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
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet and brush them lightly with olive oil to enhance browning during baking.
- 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.
- Glaze the Drumsticks: Generously brush the apricot glaze over each drumstick, ensuring thorough coverage for deep flavor and caramelization.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American