Craving an unbelievably easy and flavorful chicken recipe that will have everyone licking their fingers?
Get ready to discover the magic of sticky chicken drumsticks, simmered in a luscious Chinese plum sauce that's surprisingly simple to make.
Prepare for a taste sensation that will become your new go-to weeknight dinner!
About This Recipe
I call this dish Sticky Pantry Chicken because you probably have most of the ingredients for the marinade in your pantry—it tastes like a fabulous, country-style sauce! You'll have this sweet, sticky chicken on the table in practically no time.
So, what's the big deal? It's quick, easy, and tastes gourmet without the fuss. We're talking 15 minutes from start to finish.
Think of this as your new weeknight champion! I mean, it's faster than ordering takeout. Plus, cleanup's a breeze! Everything cooks in one pan. This makes the balsamic vinegar marinade something worth trying.
You can use any cut of chicken—it's suitable for grilling, baking, or cooking on the stove. The marinade/sauce is fantastic for grilling. If you omit the hot sauce, the kids will love it!
Key Ingredients
Now that you realize how quick and versatile this recipe is, let's talk ingredients. You'll need about 6 chicken drumsticks – around 1.5 to 2 lbs. I use boneless, skinless ones to keep it simple.
Don't forget the sauce! Grab 1/3 cup of ketchup – or tomato sauce, if you're feeling Aussie – 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, plus 1 tablespoon of Dijon or American mustard. Gotta have that tang!, and 2 tablespoons of your favorite vinegar.
Next, sweeten things up with 2 1/2 tablespoons of honey and crush up 2 garlic cloves. If you're feeling spicy – and I often am – add 2 tablespoons of hot sauce – adjust to your taste, though! Salt and pepper are essential too – half a teaspoon of each. Let's not forget 1 tbsp oil for frying, similarly to how the chicken drumsticks are baked in the recipe.
Cooking Steps
Alright, let's jump into the cooking steps—this is where the magic happens! I promise it's easier than doing your homework on a Friday night!
First, whisk together your sauce ingredients in a bowl. Don't be shy, get in there! Next, sprinkle your chicken with salt and pepper. Seasoning is key, kids! Now, heat a bit of oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Dip each chicken piece in the sauce.
- Place them in the hot pan!
- Cook each side 'til it's golden brown and delicious.
- Pour in the remaining sauce plus ½ cup water.
- Simmer until thick and sticky—like your favorite caramel!
Remember those yummy brown bits stuck to the pan? Scrape them up! They're flavor bombs. Turn the chicken to coat it fully, and boom—you're done! Wasn't that a piece of cake—er, chicken—to make?
Serving Suggestions
Once you have that sticky chicken just right, let's talk about serving! I like to serve it over a bed of fluffy rice – it soaks up all that glorious sauce! It wouldn't hurt to toss in a quick veggie like steamed broccolini.
Don't forget a little garnish! A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nice crunch and looks fancy without any effort. I'm all about that easy elegance.
You could also make some quick stir-fried noodles to go with this, or serve it with a salad. If you want to be fancy, you can put some chopped cilantro or green onions! Honestly, I could eat this chicken with just about anything. It's that good. Trust me!
Got any leftovers? Lucky you! It tastes terrific cold, in a sandwich, or even tossed into a salad.
Short Recipe Version
Sticky Chicken Drumsticks in Chinese Plum Sauce****
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Chinese plum sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, plum sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Place chicken drumsticks in a baking dish and pour sauce over them, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Bake for 35 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened, basting occasionally.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
\*These values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g