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Apricot Glazed Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

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4 from 200 reviews

These Apricot Glazed Chicken Drumsticks are sweet, sticky, and oven-roasted to perfection. Coated in a flavorful apricot preserve glaze with hints of garlic and mustard, they’re an easy family-friendly dinner with irresistible caramelized edges.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken Drumsticks

  • 8 chicken drumsticks
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Apricot Glaze

  • ½ cup apricot preserves
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top if available to allow even cooking and crisp skin.
  2. Season the Drumsticks: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps properly. Season them evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika for a balanced flavor.
  3. Prepare Baking Sheet: Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet and brush them lightly with olive oil to enhance browning during baking.
  4. Make the Apricot Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and dried thyme until smooth and well-combined.
  5. Glaze the Drumsticks: Generously brush the apricot glaze over each drumstick, ensuring thorough coverage for deep flavor and caramelization.
  6. Bake: Bake the drumsticks in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. Halfway through cooking, turn the drumsticks over and brush them with more glaze to build up sticky layers.
  7. Broil for Caramelization: For extra caramelized, sticky edges, broil the drumsticks for 2 to 3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  8. Check Doneness: Remove the drumsticks from the oven once the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the glaze is nicely sticky and caramelized.

Notes

  • Line the pan well as the glaze caramelizes quickly and may stick to the pan.
  • You can grill the drumsticks over indirect heat as an alternative to baking for a smoky flavor.
  • Serve these drumsticks with rice, roasted vegetables, or coleslaw to round out the meal.
  • Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days, reheating gently to preserve moisture.
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American