Sticky Chicken Drumsticks
There’s something undeniably magical about the way sticky chicken drumsticks can bring everyone together around the table. They’re the kind of dish that makes weeknight dinners feel special, and they’re perfect for gatherings where you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen. With a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and a hint of spice, these drumsticks are sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into this easy yet delicious recipe that uses Bonne Maman Golden Plum Mirabelle Preserves to create a sticky glaze that will have everyone reaching for seconds!
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s a certain joy in a recipe that’s not only simple but also delivers on flavor. Sticky chicken drumsticks tick all the boxes: they’re easy to prepare, they cook relatively quickly, and the sticky glaze creates a caramelized finish that is just divine. Plus, the use of Bonne Maman Golden Plum Mirabelle Preserves adds a unique fruitiness that elevates the dish far beyond typical marinades. These drumsticks are perfect for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners, and they’re bound to be a hit at your next gathering.
Gather These Ingredients
- 1 cup Bonne Maman Golden Plum Mirabelle Preserves
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (ensure it’s a halal version)
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ground dried ginger
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 10 chicken drumsticks (about 4 lbs)
- Oil for frying (peanut, canola, or vegetable oil)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Cook’s Kit
- Large mixing bowl – For marinating the chicken.
- Whisk – To combine the marinade ingredients smoothly.
- Frying pan or deep skillet – For frying the chicken to get that golden brown finish.
- Meat thermometer – To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked.
- Oven – For finishing off the drumsticks if needed.
Sticky Chicken Drumsticks: How It’s Done
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Bonne Maman Golden Plum Mirabelle Preserves, minced garlic, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, Worcestershire sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, granulated sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, ground coriander, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This rich, tangy sauce is what will make your chicken sticky and flavorful.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl, making sure each piece is well-coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you have the time. The longer you marinate, the more intense the flavor will be!
Step 3: Heat the Oil
In a large frying pan or deep skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot enough that it bubbles when you add the chicken but not so hot that it smokes.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Once the oil is ready, carefully add the marinated chicken drumsticks to the pan. Fry in batches if necessary, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 8-10 minutes on each side or until the drumsticks are golden brown and cooked through. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (75°C).
Step 5: Glaze the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. In the same pan, pour in the leftover marinade, bringing it to a simmer. Allow it to reduce slightly, then return the chicken to the pan, tossing to coat each drumstick in the sticky glaze.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the sticky chicken drumsticks to a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining glaze from the pan over the top, and sprinkle with sesame seeds for a beautiful finishing touch. Enjoy these drumsticks hot, and watch them disappear in no time!
Make It Diet-Friendly
- For a lower-sugar version, reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute.
- Swap out the soy sauce for a low-sodium alternative to cut down on salt.
- Use skinless chicken drumsticks for a leaner option.
- Grill the drumsticks instead of frying for a healthier cooking method.
Avoid These Mistakes
- Don’t skip the marination step! This is key for infusing flavor.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying; otherwise, the chicken may absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying; this lowers the oil temperature and leads to uneven cooking.
- Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to avoid undercooking.
Prep Ahead & Store
You can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken drumsticks a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. Leftover sticky chicken drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven or microwave until warmed through, and if you want them crispy again, a quick sear in a hot pan works wonders!
Troubleshooting Q&A
What if my chicken isn’t sticky enough?
If your chicken isn’t sticky enough, it may be due to not enough glaze being applied. Make sure to simmer the leftover marinade until it thickens before drizzling over the chicken. Alternatively, you can add a bit more preserve to the glaze to enhance the stickiness.
Can I use different cuts of chicken?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs, wings, or even boneless chicken breast. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different cuts may require different cooking times.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you’d like more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the marinade or add a splash of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the glaze.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken the night before and cook it just before serving. This is a great way to save time on busy days.
Serve with These
- Steamed Rice – The perfect side to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Crunchy Coleslaw – A refreshing contrast to the sticky chicken.
- Roasted Vegetables – Add some color and nutrition to your plate.
- Garlic Bread – Because why not have some bread to mop up the sauce?
In Closing
The beauty of sticky chicken drumsticks lies in their ability to bring joy to any meal. Whether you’re serving them at a backyard barbecue or enjoying a cozy family dinner, they are sure to impress. With the right balance of flavors and a sticky glaze that clings to each drumstick, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a plateful of pure deliciousness!
Sticky Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Bonne Maman Golden Plum Mirabelle Preserves, minced garlic, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, Worcestershire sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, granulated sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, ground coriander, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl, making sure each piece is well-coated with the marinade. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
- In a large frying pan or deep skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of oil over medium-high heat.
- Carefully add the marinated chicken drumsticks to the pan. Fry for about 8-10 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and drain excess oil. In the same pan, bring the leftover marinade to a simmer, then return the chicken to the pan to coat in the glaze.
- Transfer to a serving platter, drizzle with remaining glaze, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Enjoy!
Notes
- Marinate overnight for a deeper flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked (165°F).
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
