Apricot Glazed Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory with a sticky, finger-licking glaze, then this Apricot Glazed Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. The tender drumsticks roast to juicy perfection while enveloped in a luscious apricot glaze that carries just the right hint of garlic, mustard, and warmth. It’s a family-friendly dinner that’s surprisingly simple to prepare yet impressive enough to serve for any weeknight meal or casual get-together. Trust me, once you make this recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again whenever you want a comforting and vibrant chicken dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward, but each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, juiciness, and that irresistible golden glaze your chicken drumsticks deserve.

• Chicken drumsticks (8): The star of the dish, providing juicy meat that crisps wonderfully when baked.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the flavors and tenderizing the chicken a bit.
• Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat and complexity for depth.
• Paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives a beautiful smoky color and subtle warmth.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the seasoning stick and promotes crisping of the skin.
• Apricot preserves (½ cup): The key to the glaze, bringing natural sweetness and shine.
• Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons): Provides a tangy counterpoint that cuts through the sweetness.
• Soy sauce or tamari (1 tablespoon): Contributes umami and saltiness to round out the glaze.
• Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Adds aromatic depth and a savory punch.
• Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brightens the glaze with mild acidity to balance the flavors.
• Dried thyme (½ teaspoon): Offers earthy, herbal notes that elevate the dish.

How to Make Apricot Glazed Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Drumsticks

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), which is perfect for roasting the drumsticks until they’re crispy outside and juicy inside. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top if you have one; it allows heat to circulate around the chicken, ensuring even cooking and crispiness. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels — drying the skin is key to getting that lovely golden crust.

Step 2: Season with Care

Sprinkle the drumsticks evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika. These simple spices build a flavorful base, enhancing the natural taste of the chicken and adding subtle smoky warmth. Brush the drumsticks lightly with olive oil to help everything brown beautifully in the oven.

Step 3: Mix the Apricot Glaze

Whisk together apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and dried thyme in a small bowl. This mixture is what transforms your chicken into a sticky, sweet, and savory masterpiece. The apricot preserves offer a fruity sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tang of mustard and the umami richness of soy sauce.

Step 4: Glaze and Bake

Brush the first generous layer of glaze all over the drumsticks, ensuring every bite will have that luscious coating. Bake the chicken for about 35 to 40 minutes. Halfway through cooking, flip the drumsticks and brush them again with the glaze to build up layers of sticky goodness. This helps caramelize the edges and keeps the meat moist.

Step 5: Broil for Extra Caramelization

For that irresistible caramelized finish, turn your oven to broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes. Watch closely so the glaze deepens in color without burning. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F—safety first! Once out of the oven, these drumsticks will be glossy, sweet, and packed with flavor.

How to Serve Apricot Glazed Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top right before serving to add a fresh herbal brightness and a pop of color. A light dusting of toasted sesame seeds also complements the glaze nicely, providing a subtle crunch and nutty flavor.

Side Dishes

These drumsticks shine alongside simple sides like steamed rice or a fluffy quinoa salad, which soak up the sticky glaze perfectly. Roasted vegetables, such as carrots or Brussels sprouts, add earthiness and balance the sweetness of the apricot. Creamy coleslaw also contrasts with a crisp, cool texture that refreshes the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken drumsticks on a platter lined with fresh greens and scatter orange or apricot segments around for a vibrant, juicy accent. You could also skewer smaller pieces to make apricot glazed chicken drumstick bites, ideal for parties or casual gatherings. Drizzle any leftover glaze over the plate for extra flair and moisture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover apricot glazed drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked drumsticks by wrapping them tightly in foil or placing them in a freezer-safe container. They keep well for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply move them to the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, warm the drumsticks gently in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes. This helps maintain the crispy skin and sticky glaze texture better than microwaving, which might make the skin soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this Apricot Glazed Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe?

Absolutely! While drumsticks work wonderfully due to their flavor and texture, you can try this glaze with chicken thighs or even bone-in breasts. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the chicken cooks through without drying out.

Is there a substitute for apricot preserves?

Yes! If apricot preserves are not available, peach or orange marmalade can work well too. They have a similar fruity sweetness that pairs nicely with the glaze components.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! The only ingredient you need to swap is the soy sauce, which you can replace with tamari, a gluten-free alternative that maintains the same savory depth.

What if I don’t have a wire rack to bake the drumsticks?

No worries! You can place the drumsticks directly on the foil-lined baking sheet. Just be sure to turn them occasionally to promote even cooking and crisping on all sides.

How sticky is the glaze? Will it stick to my hands?

The glaze is delightfully sticky and sweet but not overly thick or gooey. It clings to the chicken perfectly, making each bite flavorful. Be prepared for some finger-licking goodness when you eat them!

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a recipe that’s both simple to make and bursting with flavor, and this Apricot Glazed Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe hits that mark perfectly. Its sweet, tangy glaze and juicy meat make it a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, I guarantee this will be one of those dishes everyone asks for again. So go ahead, try it out and enjoy the wonderful combination of tastes and textures—your dinner table will thank you!

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