Chinese-style Marinated Chicken Drumsticks Recipe – Easy Asian Dinner
Chinese-style Marinated Chicken Drumsticks are juicy, flavorful, and infused with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. This easy recipe delivers bold Asian-inspired taste with minimal effort, perfect for family dinners, BBQs, or meal prep.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Resealable bag or container for marinating
- Baking tray or grill
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken drumsticks
- ½ cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder (optional)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp scallions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep Drumsticks: Rinse and pat dry.
- Make Marinade: Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, ginger, five-spice, and rice vinegar in a bowl.
- Marinate: Place drumsticks in a resealable bag or container. Pour marinade over and refrigerate for 2–24 hours.
- Cook:Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).Grill: Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until fully cooked.
- Glaze: Boil leftover marinade for 5 minutes. Brush over drumsticks during final minutes of cooking.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions.
Notes
- Marinate overnight for maximum flavor.
- Always boil leftover marinade before using as a glaze.
- Swap honey for hoisin sauce for a sweeter Cantonese-style variation.
- Freeze raw drumsticks in marinade for up to 3 months for easy meal prep.
- Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.