How to Make Sticky Sesame Chicken Drumsticks (Easy & Delicious Recipe)

 

Craving a flavorful, easy-to-make dish? Try these Sticky Sesame Chicken Drumsticks! This recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken coated in a sweet, savory, and sticky sesame glaze. Perfect for dinner, meal prep, or a party appetizer!


Why You’ll Love These Sticky Sesame Chicken Drumsticks

If you're looking for a dish that's finger-licking good and packed with flavor, you're in the right place. These Sticky Sesame Chicken Drumsticks are crispy, juicy, and coated in a mouthwatering sweet-and-savory glaze. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or meal prepping for the week. Plus, they taste just as amazing the next day — if you manage to have leftovers!

With minimal ingredients and simple steps, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen. Let’s dive right in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 8–10 chicken drumsticks

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

For the Sticky Sesame Glaze:

• ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium)

• ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup

• 2 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp grated ginger

• 1 tbsp sriracha (optional, for spice)

• 2 tbsp sesame seeds

• 2 tbsp green onions (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels — this helps them crisp up better. Toss them in olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

2. Bake the Drumsticks

Arrange the drumsticks on the baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be golden and crispy, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

3. Make the Sticky Sesame Sauce

While the chicken bakes, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and sriracha. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens and becomes sticky.

4. Coat the Chicken

Once the chicken is done baking, toss the drumsticks in the sticky sesame sauce until fully coated. You can also brush the sauce on and broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes for extra caramelization.

5. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top for a beautiful presentation. Serve hot, and get ready to watch them disappear!

Tips for the Best Sticky Sesame Chicken Drumsticks

• Crispy Skin: Dry the chicken thoroughly before baking and avoid overcrowding the pan.

• Extra Sticky Glaze: Let the sauce simmer until thickened, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water) for faster results.

• Spice Level: Adjust the sriracha or add red pepper flakes to control the heat.

Serving Ideas

These Sticky Sesame Chicken Drumsticks pair perfectly with:

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: For a classic, comforting meal.

• Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Add some greens to balance the dish.

• Crunchy Slaw: A tangy, refreshing side dish that complements the sticky glaze.

How to Store and Reheat

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or microwave for 1–2 minutes.

The glaze thickens even more after chilling, making the leftovers even more flavorful!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

These Sticky Sesame Chicken Drumsticks check all the boxes: easy to make, incredibly tasty, and versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests at a gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.

Ready to elevate your chicken game? Try this recipe today and let me know how it turns out in the comments below!