Imagine unbelievably flavorful, sticky-sweet balsamic drumsticks on your table in just 30 minutes!
This recipe uses only five simple ingredients to create a weeknight dinner so delicious, it'll become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Let's explore into the ingredients, 'cause that's where the magic starts! First, you'll need 8 chicken drumsticks – about 2 pounds – the star of our show. One cup of water keeps things saucy, and half a cup of balsamic vinegar brings that sweet-tangy zing.
Next, grab a third of a cup of soy sauce – light or all-purpose works; just not the dark stuff, okay? Three tablespoons of brown sugar add a touch of caramel-y sweetness. And finally, three minced garlic cloves – because what's a good glaze without garlic?! To complement the balsamic vinegar, a touch of honey would also work nicely.
Feeling fancy? Toss in 2 teaspoons of grated ginger or a dash of Sriracha – about 2 tablespoons will do – for a spicy kick! If you're feeling extra fresh, you can garnish it with some parsley. I think we're all set. Ready to cook?
Instructions
Okay, here is how we are going to make this dish! I'm confident you'll find it's pretty easy.
First, I want us to throw all the ingredients – even those extra flavorings, if you're feeling adventurous – into a big skillet or pot. Make sure your chicken is in one layer, okay? Now, bring it to a boil, flip the chicken, then turn the heat down to medium, so it simmers without going wild. Leave the lid off!
Next, cook for 20 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through. By then, the drumsticks should be cooked through. The balsamic vinegar will nicely complement the flavor of the chicken. Push them to the side – we wanna clear the liquid so it can thicken. Now, you are going to want to simmer for 5 more minutes, or until that sauce is, like, thick pouring cream! Be careful and don't let it go too far. Roll those tasty drumsticks in the glaze.
Last, I like to chill, take the skillet off the heat, and let it stand for about 5 minutes – the sauce will thicken up more. Give those drumsticks another roll in that sauce, and well you are done! If you want, you can add some garnishes.
Recipe Notes
Now that you're ready to immerse yourself, I want to give you a few quick notes to make sure your Sticky Balsamic Drumsticks are the best they can be! Remember, this isn't just cooking; it's an edible science experiment – a tasty one!
You can totally swap out drumsticks for boneless thigh fillets or chicken wings. Just remember—boneless thighs and wings cook faster, around 15 minutes. Cook the chicken first, take it out after 15 minutes, reduce the sauce—then coat the chicken with yummy, sticky glaze! Bone-in thighs? Same cook time as drumsticks.
Don't even think about using breast fillets without adding fat! Seriously, add 3 tablespoons of oil; otherwise, you won't get that amazing glaze. Trust me—it's worth it.
Make sure the saucepan size isn't bad enough to sink the glory or make the liquid not reduce properly.
Extra Flavorings (Optional)
Flavorings are where things get interesting and where you get to play mad scientist in the kitchen! Feel free to keep it simple — or experiment wildly.
I like to add a zing with 2 teaspoons of fresh, grated ginger. It just elevates the whole flavor profile.
Want a kick? I recommend 2 tablespoons of Sriracha, although 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes works too. Adjust it, though. Remember — you can always add more heat but ya can't take it away!
Don't be afraid to experiment — a dash of sesame oil could be good, or maybe some smoked paprika! These additions will bring your drumsticks to a new level. Have fun.
Garnishes (optional)
For that final flourish, let's talk garnishes. I reckon a sprinkle of fresh parsley or finely sliced scallions—or shallots, we're fancy—can really make these drumsticks pop.
Seriously, don't skip this part! It's like adding the perfect hat to an already awesome outfit. I mean, we're already making these sticky, yummy drumsticks—why not go all out?
Just a light scattering will do the trick; you wanna enhance, not overwhelm. Plus, a little green adds a nice contrast to that deep, rich glaze. Trust me, your dinner guests (or you!) will appreciate the extra effort. It literally takes like 30 seconds, so you may as well go for it!
Short Recipe Version
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
8 chicken drumsticks
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add drumsticks and brown on all sides.
- In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce.
- Pour sauce over drumsticks, bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through, flipping halfway through.
- Optional: Spoon extra sauce over the drumsticks.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
Data not available.