Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks with Rice

Name: Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks with Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 chicken drumsticks; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups jasmine rice; 4 cups water; 1 tablespoon butter; Salt to taste

Highlighted under: QuickFix Kitchen

This Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks with Rice recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a family meal.

Created by

Sandra

Last updated on 2025-12-17T00:18:18.576Z

These Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks are a family favorite, combining tender chicken with a sticky, sweet glaze that’s hard to resist. Served on a bed of fluffy rice, it’s a complete meal that satisfies.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Sweet and savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully
Tender chicken that's bursting with flavor
Easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners

      

A Perfect Family Meal

Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks with Rice is an ideal dish for family dinners, bringing everyone together around the table. The combination of tender chicken and fluffy jasmine rice creates a comforting meal that is not only satisfying but also appealing to both kids and adults. Its delightful sweet and savory flavor profile ensures that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy every bite.

This recipe is designed with simplicity in mind. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, it allows you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend gathering, this dish fits perfectly into your schedule.

Flavorful Marinade

The marinade for the chicken is where the magic happens. Combining honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger creates a rich glaze that caramelizes beautifully during baking. This not only enhances the taste but also results in a visually appealing dish with a glossy finish. The sweet notes from the honey balance the saltiness of the soy sauce, creating a flavor that’s both complex and comforting.

Additionally, marinating the chicken allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, ensuring that every bite is packed with deliciousness. The longer you marinate, the more intense the flavor will be, making it a great option for meal prep or a make-ahead meal for busy days.

Perfectly Cooked Rice

Serving this honey soy chicken with jasmine rice elevates the meal to a new level. Jasmine rice is known for its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture, which perfectly complements the rich glaze of the chicken. Cooking the rice with a touch of butter adds a layer of richness that rounds out the dish beautifully.

Achieving perfectly fluffy rice is easy when you follow the simple steps outlined in the recipe. Allowing the rice to simmer gently ensures that it absorbs all the water and flavors, resulting in a side that is not only delicious but also a wonderful vehicle for soaking up the extra glaze from the chicken.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

8 chicken drumsticks
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice

2 cups jasmine rice
4 cups water
1 tablespoon butter
Salt to taste

Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor.

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken drumsticks in a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Cook the Rice

In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add the jasmine rice, butter, and salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes or until rice is tender and water is absorbed.

Bake the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.

Serve

Fluff the rice with a fork and serve it on plates topped with the honey soy chicken. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the top.

Enjoy your delicious Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks with a side of fluffy rice!

Tips for Success

For the best results, consider marinating the chicken overnight. This extended time allows the flavors to develop even further, making the chicken exceptionally tasty. If you're short on time, however, a 30-minute marinade will still yield delicious results.

When baking the chicken, ensure that you place it on a lined baking sheet to catch any drippings. This makes for easier cleanup and prevents the chicken from sticking. Additionally, using a meat thermometer can help you ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for optimal safety.

Serving Suggestions

To complement your Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks, consider adding a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. These additions not only enhance the nutritional value of the meal but also provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.

For an extra touch, sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the finished dish before serving. This adds a nice crunch and a pop of color, making the meal even more visually appealing.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken a day in advance and bake it when ready.

→ What sides go well with this dish?

Steamed vegetables or a fresh salad pair nicely with this meal.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.