Oven-baked chicken drumsticks with honey

Honey Baked Chicken Drumsticks - Delicious and Easy Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 1 hour
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Recipe History

Honey baked chicken drumsticks enjoy unique popularity in kitchens around the world, being a dish that perfectly combines the flavor of the meat with the natural sweetness of honey. This delicious combination is a testament to the versatility of chicken, which can be cooked in countless ways, but through this recipe, it becomes truly special. Additionally, the flavors of the spices and red wine add an extra layer of complexity, transforming a simple dish into a celebration of tastes.

Ingredients

- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 4 tablespoons of honey
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 100 ml of red wine
- Spices:
- 1 teaspoon paella seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon herbs (oregano, thyme, basil)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika

Preparation

1. Preparing the chicken drumsticks: Start by washing the chicken drumsticks well under cold running water. This helps remove impurities. Using a sharp knife, lightly score the skin of the drumsticks, making a few incisions on each side. This step will allow the marinade to penetrate better into the meat and will make the chicken more tender.

2. Marinating: In a large bowl, add the olive oil, red wine, paella seasoning, white pepper, salt, herbs, and sweet paprika. Mix all the ingredients well to form a homogeneous marinade. Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and ensure they are well covered with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. This step is essential to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

3. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F). Place the marinated drumsticks in a baking dish, skin side up. Cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes of baking. This will help retain the juices and moisture of the meat.

4. Roasting: After 30 minutes, remove the aluminum foil. Turn the drumsticks over and add about 100 ml of water to the dish to prevent drying. Continue baking for another 15 minutes, until the meat is well cooked and browned.

5. Adding honey: When the drumsticks are almost done, pour the honey evenly over them. This will caramelize and add a special sweet-and-sour note. Leave them in the oven for another 15 minutes, until the honey forms a golden, sticky crust.

6. Serving: Once the drumsticks are ready, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. We recommend pairing them with creamy mashed potatoes and a mixed salad that brings freshness and a pleasant contrast to the intense flavors of the chicken.

Practical Tips About Ingredients

- Honey: Choose a quality honey, ideally from local sources, which will bring an authentic flavor to the dish. Acacia or sunflower honey are excellent for this recipe.
- Spices: The paella seasoning adds interesting complexity, but you can also experiment with other spices, such as cumin or turmeric, for a different taste.
- Red wine: Use a medium-bodied wine that is not too strong, so it does not mask the flavors of the dish. A merlot or pinot noir would be excellent choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can replace the chicken drumsticks with thighs or chicken breast, but the cooking time will vary. Always check that the meat is well cooked!

2. Can I prepare the recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can marinate the drumsticks a day in advance and bake them when you're ready to serve the meal.

3. What side dishes go well?
Besides mashed potatoes, you can opt for rice or sautéed vegetables. A light green salad is also an excellent choice.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

Each serving of honey baked chicken drumsticks contains approximately 400-450 calories, depending on the amount of oil and honey used. This dish is a good source of protein and healthy fats, providing essential nutrients. Chicken is rich in B vitamins, which contribute to the health of the nervous system, while honey brings antioxidants and has antibacterial properties.

Customized Variation

If you want to add a new element to your dish, you can add a few slices of lemon or orange to the baking dish alongside the chicken drumsticks. The citrus juice will provide a fresh flavor and perfectly complement the sweetness of the honey.

In conclusion, honey baked chicken drumsticks are an excellent choice for a family dinner or a special occasion. The enticing aroma and succulent texture of the meat will delight all guests. Don’t forget to enjoy every step of the cooking process and bring a little of your soul into every dish. Enjoy your meal!