsticks over fragrant jasmine rice to soak up all the delicious glaze, creating a perfect flavor balance.
• Crunch and Freshness Boost: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for added texture and a bright, zesty finish that cuts through the richness.
• Create a Thai-Inspired Feast: Pair with a crisp cucumber salad or quick pickled vegetables to provide a cool, tangy contrast to the sweet and spicy chicken.
• Drink Pairing Magic: Complement the drumsticks with a cold Thai beer or a refreshing ginger-lime mocktail to enhance the meal's vibrant Asian-inspired flavors.

Planning Ahead: Storing Sticky Thai Drumsticks

• Maximize Freshness: Store cooked drumsticks in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain quality and safety.
• Keep Refrigerated: Seal leftover chicken in sealed containers and consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Freeze for Later: Package drumsticks in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chicken remains delicious for up to 3 months.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated drumsticks in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee food safety and maintain juiciness.

Tantalizing Thai Drumsticks Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering sticky thai drumsticks combine sweet and spicy flavors from Bangkok’s street kitchens. Marinated chicken emerges crispy and glazed, perfect for weekend gatherings with friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1–2 lb (pounds) chicken legs
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tbsp freshly grated ginger
• ¾ cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsps honey
• 2 tbsps brown sugar
• 2 tbsps fresh lime juice
• 2 tbsps fish sauce
• 3 tbsps soy sauce
• 2 tbsps chili garlic sauce
• 1 ½ tbsps chili garlic sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 ½ tsps sesame oil
• 1 tsp fresh ground pepper
• ½ stalk lemon grass, minced
• 2 tbsps chopped cilantro
• 1 green onion, minced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk marinade ingredients until honey dissolves completely, creating a smooth, cohesive mixture that will infuse deep flavors into the chicken.
2. Marinating Process: Thoroughly coat chicken drumsticks in prepared marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 3-8 hours to allow flavor penetration and tenderization.
3. Preheating and Preparation: Warm oven to 400°F (204°C). Remove chicken from refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking to equalize temperature and promote even roasting.
4. Initial Roasting: Arrange drumsticks on lightly greased baking sheet, maintaining spacing. Roast for 30 minutes to develop initial caramelization and cook through partially.
5. Glaze Creation: While chicken roasts, combine glaze ingredients in saucepan. Bring to rapid boil, then reduce to medium-low heat. Simmer for 10 minutes until sauce thickens and develops rich consistency.
6. Glazing and Final Cooking: Brush drumsticks generously with prepared glaze. Return to oven, continuing to cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring food safety while maximizing flavor intensity.
7. Finishing Touch: Transfer fully cooked drumsticks to large bowl, coating completely with remaining glaze for maximum flavor saturation.
8. Serving Presentation: Plate drumsticks, adorning with toasted sesame seeds, fresh lime wedges, and finely sliced green onions. Serve immediately alongside steamed white rice for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate chicken for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow deep penetration of marinade ingredients, transforming ordinary drumsticks into an extraordinary taste experience.
• Room Temperature Magic: Let marinated chicken rest for 20 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent uneven cooking or tough meat texture.
• Glaze Consistency is Key: Simmer the Thai glaze carefully, stirring occasionally until it reaches the perfect thickness – not too runny, not too sticky – for optimal coating and flavor intensity.
• Temperature Precision Matters: Use a meat thermometer to check internal chicken temperature, aiming for 165°F for food safety or up to 200°F for extra tender meat that falls off the bone.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg